Chapter 569

Without warning, Dominic seized Evelyn's wrist and pressed a cold steel blade into her palm.

"Here's your chance. End me now."

Evelyn gasped, her breath catching in her throat. The sudden weight of the dagger shocked her system. The metallic scent of dried blood clung to its surface, telling stories of past violence.

"This has taken lives," she realized with horror.

Her fingers recoiled as if burned, sending the weapon clattering to the floor.

Dominic caught it mid-air with practiced ease. He twirled the blade between his fingers with disturbing familiarity. "Too frightened? Shall I demonstrate how it's done?"

Before she could react, he dragged the sharp edge across his own palm.

Crimson droplets splattered against his dark trousers, spreading in ominous stains. Dominic leaned back in his wheelchair, watching the blood flow with detached amusement, applying more pressure as if testing his own pain threshold.

Evelyn stood frozen, words failing her.

She lunged forward, wresting the dagger from his grasp, and hurled it into the nearest trash bin outside the hotel entrance. "Nathaniel," she commanded sharply, "take Mr. Powell away immediately!"

She couldn't bear to witness his self-destructive spectacle any longer. When Nathaniel wheeled Dominic away without protest, Evelyn finally exhaled the breath she'd been holding.

As she turned toward the hotel lobby, movement caught her eye. Alexander stood near the elevators, gesturing to security. "Please escort my guest upstairs," he instructed.

Isabella's plea to be accompanied was met with refusal. The rejection drained all color from her face. "Alexander, you won't even walk me up?"

Before he could respond, Evelyn entered the scene. Alexander opened his mouth to explain, but Evelyn pressed a finger to his lips. "No explanations needed," she murmured with a soft smile. "I trust you completely."

Their fingers intertwined naturally as she turned to assess Isabella's condition. The woman's tear-streaked makeup and torn dress spoke volumes about her recent ordeal. Evelyn thought grimly, "Dominic shows no mercy, even to his own fiancée."

Compassion softened Evelyn's voice. "Would you like me to go upstairs with you?"

Isabella blinked as if struck. "What did you just say?"

Evelyn repeated gently, "I asked if you'd like company. What's your clothing size? I can fetch you something fresh."

Disbelief flickered across Isabella's features. Nearly fifteen seconds passed before she managed a stiff, "No."

Respecting the clear boundary, Evelyn watched the elevator doors close before leaving with Alexander. His grip tightened around her hand. "You're not upset?"

"At first, I was hurt when you left me. But she's Andrew's sister, alone and vulnerable now. My heart aches for her." Evelyn didn't want Alexander caught in emotional crossfire.

They entered a boutique where Evelyn selected a complete outfit, arranging for delivery to Isabella's room. Outside, Alexander suddenly pulled her into an embrace. "Mrs. Whitmore," he murmured against her hair, "your kindness humbles me."

His lips found hers in a sudden, passionate kiss that left Evelyn breathless. She flushed scarlet, glancing around at passing pedestrians. "Alexander! We're in public!"

His answering smile held both apology and promise.