Chapter 570

"Legally speaking, we're husband and wife now. Kissing isn't exactly a crime."

Alexander's fingers brushed against Evelyn's cheek as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His other hand tilted her chin upward.

His dark eyes held hers captive beneath the flickering streetlamp.

The deserted midnight street became their private sanctuary as they embraced. Pressed against Alexander's chest, Evelyn felt heat radiating through her entire body.

Their breaths mingled in the cool night air before Alexander claimed her lips in a searing kiss that left her trembling. Her fingers clutched at his crisp white shirt, leaving telltale wrinkles in the pristine fabric.

At Whitmore Manor, Nathaniel wheeled Dominic back to his private quarters.

"Sir, I'll draw your bath immediately."

Nathaniel recognized the storm brewing behind Dominic's stony expression. He prepared the bath with meticulous care, adding therapeutic herbs to the steaming water.

Blood dripped unnoticed from Dominic's clenched fist into the water. He sat motionless in the tub, letting the shower cascade over his face like a man seeking purification. The dagger wound on his palm gaped open, staining the porcelain crimson.

"Mr. Powell, your hand—" Nathaniel gasped when he returned.

Dominic didn't respond. His eyes remained closed, lashes casting shadows on his pale cheeks.

"Leave me."

Nathaniel's throat tightened as he bandaged the deep gash, then checked the bullet wound on Dominic's shoulder. When he helped his employer from the bath, they were met with an unwelcome visitor.

"Sir... Mr. Reginald Powell is here," Nathaniel murmured.

Dominic's eyes snapped open, glinting with bitter amusement. "Which poor soul requires elimination this time?"

Reginald's calculating gaze dropped to Dominic's legs.

The wheelchair could be an elaborate ruse—or perhaps his son's injuries were genuine. Either way, it didn't concern him.

"The Walkers are challenging our claim to the eastern district property," Reginald stated, brushing imaginary lint from his sleeve.

Dominic's expression remained impassive. "Noted."

Dawn found Evelyn returning to the theater. As she stepped from Alexander's car, she spotted Isabella settling her taxi fare.

Their eyes met briefly before Isabella hurried through the gates without acknowledgment.

Evelyn tilted her head, studying Isabella's outfit with interest. "That actually suits her surprisingly well."

The edgy ensemble Evelyn had chosen contrasted sharply with Isabella's usual pastel wardrobe. Yet the bold lines accentuated her figure better than any frilly dress ever had.

Alexander laced his fingers through Evelyn's, indifferent to fashion critiques.

"Don't forget to eat properly while you're working. And remember—" He brought her knuckles to his lips. "Your husband expects your full attention when you return."

Evelyn's breath caught at the possessive glint in his eyes.