Chapter 604

After Julian dropped Claire off at home, Evelyn returned to find Alexander.

The office was empty, and Evelyn assumed he'd already left. Just as she reached for her phone, she spotted Alexander and Isabella together.

Evelyn arrived at the perfect moment, catching Alexander's firm words to Isabella.

She was stunned by his resolve—she hadn't expected him to stand his ground so fiercely.

When she saw Isabella shamelessly inching closer to Alexander, she couldn't hold back. With a sharp motion, she slapped Isabella hard across the face.

The sting radiated through Isabella's cheek, leaving her momentarily frozen.

She never imagined Evelyn would strike her—and with such force.

The slap extinguished the fire of her earlier excitement, leaving her dazed.

Tears welled in her eyes as she glared at Evelyn. "How dare you hit me?"

"Enough with your schemes," Evelyn shot back, her voice icy. "Alexander owes your brother a favor, not me. I won't tolerate you seducing my husband. If I don't hit you, who will?"

She rushed to Alexander’s side, concern etching her face. "Are you okay?" she asked, noticing the sweat beading on his forehead.

He looked pale, clearly struggling.

Relief washed over Alexander when he saw Evelyn. He took her hand, surrendering to her presence.

"Take me home," he murmured.

Evelyn nodded, leading him out.

Isabella watched them leave, frustration boiling inside her. She stomped her foot, the weight of her failure crushing her.

Alexander will never trust me now. How can I fix this?

Why did Evelyn have to show up? Everything was going perfectly!

She bit her lip, restless energy consuming her.

Desperate to regain control, she rushed to the restroom and splashed cold water on her face, but it did nothing to calm her.

She felt helpless—like she was digging her own grave.

Meanwhile, Dominic wandered around Whitmore Manor, hoping to catch a glimpse of Evelyn.

Disappointed, he turned to leave when suddenly, a woman burst out of the restroom.

Without warning, she wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her lips to his.

Dominic’s expression darkened instantly.

He couldn’t believe it—some random woman had just assaulted him. He nearly shoved her away.

Who the hell does she think she is?

When he recognized Isabella, his fury flared.

"You bitch!" he snarled, grabbing her throat. "That was my first kiss!"

His grip tightened, his eyes burning with rage. The air turned icy, and Isabella felt true fear.

She gasped, clawing at his hand. "Dominic, you're choking me!"

His voice was deadly. "And? You think you can just kiss me and walk away? You deserve worse."

Her heart pounded.

What’s his problem? It was just a kiss!

She forced a weak protest. "I’m your fiancée, Dominic. A kiss isn’t a crime."

His lips curled in disgust. "You think you can dictate what I do?"

The hallway felt suffocating as he pinned her against the wall, her feet barely touching the ground.

Just then, a voice cut through the tension.

"Dominic, flirting with your fiancée?"

Dominic turned sharply to see his brother, Sebastian, approaching.

His grip didn’t loosen. "This isn’t flirting. She’s nothing."

Sebastian smirked. "Looked cozy to me. Should I tell Father to move the wedding up?"

Dominic’s glare sharpened. "Mind your own business."

Sebastian shrugged, unfazed. "You’re my brother. It’s my job to meddle."

He nodded at Isabella. "Ms. Morgan, long time no see."

Recognition flickered in Isabella’s mind. She had met the Powell brothers years ago, but the memories were hazy.

If not for Sebastian’s arrival, she might have ended up a ghost in Dominic’s grip.

She clutched her throat, nodding weakly.

Dominic scoffed and stormed off, leaving her alone.

Sebastian lingered, studying her. "Are you alright? Need a doctor?"

She shook her head quickly.

He smiled, his demeanor warm. "No need to be nervous. Dominic and I are... different."

"If he’s ever rude, let me know. I’ll handle him."

Isabella was taken aback by his kindness.

The brothers were nothing alike—Sebastian, with his gold-rimmed glasses and calm presence, was the opposite of Dominic’s volatility.

Suddenly, the drug’s effects hit her like a wave. Her legs trembled, and she stumbled.

Sebastian caught her. "Careful!"

"Th-thank you," she stammered, but her vision blurred.

Before she could react, she collapsed into his arms.

"Isabella?"

Sebastian shook her gently, noting her flushed cheeks and feverish skin.

She was clearly drugged.