Chapter 655

Evelyn melted into Alexander's arms.

The faint scent of whiskey clung to Alexander's skin from the drinks he'd had earlier. Rather than being unpleasant, the intoxicating aroma only enhanced his masculine allure.

Breathing him in, Evelyn felt lightheaded, as if she'd been drinking too.

Her fingers traced lazy circles on his chest as her cheeks flushed pink. "You kept this all secret from me..."

Her emotions had been on a rollercoaster all day. Never had she imagined Alexander would plan such an elaborate anniversary surprise, nor that he'd put so much thought into making it perfect. "That's what makes it a surprise," Alexander murmured before capturing her lips in a searing kiss.

Evelyn's heart raced uncontrollably, especially when their lips met.

She could see the raw desire burning in Alexander's eyes.

Their embrace tightened as the kiss deepened passionately.

Brushing rose petals aside, Alexander lifted Evelyn onto the bed.

The air was thick with the fragrance of fresh flowers, surrounded by lavish bouquets that heightened the romantic atmosphere.

This anniversary held special meaning, filled with heartfelt sentiment.

Beneath the blankets, they lay in comfortable silence, listening to each other's breathing.

The alcohol's effects were taking hold as Alexander pulled Evelyn flush against him, as if trying to merge their bodies together.

He took advantage of the moment to explore her curves while continuing to claim her lips.

Evelyn knew exactly what Alexander wanted.

But in her current delicate condition, they couldn't afford to be reckless.

Their noses brushed as they breathed each other in. "We have all the time in the world," Evelyn whispered. "There's no need to rush things now." "You're right," Alexander conceded hoarsely.

Instead, he poured all his passion into their kisses.

By the time they broke apart, Evelyn was dizzy.

Their bodies pressed together taught Evelyn there were countless ways to kiss.

Her hands, lips, and breath remained fused with Alexander's.

When Alexander panted against her neck, Evelyn kissed his brow before slipping away to the bathroom.

Returning, she trailed damp fingers through his hair only to be immediately pulled back into his embrace.

"Evelyn," he murmured contentedly, arms locking around her waist from behind. "You're too good to me."

A sudden memory made Evelyn blush fiercely.

Alexander seemed boneless now, clinging to her affectionately.

And so they slept, wrapped in each other's arms all night.

While they enjoyed their tender moment, darker events unfolded elsewhere.

Vanessa found herself bound in a sack, dragged away by Dominic.

When the hood was removed, she blinked in the unfamiliar room.

Her first instinct was to protect her belly.

During the entire journey, she'd racked her brain but couldn't fathom why Dominic would do this.

They'd never even spoken before - the Caldwells and Powells barely interacted.

This kidnapping made no sense.

She briefly wondered if Ethan owed Dominic money.

Ethan had been struggling with his startup funding lately.

But that money came from Dominic's brother, so that couldn't be it.

"Dominic, why kidnap me?" Vanessa demanded.

"You tell me," Dominic countered, swirling his wine glass. "Did you really think you could cause trouble on my turf without consequences?"

Vanessa froze as realization dawned.

The drugged water bottle she'd discarded earlier...

But she'd been so careful! How could he possibly know? "I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Don't play dumb." Dominic suddenly grabbed her chin. "This is the glass you threw away. I had it retrieved."

A dangerous glint entered his eyes. "I even saved the contents."

He brought the glass closer. "Care for a taste?"

Vanessa paled instantly - drinking this while pregnant would be suicide.

"Dominic, don't! I'm carrying a child - this could kill us both!" Genuine fear gripped her.

Everyone knew Dominic's impulsive nature. Once provoked, nothing could stop him.

This was no empty threat.

"Money? Is that what you want?" Vanessa gritted out. "Name your price, just don't make me drink that!"

Her baby had been diagnosed with a heart condition, but she refused to give up.

This poison would be certain death.

And losing this child might mean never conceiving again.

Dominic tilted his head innocently. "If you can't drink it, why give it to her?"

Vanessa's eyes widened as understanding struck - this was about Evelyn.

"You...you're doing this for Evelyn?" Her laugh turned shrill. "First Ethan, then Alexander, now you? How many men has that woman seduced?"

Dominic found her laughter grating.

In one swift motion, he forced the glass toward her mouth.

Vanessa jerked her head violently, smashing the glass against her forehead.

Liquid splattered across the floor as glass shards rained down.

She didn't even register the cut on her brow, only relief.

Dominic's eyes turned glacial. "Well played. Now you've really pissed me off."