Chapter 234

Dorian's POV

"Is that so?" Liam asked, stepping closer to Evelyn. "Well, whoever this Hunter is, he must be quite something to have made such an impression." He turned back to me, challenge in his eyes. "Or maybe he's just not you."

His words hit like a slap. I clenched my jaw, feeling a muscle jump beneath my skin. The arrogance of this man, standing on my property, looking at my wife with possessive eyes—it made my blood boil.

"She's keeping secrets from you," I said, my voice deceptively calm. "She hasn't told you about the man who once had her heart. The man whose name she still whispers."

I watched Evelyn's face carefully, saw the flash of panic before she composed herself. Interesting. She hadn't told Montgomery everything.

"We all have pasts," Liam said, his hand settling on the small of Evelyn's back. "I'm more interested in our future."

"Liam," Evelyn said softly, "I need to talk to you."

The gentleness in her voice when she spoke his name was like a knife twisting in my gut. She never spoke to me that way—her voice always edged with frost, always guarded.

"We're going home," he declared, as if he had any right to make decisions for her.

"I can't leave right now," Evelyn replied firmly. "There's something I need to finish here."

"Finish what? Why are you staying with him?" His voice dropped. "You told me you'd never go back to him."

I couldn't help the smirk that twisted my lips. So she'd made promises about me.

"It's not what you think," she explained. "There's a woman inside who needs protection. Ella. She's in danger, and Dorian is helping."

"Helping?" Liam scoffed. "Since when does Dorian Blackwood help anyone without getting something in return? What does he want from you?"

I stepped closer. "You know nothing about me or what I want."

"I know exactly what you want," Liam shot back. "You want what you can't have—her heart. You've trapped her in this sham of a marriage, but she'll never love you. You know that, don't you?"

Something snapped inside me. I grasped Evelyn's wrist and pulled her to my side. She gasped, her body tense against mine.

"Enough," I said quietly. "Evelyn has a choice. You can leave with him now, or you can stay. But if you go, Ella stays with me."

I was playing dirty, using her compassion against her. I knew she wouldn't abandon someone vulnerable.

Evelyn looked between us, calculation clear in her eyes. "I need to stay," she finally said. "Just for a few more days. I'll come home soon, Liam. I promise."

The defeat on Montgomery's face was almost worth the hollow victory. Almost.

"Fine," he bit out. "But this isn't over, Blackwood." He leaned in, pressing a kiss to Evelyn's cheek, his eyes never leaving mine. "Call me if you need anything."

I watched him stride back to his car, my arm still around Evelyn's waist. As soon as he was out of sight, she pulled away as if burned.

"Was that necessary?" she hissed, heading inside without waiting for my answer.

I found her in the dining room, where breakfast had been laid out. The rich aroma of bacon, French toast, and coffee filled the air, but my appetite had vanished.

"There's news," I said without preamble. "About Ella's situation."

She paused, coffee pot suspended midair. "What news?"

"Someone's planning to release more photos," I explained. "Not just of Ella, but of Blake. Explicit photos of what he did to her."

Evelyn paled. "My God. Who would do that?"

"I have my suspicions," I replied. "And I think we need to pay them a visit today."

"We?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, we. I need your medical expertise if things go south."

She hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But Ella stays here, where it's safe."

I speared a piece of syrup-soaked toast with my fork and held it out to her. "Eat something first. It's going to be a long day."

She stared at the offered food with suspicion. "I can feed myself, Dorian."

"Humor me." After a moment of tense silence, she leaned forward and took the bite, her lips barely grazing the fork.

She jumped back immediately. "It's hot!"

I laughed despite myself. "Here, let me—" I leaned in to blow on the next piece, but she pushed my hand away.

"Let's just eat quickly," she said, her cheeks pinking. "I want to get this over with."

She poured me coffee, adding just the right amount of cream—the way she knew I liked it. Such a small gesture, but it warmed something inside me.

An hour later, we arrived at Marcus's house. A young woman in tennis clothes was just leaving.

"Is Marcus home?" I asked.

She nodded. "In the dining room."

We found my cousin reviewing documents at his table, his glasses glinting in the morning light.

"Dorian," he said without looking up. "To what do I owe this visit?" His eyes flicked to Evelyn. "And Mrs. Blackwood. How delightful."

"Cut the act, Marcus," I said coldly. "I know you're behind what's happening with Thompson and the girl."

A slight smile played at his lips. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."

"The photos of Ella being assaulted," Evelyn interjected, her voice tight with anger. "The ones you're planning to release."

Marcus chuckled. "And why would I involve myself in such affairs?"

"Because you've always wanted what I have," I replied. "You think by destroying Blake's reputation, you'll get closer to taking my place."

"I'm surprised by your sudden interest in that girl's welfare," Marcus said. "Could it be that the infamous Dorian Blackwood has developed feelings for someone other than his wife? How scandalous."

I felt Evelyn stiffen beside me.

"I know about the girl you've been hiding," I said quietly. "The one everyone is looking for. The one whose disappearance could ruin everything you've built."

Marcus's eyes narrowed. "You're bluffing."

"Am I? People are already closing in. One word from me, and they'll find her."

A tense silence stretched between us. Finally, Marcus sighed. "Fine. I understand what needs to be done."

"Today," I insisted. "This ends today. I'll take Ella to the Thompsons myself this afternoon."

The afternoon dragged endlessly. I left Evelyn at the estate while I took Ella to face the Thompsons. The negotiations were brutal. By the time we reached an agreement ensuring Ella's safety, I was exhausted.

I arranged for Ella to stay with a trusted friend, then returned home, eager to share my success with Evelyn.

James met me at the door, his expression unreadable.

"What is it?" I asked, immediately sensing something was wrong.

He hesitated. "Sir, Mrs. Blackwood—"

I pushed past him, hurrying inside. "Evelyn?" I called, my voice echoing. "Evelyn!"

I took the stairs two at a time, checking each room. Her clothes were gone, her toiletries absent.

She had left. While I was out there fighting for her friend, putting myself at risk, she had simply walked away.

"When did she leave?" I demanded.

"About an hour after you left with Miss Ella," James admitted. "She called a car service."

My eyes fell on a folded note on the entry table. I snatched it up, finding just two words in her elegant handwriting:

"Thank you."

Thank you? After everything, that's all she had to say?

I grabbed a crystal tumbler and hurled it against the wall, watching it shatter into a thousand glittering pieces. Just like whatever foolish hope I'd been nurturing that she might actually see me differently now.

She was gone. Back to Liam Montgomery, no doubt. And all I had to show for my efforts was a goddamn thank you note.