Chapter 36
When Matthew left the Perkins Estate, it was already getting dark.
The car was silent. The driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror but didn't dare say a word.
Because Matthew's face looked like a thundercloud.
His mother's words were still circling in his head.
"You and Mary are already engaged. Break things off with Miss Arden sooner rather than later."
"Before the media starts running wild with it and everyone looks bad."
Break it off? He let out a cold laugh.
When did his relationship with Evelyn become anyone else's business?
He looked down and opened WhatsApp to check his messages.
That group Trevor had added him to—he never looked at it. But today, for some reason, he clicked in.
That's when he saw the photo of Evelyn.
Matthew's grip on his phone tightened. His gaze moved down to the man's face in the picture.
Looked familiar. After a few seconds, he remembered.
Shawn. The guy he'd personally "shipped off" abroad years ago.
Matthew's expression went ice cold.
"Turn around," he said, voice glacial.
The driver startled and quickly spun the wheel.
---
Outside the party venue, Evelyn was helping a stumbling Monica toward the exit.
Monica had knocked back quite a few drinks. Her face was flushed, and she was practically hanging off Evelyn.
She was mumbling things like "you're the best, babe" and "we're never gonna separate."
Evelyn patiently half-carried her out.
"Alright, alright," she coaxed quietly. "Save it for when you get home."
Behind them, Shawn caught up. "Evelyn, let me give you a ride."
Evelyn's steps slowed but she didn't turn around.
"No need," she said. "Monica's wasted. I'm taking her home."
"Wait." Shawn circled in front of her. "I need to talk to you."
Evelyn looked up at him.
It had been years, and he really had changed.
More mature, more composed. But the way he looked at her was still the same as it had been back then.
"Shawn," she said, "I've already said what needed to be said."
"I know," Shawn said. "But there are some things I still need to say."
He paused. "I wasn't mature enough back then."
"When my family told me to go abroad, I just went. I didn't consider your feelings or ask what you wanted."
He looked at her, gaze earnest.
"But things are different now. I'm back, my career's stable. Evelyn, can we start over?"
The night breeze swept in from the street corner, a bit chilly.
She was about to refuse when a voice cold enough to freeze water came from nearby.
"Start over?"
"After all these years, you still haven't learned a damn thing."
Evelyn turned to see Matthew standing by a car, radiating cold fury.
He walked over, steps unhurried but each one carrying heavy pressure.
Shawn's face changed.
"Ma... Matthew? What are you doing here?"
Matthew stopped beside Evelyn.
He didn't look at her. His gaze landed on Shawn's face, undisguised mockery in his eyes.
Shawn looked at Evelyn, disbelief written all over his face.
"You two... are still in contact?" His voice tightened. "But isn't he engaged? To that Quinn family daughter!"
He didn't finish, but his eyes said it all: Was Evelyn still involved with him in that way?
Matthew's laugh was cold. "How is that any of your business?"
Shawn's throat bobbed like he was trying to decide something.
But Matthew didn't wait for his response, speaking in a measured tone that carried venom in every word.
"Years ago when you left to study abroad, you didn't say a word before leaving."
"Now you come back with your fancy credentials and think you're something again?"
Shawn's face flushed red.
"You forced me back then!" His voice rose. "You used your influence to have my family threaten me—made sure I had to leave!"
"So what?" Matthew cut him off, eyes cold as knives.
"If you keep bothering Evelyn..."
"I can make you leave again right now. You believe me?"
Shawn's face went ashen.
The night breeze was cold. The three of them stood there, the atmosphere frozen solid.
Monica, draped over Evelyn's shoulder, groggily opened her eyes.
She saw Matthew, blinked, then the alcohol kicked in.
"Mr. Perkins?!" She pointed at Matthew, voice loud. "It's the weekend! What's wrong with letting our Eve hang out?"
"She works for you so she has to be on call 24/7?!"
Evelyn's brain went "boom."
She quickly covered Monica's mouth. "Mon, stop talking!"
Monica struggled in her arms, trying to say more, but muffled tightly, could only make "mmph mmph" sounds.
Evelyn looked at Matthew.
"She's drunk," she said. "I need to get her home."
She tried to leave.
Matthew reached out and blocked her path.
"I'll have my security take her," he said.
As soon as he spoke, two men in black stepped forward and took Monica.
Monica struggled, turning back to shout at Evelyn. "Eve—! Is he bullying you—!"
Evelyn tried to follow but Matthew held her back.
"Don't worry." He looked at her, tone flat.
"As long as you stay by my side, I won't touch anyone around you."
One of the security guards quickly added, "Miss Arden, don't worry. I'll make sure Miss Reed gets home safe."
Evelyn looked at Matthew. She understood what he meant.
He wouldn't touch Monica. As long as she stayed obediently by his side.
Shawn stood nearby, hearing this exchange, his expression darkening further.
Evelyn was with him because she was being forced!
"Evelyn," he spoke up, "you don't have to be afraid of him. If you're being forced, I can..."
Evelyn took a deep breath, suddenly feeling exhausted.
"Shawn," she turned to look at him, "I never loved you back then."
"And now, my business is none of your concern. Just go."
Shawn stood frozen, unable to speak but clearly unwilling to leave.
Evelyn didn't look at him again.
Matthew stood nearby with a slight smile, faint and mocking, tinged with something else.
He gestured with his eyes for her to leave. Evelyn sighed helplessly and followed him.
The two got into the car one after another.
Shawn stood in place, fists slowly clenching.
He pressed his lips together, thinking: This isn't over! Evelyn, I'll find a way to save you!
---
The car was quiet.
Matthew didn't speak, just handed over his phone with the photo on the screen.
"Explain," he said.
Evelyn glanced at it.
"Class reunion," she said flatly. "Monica organized it. The guy's a senior from college."
"That's it?"
"What else would it be?"
Matthew was silent for a few seconds. "Do you still have feelings for him?"
Evelyn paused, then rolled her eyes. "No."
Matthew stared at her like he was trying to detect a lie.
"When I broke you two up back then," he said, "weren't you resentful?"
Evelyn laughed.
The laugh was light, carrying a hint of sarcasm.
"Matthew," she said, "you know damn well—whether it was back then or now—your methods don't hold up to scrutiny."
"Resentful?" Evelyn looked out the window. "I don't have the energy for that."
The car fell quiet again.
Matthew's brow furrowed. He didn't say anything more.