Chapter 290

Chapter 290
Evelyn's POV

I stared at Dorian, my heart pounding as his cold smile widened. The conference room felt suffocating, the walls closing in around us.

"You're bluffing," I repeated, though my voice wavered with uncertainty.

His laugh was low and dangerous. "Am I? You know me better than that, Evelyn. I never make empty threats."

He moved closer, trapping me against the conference table. The wood pressed cold against my back as I tried to lean away from him.

"We look like we're having an affair, don't we?" he murmured, his voice dripping with mockery. "Right here, behind your precious Hunter's back. How thrilling."

Rage flared in my chest. "Are you even a man?" I spat, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. "What kind of person forces someone like this?"

"The kind who gets what he wants," he replied smoothly. "And you know what's funny? This feels more exciting than before. Sneaking around behind Hunter's back, knowing he's waiting for you just outside..." His eyes glittered with malicious amusement. "It's intoxicating."

My stomach churned with disgust. I met his gaze steadily, despite the fear coursing through my veins. "Because you're not him."

The words hung in the air between us like a slap. Dorian's expression darkened, his jaw tightening.

"We'll see how long that attitude lasts," he said quietly. "I have ways of making you more... cooperative."

The ominous tone in his voice made my blood run cold. "What are you talking about?"

He stepped back slightly, adjusting his suit jacket with deliberate calm. "Let's just say I have insurance. Something that would be very... illuminating for Hunter to see."

My mind raced, trying to understand his implications. "What kind of insurance?"

"The kind that captures intimate moments," he said with a cruel smile. "Moments when you weren't quite so resistant to my charms."

The realization hit me like a physical blow. Videos. He was talking about private recordings from our past encounters.

"You wouldn't dare," I whispered, though I knew he absolutely would.

"Wouldn't I? Think about it, Evelyn. Your reputation, your career, your relationship with Hunter... all hanging by a thread. One click of a button, and it all comes crashing down."

I forced myself to stand straighter, even as fear clawed at my insides. "I make my living with my medical skills. My reputation is built on my own merit, not on what people think of my personal life."

"How noble," he sneered. "But we both know that's not entirely true, is it? Especially not in Hunter's world. He cares deeply about appearances, about propriety. What would he think if he saw you... shall we say, in a more compromising position?"

I wanted to deny it, to tell him that Hunter would understand, but doubt crept in. Hunter did care about public perception, about maintaining his carefully crafted image.

"You're despicable," I managed to say.

"I'm practical," he corrected. "And patient. But my patience has limits."

Before I could respond, he turned and walked toward the door. "Think about what I've said, Evelyn. We'll continue this conversation soon."

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving me alone in the suffocating silence of the conference room.

My legs gave out, and I sank onto one of the leather chairs, my hands shaking as the full weight of his threats settled over me. I needed to get back to Hunter, but first, I had to compose myself.

The bathroom down the hall was mercifully empty when I stumbled inside. One look at my reflection in the mirror made my stomach drop. Dark marks decorated my neck and shoulder where Dorian had bitten me, standing out starkly against my pale skin. The champagne-colored fabric of my gown had slipped, exposing the evidence of his assault.

"Oh God," I whispered, touching the tender spots gingerly. There was no way to hide them with makeup – they were too dark, too obvious.

Panic set in as I realized I'd have to return to the party looking like this. Hunter would see them immediately, and everyone else would know exactly what they were.

A woman emerged from one of the stalls, washing her hands at the sink beside me. She was older, elegantly dressed in a black cocktail dress with a matching jacket.

"Excuse me," I said desperately, turning to her. "I'm so sorry to bother you, but would you be willing to sell me your jacket? I'll pay you whatever you want."

She looked surprised, her eyes taking in my disheveled appearance and the visible marks on my skin. Understanding flickered across her face.

"Honey, are you alright?" she asked gently.

"Please," I begged. "I just need something to cover up with."

She didn't ask any more questions. "Keep your money, sweetheart," she said, slipping off her jacket and handing it to me. "We girls have to stick together."

I could have cried with relief. "Thank you so much. I can't tell you how much this means to me."

"Don't mention it. Are you sure you're okay? Do you need me to call someone?"

I shook my head quickly. "No, I'm fine. Thank you again."

I slipped on the black jacket, grateful for how it covered my neck and shoulders completely. It clashed horribly with my champagne gown, but I didn't care. It was coverage, and that was all that mattered.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way back to the ballroom. Hunter was exactly where I'd left him, talking with a group of investors. His face lit up when he saw me approaching.

"There you are," he said, reaching for my hand. "I was starting to worry."

"Sorry, I got a little overwhelmed," I said, forcing a smile. "You know how these events can be."

His eyes took in the black jacket with obvious confusion. "Where did this come from? I don't remember you having it earlier."

"I brought it with me," I lied smoothly. "I thought I might get cold."

He frowned slightly, reaching out to touch the fabric. "It doesn't really go with your dress. Are you sure you need it? It's quite warm in here."

My hand flew to the collar instinctively, holding it closed. "I'm fine. I like having it on."

Before he could question me further, my phone buzzed with a text message. I glanced at the screen and felt my blood freeze.

Looking lovely in black. It suits you. - D

I quickly deleted the message and shoved my phone back into my purse, but not before Hunter noticed my reaction.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Just work stuff," I said dismissively. "Nothing important."

A group of businessmen approached us then, glasses raised in celebration. "Mr. Pierce! Congratulations again on the Sunset Ridge project. We'd love to toast with you and your lovely companion."

I wanted nothing more than to leave, but I knew I couldn't abandon Hunter in the middle of his celebration. I forced another smile and accepted their congratulations, playing the part of the supportive partner while my skin crawled beneath the borrowed jacket.

More people approached throughout the evening, each wanting to shake Hunter's hand and offer their congratulations. I stood beside him, smiling and nodding at appropriate moments, but my mind was elsewhere, constantly replaying Dorian's threats.

When another wave of well-wishers descended upon us, Hunter finally seemed to notice my discomfort.

"That's enough for tonight," he announced firmly, placing a protective arm around my waist. "Thank you all for coming, but we should be heading out."

Relief flooded through me as he guided me toward the exit. I'd never been so eager to leave a party in my life.

We were waiting for the valet to bring Hunter's car when a familiar voice spoke behind us.

"Leaving so soon?"

I turned to find Dorian standing a few feet away, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. Even in the dim lighting outside the hotel, I could see the satisfied smirk on his face.

"The party's winding down," Hunter replied diplomatically, though I could hear the tension in his voice.

"Pity," Dorian said, his eyes fixed on me. "I was hoping we might have another chance to chat."

"I think we've said everything we need to say," I replied coldly, instinctively moving closer to Hunter.

Dorian's smile widened. "Have we? I feel like there's still so much left unsaid between us."

The valet appeared with Hunter's car, and I practically pushed Hunter toward it. "We should go," I said urgently.

"Of course," Hunter agreed, opening the passenger door for me.

As I was about to get into the car, Dorian called out once more. "Oh, Evelyn?"

Against my better judgment, I turned back to him.

He leaned against the hotel's marble pillar, looking completely at ease. "You know, when you said I shouldn't tell anyone about our little private meetings, that includes Hunter too, doesn't it?"