Chapter 228

**Evelyn's POV**

Riley reached across the table, covering my trembling hand with hers. "Are you okay?"

I took a deep breath and turned back to the window where Dorian stood watching us, his expression darkening by the second. My heart hammered in my chest, but I refused to let him see how deeply Ethan's video had affected me.

"Not everyone jumps when you snap your fingers, Dorian," I called out, my voice carrying through the small opening in the window. "Come to think of it, hardly anyone genuinely likes you. I've finally run into old friends, and I'm not letting you ruin this rare moment of happiness."

Without waiting for his response, I slammed the window shut, locked it, and yanked the curtain closed. My mind was flooded with images from that video—Dorian laughing, carefree, women draped all over him. How had I never noticed what an incredible actor this man was? All those tears, all those declarations of love and remorse... nothing but an elaborate performance.

I turned back to face Riley and Ethan, the sting of betrayal fresh in my chest even though I had no right to feel betrayed. We weren't together anymore. We would never be together again.

"You still care about him," Riley observed quietly as I returned to my seat.

I shook my head. "No. I just hate being lied to."

"If you truly don't have feelings for him," Riley said, squeezing my hand, "then don't let this upset you. Men like Dorian Blackwood don't change."

Ethan scoffed. "This is all very touching, but let's get back to business." His eyes flicked to Riley and then back to me. "Your little resurrection has put both of us in a difficult position."

I reached for my coffee, using the moment to compose myself. The SIM card felt like it was burning a hole in my palm. I slipped it into my new phone under the table, careful to keep my movements hidden.

A text message appeared immediately: "Come to the private room upstairs. —H"

My pulse quickened. Hunter was here? In the same building as Dorian? This was dangerous—reckless, even.

"I need to use the restroom," I announced, rising from my seat. To Ethan, I added, "I'll consider what you've asked. Give me some time."

He narrowed his eyes but nodded. "Don't take too long. Some things can't wait."

I walked away, feeling his suspicious gaze on my back. Once out of sight, I approached a server and quietly asked about the location of the private rooms. Following her directions, I climbed the narrow staircase to the second floor, my heart racing with each step.

I had barely raised my hand to knock when the door opened and Hunter pulled me inside, closing it quickly behind me.

"What are you thinking?" I hissed, pulling my arm free. "Dorian is right outside the café. Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Hunter's eyes gleamed with amusement. "I'm not exactly a wanted criminal, Evelyn."

"You might as well be where he's concerned." I paced the small room, unable to stay still. "If he sees you here, everything we've worked for could be ruined. Have you forgotten our goal? All our suffering, all our patience—it's been to bring him down."

Hunter caught my wrist as I passed him, stopping my frantic movement. "I haven't forgotten anything."

His touch was gentle but firm, steadying me when I felt like I might shatter. He guided me to the small couch and handed me his coffee. "Drink. You're shaking."

I took a sip, my fingers brushing against his as I accepted the cup. The warmth spread through my body, calming my nerves.

"You need to leave," I said, my voice softer now. "Wait until Dorian and I are gone."

Hunter studied my face, concern etched in his features. "You worry too much about me."

"Of course I do." I set the cup down, my eyes meeting his. "Right now, Dorian can't leverage anything against me because I have nothing to lose. But if he discovers you're involved, he'll use you to control me. I'd have no choice but to give in."

Hunter's expression softened. He reached out, his fingers lightly tracing the outline of my cheek. "I can take care of myself, Evelyn. I promise."

I leaned into his touch for just a moment before pulling away. "I should go before they get suspicious."

As I stood, Hunter caught my hand. "About Ella—if you can't protect her, don't push yourself. Your safety comes first."

"I always prioritize myself," I assured him with a small smile. "I only help others if I can do so without risk."

Hunter's grip tightened slightly as I turned to leave. "Be careful down there."

I nodded and slipped out of the room, closing the door quietly behind me. As I turned toward the stairs, my heart nearly stopped—Ethan stood at the top of the staircase, his eyes fixed on the door I had just exited. He said nothing, but the knowing smirk on his face told me everything I needed to know.

I descended the stairs, my mind racing to formulate a plan. When I reached the table, Riley looked up with concern.

"Riley, I need to go," I said, gathering my purse. "We'll catch up another time, I promise."

"You can't leave yet," Ethan said, appearing behind me. "We haven't resolved our issue."

Before I could respond, the café door opened, and Dorian strode in, his patience clearly exhausted. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, his tone clipped.

The tension in the room thickened as Ethan's smirk widened. "Mrs. Blackwood was just upstairs in a private room with a man," he announced. "He's still up there, if you're curious."

My body went cold, tiny beads of sweat forming on my forehead despite the air conditioning. Don't look frightened, I reminded myself. Fear only invites attack.

Dorian's gaze locked onto mine, searching for confirmation. "Is that true?"

I held his stare, refusing to look away. "You don't believe me anyway, do you? You never have." I stepped closer, my voice low and steady. "I've seen how you spent the last three years, Dorian. While I was supposedly dead, you were quite the party animal."

His eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before his mask of control returned. "Evelyn—"

"No," I cut him off. "I don't want to hear it. Not here, not now."