Chapter 239

**Evelyn's POV**

Three days later, I found myself shifting uncomfortably in a plush conference chair, my lower back aching from sitting too long. The room was filled with executives and engineers, all gathered for the clean energy project bidding conference. Presentation after presentation blurred together as companies pitched their designs.

I glanced at Dorian beside me. His expression was distant, thoughts clearly elsewhere despite the importance of this meeting. James sat on his other side, laser-focused on the current speaker, occasionally jotting notes.

"You're my wife," he'd said that morning. "People expect to see us together at these events."

The moderator announced the next company. "And now, presenting their innovative design for the clean energy initiative, Pierce Industries."

I straightened in my seat as their representative began displaying detailed schematics on the projection screen. Something about them looked familiar—uncomfortably familiar. My stomach knotted as I realized why.

These were nearly identical to the designs Dorian had shown me weeks ago—the same designs I had secretly copied from his laptop and sent to Marcus. The layout, the infrastructure placement, even the specialized materials—all of it was a mirror image of Blackwood Group's proposal, with only cosmetic differences. A sharp pang of guilt mixed with satisfaction shot through me as I realized my betrayal had worked exactly as planned. I had given Marcus these files to help Hunter destroy Dorian, and now it was happening right before my eyes.

"Four hundred million invested in sustainable infrastructure," the presenter continued, "with emergency equipment stations every 300 meters along the route—a unique feature of our design."

I heard James's sharp intake of breath. "Mr. Blackwood," he whispered, "all our work... it's wasted."

Dorian sat perfectly still, like a marble statue. Not a muscle twitched in his face, but I could feel the fury radiating from him. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the armrest between us. Did he suspect my involvement? I kept my expression neutral, despite the hurricane of emotions within.

My eyes scanned the room until I spotted him—Marcus Blackwood, Dorian's cousin, sitting several rows ahead. Unlike Dorian, he looked completely at ease, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He caught my eye briefly, the smallest nod of acknowledgment passing between us. Our conspiracy had worked perfectly—I had provided the ammunition, and Marcus had ensured it reached the right hands.

After what felt like hours, the presentations concluded. The head of the selection committee approached the podium, tapping the microphone.

"After careful consideration of all submissions," he announced, "we're pleased to award the clean energy initiative contract to Pierce Industries."

The room erupted in confused murmurs.

I watched Dorian's face drain of color. His jaw clenched so tight I thought his teeth might shatter. Beside him, James looked equally stunned. Marcus, however, was now openly smiling, turning to whisper something to his companion.

"And now," the moderator continued, "I'd like to introduce the CEO of Pierce Industries, who will share a few words about their vision for this project."

From the back of the conference hall, a tall figure emerged. My heart nearly stopped as Hunter Pierce made his way through the crowd. He moved with the same confident stride I remembered, though perhaps a touch slower. Wasn't he supposed to be recovering from serious injuries? Had that all been an act?

Without thinking, I rose from my seat, gathering the small bouquet of flowers I'd brought as a congratulatory gesture for Dorian—back when I thought this day would be his triumph. I moved toward the front of the room, away from Dorian, toward Hunter.

"Evelyn—" Dorian's voice trembled behind me.

I didn't turn back. Each step felt like a declaration of independence. When I reached the stage, Hunter paused mid-sentence, his eyes finding mine.

I held out the flowers. "Congratulations," I said simply.

Hunter took them, then pulled me into a gentle embrace. "Thank you, little deer," he whispered, using the pet name that only he had ever called me. The familiar scent of his cologne brought back a flood of memories—summer nights in Evergreen Valley, promises whispered under starlight.

Behind us, a chair crashed to the floor. Dorian had stood up so violently he'd knocked it over. James grabbed his arm, holding him back.

"She's been working with Hunter Pierce all along!" James hissed loudly enough for nearby rows to hear. "She betrayed us!"

Dorian wrenched free of James's grip and started toward the stage. "Scarlett!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the suddenly silent room. "You come back here right now!"

I stepped away from Hunter, turning to face Dorian with a coldness I'd cultivated over months of pain and lies.

Marcus appeared at Dorian's side, his smile venomous. "She's not really your wife, cousin," he said, just loud enough for those nearby to hear. "Just a replacement for the real thing, isn't she?"

Dorian looked as though he'd been slapped. He moved forward, his eyes wild, and I instinctively stepped backward.

James and two security personnel caught Dorian by the arms, restraining him as he struggled to reach me.

Hunter stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of me. "Long time no see, Blackwood," he said, his voice carrying across the now-silent room. "It seems we both survived certain death. How fortunate for us."

"You're a dead man walking," James snarled, shifting as if to lunge at Hunter.

"I wouldn't," Hunter replied calmly. "We're in public, Mr. Miller. And my security team is quite vigilant." As if on cue, several men in dark suits moved closer to the stage.

Dorian suddenly went limp in his handlers' grasp. When they cautiously released him, he stumbled forward, his eyes locked on mine.

"Scarlett," he pleaded, his voice cracking. "Let's go home. I've made reservations at your favorite restaurant. We can talk about all of this—"

I shook my head firmly. "I'm not going back with you, Dorian."

"Not everything can be fixed with dinner and gifts," Hunter added coldly. "You don't get to decide when it's time to make amends, Blackwood."

Hunter turned to me, offering his hand. "Shall we go home?"

My heart pounded against my ribs, but outwardly I remained calm as I placed my hand in his. As we prepared to leave, Hunter reached up to adjust the collar of my jacket.

"You never did like wearing dresses," he murmured, his voice carrying memories of a past life. "How does this suit feel?"

I simply nodded, not trusting my voice to remain steady.

Behind us, Dorian's voice rose to a desperate shout. "Evelyn! Don't do this! Please!"

But I didn't look back as Hunter led me through the crowd toward the exit. With each step, I felt the weight of lies and manipulation falling away. For the first time in years, I was making my own choice, taking control of my destiny.

Dorian's voice faded as the doors closed behind us.