Chapter 58

Vanessa Blake didn't anticipate Evelyn Carter would choose the impossible option without a second thought. She froze for a moment before quickly adding, "Ms. Carter, I don’t think you fully grasp the severity of this. You’re underestimating the consequences. If you lose, it won’t just be an apology—you’ll face crippling damages and possible imprisonment. That’s why I strongly advise reconsidering. Mr. Reeves is only asking for a public apology—"

"Tell Dominic to wake up before he turns into a complete fool!" Evelyn cut her off sharply. "You keep saying if I lose, but I have no intention of losing. See you in court."

With that, she ended the call. The audacity! Did Dominic really believe he could destroy her with fabricated evidence and bought witnesses?

She had stayed in the shadows for years, willingly letting him use her as a stepping stone. But not anymore. Never again would she be that weak, pitiful version of herself.

Evelyn drove straight home, surprised to find Alexander Kensington already there. She had assumed he’d still be at Celestia Group.

He had clearly just arrived—his suit jacket and tie discarded, his crisp white shirt unbuttoned at the top, revealing the sharp line of his collarbone. He lounged on the sofa, tablet in hand, his brows furrowed as he scrolled through something on the screen.

"You’re home early," she remarked, slipping off her heels at the entrance. "Have you eaten? I can make something."

She moved toward the kitchen, but Alexander caught her wrist, pulling her back. "Not yet. Come here."

Evelyn turned, studying his expression. She’d already rolled up her sleeves, but the tension in his jaw made her pause. "What’s wrong? Trouble at the company?"

"Do you really think there’s a problem I can’t handle?" His gaze flicked up, irritation flashing in his eyes.

Since taking over Celestia Group, he’d faced countless challenges—none of which had broken him. Money, influence, sheer will—he had all of it. Evelyn bit back a smile and settled beside him, looping her arms around his neck.

"Of course not. My brilliant CEO can conquer anything," she teased.

The proximity sent a spark through the air. Alexander’s eyes darkened as he leaned in, his breath warm against her lips. "Brilliant, hm? How brilliant?"

Evelyn’s cheeks flushed. "H-How should I know?" She tried to push him away, but he caught her waist, pulling her flush against him.

"You started this," he murmured, his voice low. "Should I prove it?"

Her pulse jumped. There was no escaping now—not when he held her like this.

"Is your… inconvenience over?" he asked, the implication clear.

Evelyn wished she could vanish into the couch. It was broad daylight. "N-Not yet," she stammered.

His quiet sigh made her face burn hotter. "What were you reading?" she asked, desperate to shift focus.

"Nothing important," he said dismissively, moving to set the tablet aside—but Evelyn had already glimpsed the headline on the screen.