Chapter 23
1065*
Still in shock, she raised her hand and gave a peace sign, forcing a small smile. Nathan snapped the picture and looked down at the screen, studying it.
He spoke up without looking at her, “It might sound harsh, but right now, you don’t even look as decent as a homeless person.”
Evelyn rolled her eyes, complaining to herself, ‘If you know it’s that harsh, maybe just don’t say it. Guess I was hoping for too much. He’s just the same terrible man everyone says.
Evelyn took a deep breath and said politely, “I’ll go get changed. Mr. Ford, thank you for tonight. It’s getting late…”
Nathan put on a cold smirk. “It is late. I’ll take you to the station for the statement.”
Evelyn didn’t argue. After everything that happened tonight, having someone with her was a relief.
She nodded. “Thanks, Mr. Ford.”
She then walked into the bathroom. As soon as she caught her reflection in the mirror, she finally understood what Nathan meant.
Her hair was a total mess, her face streaked with smears of blood that she hadn’t even realized were there, and her pajama set was stained with blood and dirt.
She didn’t just look like a homeless person–she could’ve walked onto a zombie movie set without any makeup.
She rinsed off quickly. Every time she touched her scalp, the stinging pain made her wince. By the time she finished washing her hair, her eyes were tearing up from the ache.
When she finally walked out, freshly dressed, Nathan was still waiting on the sofa.
The room was a disaster. Blood spatter, torn fabric, broken glass–it looked more like a crime scene than a living room. The air still carried a faint metallic scent.
Nathan was texting someone, but instantly pocketed his phone when he saw her and said, “Let’s go.”
*****
By the time they were done giving her statement, it was 3 AM. Evelyn could go back home tonight, so Nathan booked her into a hotel owned by the company.
Since Evelyn didn’t have her ID on her, he took her straight to the top–floor presidential suite.
“Have a good night,” Nathan said, then left without another word.
Evelyn yawned, collapsed onto the huge bed, and fell asleep instantly.
11:21 Fri, Sep 5
Chapter 23
The next morning, despite everything she’d gone through, Evelyn woke up early, looking refreshed, and went to work.
As soon as she got to her desk, she got Carson’s call.
Carson said. “Ms. Stevenson, the court has officially filed your case. Lucky timing, there haven’t been many hearings recently. The trial is set for next month. The court will send out the summons to Adrian in a few days.”
Thinking about the party tonight, Evelyn flashed a bright smile. She replied, “Mr. Garner, could you get the summons? I want to hand–deliver it to my ex–husband.”
She thought smugly, ‘Adrian is too full of himself, acting like I can’t let him go. Tonight, I’m gonna snap him out of that fantasy for good.’
Evelyn still suspected Clarissa had arranged last night’s scare, and this party would be the perfect chance to test that speculation.
“Of course. I’ll send it to you later,” said Carson.
Once the call ended, Evelyn buried herself in work.
Soon, it was almost time to get off. As Evelyn was wrapping up, Helena called her. “Evie, I’m downstairs at Horizon. How long do you still need?”
Evelyn replied, “Five minutes.”
Evelyn turned off her laptop, locked her drawer, grabbed her bag, and waved goodbye to her colleagues before heading out.
Outside the building, Helena sat in her bright Ferrari, oversized sunglasses perched on her nose. When she spotted Evelyn, she let out a sharp whistle. “Hey there, stunner. Come on. Your girl’s taking you for a makeover. Let’s crash the party tonight.”
Evelyn couldn’t help laughing. She opened the door and got in with a giggle.
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
