Chapter 238

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow over Evelyn Sinclair’s bedroom. She stretched lazily, her mind still foggy from sleep, when an unexpected whisper of thoughts invaded her consciousness.

"Oh my god, did Nathan really say that to Victoria last night?"

Evelyn froze. That wasn’t her own thought. It was… someone else’s.

She sat up abruptly, her heart pounding. The voice—no, the thought—belonged to Lillian Graves, her ever-efficient assistant. But how was she hearing it?

Another snippet floated in, vivid and unguarded. "I can’t believe he’d risk everything for her. If Evelyn finds out—"

Evelyn’s breath hitched. Finds out what?

She clutched the sheets, her mind racing. This wasn’t just a fluke. She could hear Lillian’s unfiltered musings, raw and uncensored. And if she could hear Lillian… who else could she listen to?

A slow, dangerous smile curved her lips.

This changed everything.

Downstairs, Nathan Blackwood sipped his coffee, oblivious to the storm brewing above. Across from him, Victoria Hayes—his poised but scheming secretary—leaned forward, her voice honeyed.

"Mr. Blackwood, the board meeting has been moved to ten. Should I prepare the quarterly reports?"

Nathan nodded absently, his mind elsewhere.

Evelyn descended the stairs, her steps light but her gaze sharp. She paused at the doorway, watching them.

And then—she listened.

Victoria’s inner monologue spilled into her mind like ink in water. "If I play this right, I’ll have him wrapped around my finger by the end of the month. Evelyn won’t know what hit her."

Evelyn’s nails dug into her palm.

Oh, but she did know now.

And she wasn’t about to let that slide.

At the office, Preston Whitmore—the ambitious director—cornered Donovan Sharpe near the water cooler.

"Did you hear about the new investor?" Preston murmured.

Evelyn, passing by, caught the tail end of his spoken words—but it was the unspoken ones that sent a chill down her spine.

"If this deal goes through, Nathan will owe me. And then… maybe Evelyn won’t be so untouchable."

Her blood ran cold.

They were all plotting.

But she had the upper hand now.

And she intended to use it.

That evening, as Nathan loosened his tie and sighed, Evelyn perched on the arm of his chair, her voice deceptively soft.

"Long day?"

He smiled tiredly. "You have no idea."

Oh, but she did.

Because while he thought she was just his loving wife, she was something far more dangerous now.

A woman who could hear every secret, every lie, every betrayal before it even left their lips.

And she wasn’t afraid to play dirty.

The sharp click of heels echoed through the hall as Daniel was suddenly shoved aside.

A group of women, varying in age and fury, surged forward. Before anyone could react, they descended upon Amelia, their hands flying in a relentless storm of slaps—left, right, left again—until her cheeks burned crimson.

"Shameless creature!" one spat, her voice dripping with venom. "How dare you spew such lies?"

"Your morals are as rotten as your heart," another sneered. "Born deceitful, yet you have the audacity to make promises? If you ever stay faithful, I'll eat my own hat!"

A third woman scoffed, crossing her arms. "What’s this? Weren’t you obsessed with that bastard child not long ago? Now you’re clinging to my nephew like a drowning rat? Finally realized who can actually give you the life you crave? How pathetically transparent."

"Why are you so desperate to latch onto Daniel?" someone else demanded. "Are you a parasite with no self-respect?"

Another voice cut in, sharp as a blade. "Where do you even get the nerve? Thinking someone as tainted as you could ever be worthy of him? Daniel could have any woman he wants—women who aren’t ruined goods. If not for his misplaced kindness, you’d be nothing but a stain on his past."

"Good God, are you delusional?" a shrill voice chimed in. "You think you’re fit to stand beside him?"

"Being his girlfriend would’ve been a blessing earned by your ancestors’ virtue," another woman hissed. "Too bad you were born without an ounce of decency."

These were the women of Serena’s family. With Serena too frail to intervene and Daniel refusing to raise a hand against a woman, it fell to them to deliver justice.

They were careful, though. Amelia was pregnant, and they wouldn’t risk harming the child. So they focused on her pride instead—her face, her dignity. Each slap was precise, meant to humiliate, not to maim.

Every strike was punctuated by a curse, a symphony of scorn that left Amelia sobbing, her pleas lost beneath the cacophony.

The onlookers watched, satisfaction curling their lips. This woman had spewed nothing but nonsense, her stammering excuses grating on their patience. Finally, someone was putting her in her place.

Evelyn flinched at the sharp cracks of skin meeting skin, instinctively shrinking back.

Nathan’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her securely against his chest. She felt the rumble of his laughter before she heard it, his breath warm against her ear as he chuckled.

Evelyn tilted her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think she actually enjoys this? She fell for a man who hits her. Maybe she doesn’t like Daniel because he’s never laid a hand on her."

Nathan’s laughter deepened, the vibration thrumming through her back.

It was only then that Evelyn realized how close they were—his embrace firm, his presence overwhelming. Heat rushed to her cheeks, unbidden, as she registered the warmth of his body against hers.

And for the first time, she didn’t pull away.

I wasn't taking advantage of the moment to feel Nathan's sculpted abs or broad chest. My only concern was avoiding the spray of saliva from those vicious slaps.

Nathan froze momentarily, heat creeping up his neck. But he quickly seized the opportunity, tightening his embrace. The intoxicating warmth and softness of Evelyn in his arms was overwhelming.

Could she feel his racing heartbeat?

The Blackwoods missed their chance to witness the tender moment, assuming Evelyn was merely commenting on the chaotic scene. Their attention remained glued to the spectacle of violence unfolding before them.

After twenty brutal slaps, Amelia's face swelled grotesquely, her mouth drooling uncontrollably. Only then did the women relent.

Yet through tear-filled eyes, Amelia still gazed pleadingly at Daniel.

Daniel's brows furrowed. Recalling how his past kindness had made Amelia mistake him for a pushover filled him with self-directed fury. How could I have been so blind?

"Your masochistic love for your abuser is your business," he spat. "Indulge in your twisted fantasies all you want. But dragging me into your sick game? That's beyond cruel. Amelia, consider our past erased."

Her swollen lips trembling, Amelia finally turned to Mason before collapsing in a sobbing heap.

No one pitied her.

Daniel immediately called an ambulance while ordering staff to pack Amelia's belongings for Mason.

Mason tried storming out, but Daniel's police colleagues and military cousins restrained him until the ambulance arrived. They loaded the unconscious Amelia inside, forcing Mason in after her.

When the nurse hesitantly asked about their relationship, someone quipped, "He's the father of her baby."

Mason thrashed violently, shooting Daniel a venomous glare that promised vengeance.

Daniel didn't bother looking back. From a distance, Sophia watched Mason's true colors emerge, her heart shattering. Overwhelmed with regret for her poor judgment, she nearly collapsed until Margaret and the Blackwoods rushed to comfort her.

Ultimately, Victor went to the hospital, arranged by the distressed Owen. Though Amelia and Daniel were through, she still carried the Reed family's heir—a fact they couldn't ignore.

Once the troublemakers left, Serena approached Daniel. "I had to expose everything publicly," she explained. "If I'd told you privately and you divorced later, people would've crucified our family for abandoning a pregnant woman. I couldn't let them paint you as the villain when she's the one who betrayed you."

The words struck Daniel like a physical blow. His mother, Serena Collins, gripped his arm with surprising strength, her voice barely above a whisper yet laced with steel.

"They abandoned you. They're the ones who wronged you. What does embarrassment matter when the truth is laid bare? When your name is cleared, you'll find a woman worthy of you."

Daniel's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "Thank you, Mother. For seeing what I couldn't." He exhaled sharply. "But let's not pretend I'm blameless. I was a fool, and I deserve every ounce of shame. And if we stay silent—" His jaw tightened. "That bastard will slither back into the Reed family like nothing happened. They'll bury the truth to protect their precious reputation. I won't let him walk away unscathed after what he did to you."

Serena's face was pale, her eyes shadowed with exhaustion, yet she still fought for him. The sight carved a fresh wound in Daniel's chest.

"Mother," he murmured, squeezing her hand. "I failed you. I know you're hurting more than I am. Don't hold back—do what you need to do. I'm with you." He knew her too well. She wouldn't break quietly.

The guests watched, oblivious to their hushed exchange, as Daniel gave a single, firm nod.

Victor Reed hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. This spectacle needed to end. The wedding was off; the guests should leave. But before he could intervene, Serena turned to the crowd, her voice slicing through the murmurs like a blade.

"Since you're all here," she announced, her bloodshot eyes locking onto Victor, "allow me to make an announcement."

Victor paled. He knew that tone. He lunged forward—only for Daniel to step smoothly into his path.

"You—!" Victor snarled.

Daniel didn't flinch. He simply lowered his gaze, silent as a sentinel.

Serena's voice rang out, clear and unshaken. "Victor Reed, as of today, I, Serena Collins, am filing for divorce. My lawyers will contact you tomorrow." A collective gasp rippled through the room. "Every cent you spent on your mistress and that bastard son of yours—I will reclaim it. Every asset, every hidden account, every penny that belongs to me." Her smile was glacial. "And this house? It's in my name. Get out."

Victor's face drained of color.

The guests stood frozen, their shock palpable.

What in the world...?

This wasn't a wedding.

This was a bloodbath.

And it was glorious.