Chapter 133

The nausea subsided as I returned to the KTV, but the brief happiness from spending time with my little sister evaporated instantly.

Of all people, why did I have to run into that bastard again?

Maybe I should visit a church soon—pray for some divine intervention to keep the night from going downhill.

Then, a small hand gently tugged at my sleeve.

Looking down into Nydia's worried eyes, I forced a smile. "I'm fine."

"Evadne, was that guy your ex-husband?" Nydia wrapped her arm around my waist, concern lacing her voice.

"Yeah." My response was flat, drained.

"Wow, he's gorgeous!" Her eyes sparkled with unfiltered admiration. "I thought my brothers were the epitome of handsome, but your ex is on another level! A CEO who looks like that? He could be a Hollywood A-lister!"

I rubbed my temples. "Enough."

"You weren't kidding when you said he was hotter than movie stars. I didn’t believe you before, but now I see it!"

"Handsome doesn’t make him less of an ass. And stop calling him that."

It was too late to head back to campus, so Nydia stayed at my villa for the night.

Normally, I could hold my liquor, but tonight, the alcohol hit harder. My head throbbed as I leaned against the car window, breathing slowly.

"Evadne, let me help." Nydia’s fingers pressed gently against my temples, massaging in small circles.

I rested against her, inhaling the faint floral scent clinging to her skin. Even drunk, she smelled like spring.

Nydia swallowed hard, her gaze lingering on my face.

Who looked this stunning while wasted? It wasn’t fair.

When we reached the villa gates, I told the driver to stop. Walking always helped sober me up before bed.

Arm in arm, Nydia and I strolled down the quiet path.

The night breeze was crisp, the moon bright, stars scattered like diamonds. The peaceful scenery should’ve calmed me—but then my grip on Nydia tightened.

"Evadne?"

"Someone’s following us." My voice dropped to a whisper.

Nydia tensed, her palm slick with sweat as she glanced around.

"Don’t panic. If they try anything, I’ll make them regret it." My lips curled into a smirk.

After that fight with Thaddeus, I was itching for a real brawl.

"Show yourself!" I snapped.

A rustle came from the bushes.

Instinct kicked in. I shoved Nydia behind me just as a towering figure emerged—muscular, clad in black, face hidden behind a mask.

Nydia gasped.

I stayed still, assessing. He moved like a trained fighter, but I wasn’t worried. Few could match me—or Thaddeus, for that matter.

"Which one of you is Evadne?" His accent was thick, foreign.

"That’d be me. Got a problem?" I arched a brow, unflinching.

A blade flashed in his hand. He lunged.

"Evadne!" Nydia screamed as I shoved her aside.

"Run!"

But she didn’t.

The fight erupted in a blur of motion—kicks, dodges, strikes. The wind whipped around us as we exchanged blows.

Nydia gaped, wide-eyed. "Go, Evadne!"

Seriously? Cheering now?

"Call the police!"

She fumbled for her phone.

The masked man pivoted, targeting her instead.

Nydia froze, eyes squeezed shut as the knife arced toward her—

A pained grunt.

Her eyes flew open.

I stood between them, blood soaking through my sleeve.

"Evadne!" Her voice cracked.

Gritting my teeth, I clutched my arm. The pain was white-hot, dizzying.

This wasn’t just an attack. He wanted me dead.

As he raised the knife again, a shadow blurred past—someone grabbed his collar and wrenched him back.

Seizing the opening, I spun, my foot connecting with his wrist. The blade clattered to the ground.

A sickening snap.

The man howled as both his arms were twisted behind him.

I blinked. "You?"

Avery stood over him, his polished shoe grinding into the man’s back.

"Fancy meeting you here," he said, smiling like this was a casual stroll.

"Evadne!" Jason’s voice cut through the night as he sprinted toward us.

"Jason! She’s hurt!" Nydia’s tears spilled over.

His face paled at the blood. "Who did this to you?"

"Why are you here?" I winced. "Your mom—"

"Not now!" His hands trembled as he reached for me. "You need a hospital!"

I stepped back. "It’s just a scratch. Take care of Nydia."

His jaw clenched.

I wasn’t fragile. I wouldn’t break.

"Evadne, please." Nydia sobbed. "This is my fault—"

"Don’t be ridiculous." I wiped her tears. "I’m the one who put you in danger."

Nearby, Avery’s bodyguards hauled the attacker into a car.

"You okay?" His secretary looked shaken.

"Fine." Avery dusted off his sleeves, then met my gaze.

I approached him. "Thank you. But I need that man."

His lips quirked. "I’ll hand him over—on one condition."

"What?"

Before I could react, he swept me into his arms.

I yelped, staring up at him.

"First, the hospital." His voice was firm. "Then you can do whatever you want."