Chapter 25
Evan turned to me, his tone humble and gentle.“I heard someone questioned your innocence; I spoke out of turn, without your permission. I hope I haven’t caused you any trouble.”
Suppressing my surprise, I replied, “…It’s my fault for causing you trouble, Mr. Jones.”
“Shall I clarify the situation for everyone?”
“…Please.” I restrained a gasp. Since he was here, refusing would be foolish.
The women present were practically starstruck; he was so handsome, so gentlemanly, so refined. His humble inquiry was captivating.
Evan addressed the crowd.”Last night, I saved Ms. Frost.”
“I was meeting a client at that hotel. Leaving, I encountered Ms. Frost in the hallway, disoriented. The person assisting her seemed suspicious, so I had the hotel investigate; then, I helped her. Luckily, we arrived in time; she wasn’t harmed.” He gave a detailed account, omitting ambiguous details. This served as testimony while preventing malicious rumors.
I admired his thoroughness. But a man so meticulous… why would he “stroll” into this event, inviting trouble? Unless… I was so miserable, he’d felt an overwhelming surge of sympathy?
Lost in thought, I stared at him; this adoring gaze didn’t escape Julian’s notice. He clenched his fists.
The Shaws and Crowes were silent; Rita tried to cause more trouble, but Caffrey covered her mouth. The guests nodded, fully believing Evan’s account. The Jones heir’s testimony carried immense weight! Even if I’d slept with eight men, even with irrefutable evidence, they’d turn a blind eye and a deaf ear. To contradict him would be to insult him. But his concern indicated nothing had happened; otherwise, even a pitiable beauty wouldn’t evoke his compassion if she were truly defiled.
“Thank you for saving my wife!” Julian put his arm around me, asserting his claim.
behalf!
Before Evan could respond, I coldly shrugged off Julian’s arm. “Mr. Shaw, you have no right to thank him on my And the divorce isn’t a joke. You’ve already signed the agreement; tomorrow noon is the final cooling–off period!” Julian’s mind and heart felt like they’d exploded; his voice was panicked and strained.“You really want a divorce?” He didn’t believe it. She loved him so much; she wouldn’t leave him; she was just venting her anger.
My eyes were filled with unwavering coldness. I glanced at the time.“The police will arrive soon. Instead of worrying about the divorce, you should be concerned about your Sugarplum and your mother. And you won’t escape either; your Sugarplum said you were involved.”
His eyes were bloodshot. “You believe I’d do that to you? I would never hurt you!”
… I looked at him silently, then suddenly laughed.“Never hurt me? How dare you say that?”
“You think I only just found out about you and Rita?”
“I knew all along. Every date, every hotel room, every vacation…”
“Have you ever experienced having your heart repeatedly stabbed, not dying, but being slowly tortured, day and night, suffering in hell? What did I do wrong? Where did I fail you?” My voice was soft and gentle, each word dripping with
sorrow.
He gasped for air. My words were like needles piercing his heart; he regretted his actions; he’d been blinded; he didn’t want a divorce; he couldn’t lose me!
While we spoke, Evan had turned away. Intentionally or not, he shielded me, so people only heard my voice, not seeing my expression.
< Chapter 25
Memu
The police entered. They approached the Shaws and Crowes, producing arrest warrants, taking Rita, Seraphine, and Julian into custody. Rita wailed, but the Crowes were powerless. The evidence was overwhelming. And Evan had appeared to support me. They could only contact their lawyers.
The dramatic and shocking scene finally ended. The actors were exhausted; the audience had a front–row seat. For the next week, Chicago’s elite would be discussing tonight’s events; those who missed it would regret it.
Soon, the guests began to leave. Evan and Zach left first. I waited until Evan left before exiting. Instead of taking a taxi, I walked to the park behind the hotel, leaning weakly against a tree. The dim lights cast shadows; in my red dress, I looked like a vengeful, beautiful ghost.
I knew who the mastermind and accomplices were. I knew Julian wasn’t involved; Seraphine had only helped Rita lure me to the hotel. But I deliberately omitted this when I called the police–I wanted them all arrested and interrogated. Julian deserved this!
“Tap tap tap…” Footsteps approached. A sophisticated woody scent filled the air. I lazily looked up. The dim light illuminated him, his profile half–hidden, his eyes downcast, his expression unreadable; his tall figure exuded an imposing presence.
“Your revenge is complete; you should be happy, yet you’re here brooding?”
“…Tired.” And, why are you following me? I didn’t dare ask the latter.
He paused.“If you’re tired, go home and sleep.”
I immediately stood up. “You’re right. I’m going home now. Goodbye, Mr. Jones!” Running a few steps, I turned back. Thank you for today!”
Evan:…
I took a taxi to my new home. I didn’t drive; I used the elevator from the lobby. The doors opened, and I froze. Evan was inside. Forcing myself to enter, I used the fingerprint scanner, looking up at him with a smile. “Mr. Jones, you must be tired too.”
“Mm, go home and sleep.”
“Me too.”
“So?” He tilted his head, his expression cool
… I was stumped by the “so.” Uh?? Does this conversation continue with a ‘so“??
