. Neither Evan nor Celine

to stand. She intended to leave the two of them, who

walk away from the table, E

d to his hand g

ould never forget-the night when the same hand now holding her a

ire was blazin

wiftly yanked her arm away, br

n said, his voice low but carrying

efly, then replied cold

sponse, she turned and wal

e cafe, and Evan followed her. She crossed her arms over her ches

finally asked, his tone flat, though his eyes

row, her expression

wanted to talk? Go ahe

xhaling slowly, as though trying to c

d for you at the apartment, but you never showed up. Yesterday was my birthday. Did y

ent. Inside, disgust and anger

hat changed everything-the night she

flawlessly. She recalled her plan with Sean to

n put on a face that appear

ure lately. My father keeps pushing me to take the company more seriously. He even said

ing as if she were on the verge of tears, ens

ern, and his tone became gentler as he said, "Cleo ... I had no idea you were under so much press

ad lowered to hide the flicker of tri

offering a reassuring smile. "We can spend some tim

g at his proposal but mainta

e, she suddenly

ant document to finish tonight. My father will be furi

ed to hide it. "Then let me help

handle it on my own. Besides, you must be exhausted, right?

gave in. "Alright, then at

here was no point in refusing further. Forcing a sma

ed the door for Cleo, his movements gentle as if

Evan quickly followed, closing the door

rd, even though Evan made an effort to f

s or slight nods-just enough to give

p. Evan reached over, taking Cleo's h

mind, but I want you to know I'

moment. His touch felt like

away and scream, but she knew doing so

m hold her hand even though disgus

house, Cleo quickly opened the car door

e home," she said cur

be too hard on yourself, Cleo. Ge

inside the house. She went straight to her

ipped off her clothes and r

soap onto her hands and scrubbing them vigorously. She rubbed every inch

irror. Her sharp eyes reflected the deep-seated hatred she had been har

ll tucked inside her bag.

ust in her hands bu

n the seal. Anxiety and fury cla

beginning of the revenge sh