Chapter 9

Evelyn Sinclair's fingertips trembled slightly.

She stared into Alexander Kingsley's eyes, waiting for the answer that would crush him.

If he dared admit it.

She would humiliate this arrogant man in court.

"Did Isabella send you?" Alexander suddenly closed the distance between them.

Before Evelyn could react, he seized her wrist and yanked her against his unyielding chest.

"Don't move," he growled.

A camera flash briefly illuminated the stairwell.

Alexander moved swiftly, pulling her into the hallway and slamming the fire door shut.

Evelyn's face pressed against his chest, his familiar cold cologne filling her senses.

"Your doing?" He threw her onto the bed the moment they entered the room.

His icy gaze raked over her. "I warned you not to scheme for public recognition."

His grip on her jaw made her wince.

Evelyn suddenly laughed. "You overestimate yourself, Lord Alex."

Once, she might have hoped. But now...

"You and I are nothing to each other."

Alexander released her and adjusted his cuffs with deliberate calm.

"Remember those words."

He pulled a black card from his wallet and tossed it onto the bed.

"Behave before Grandfather's birthday banquet."

Evelyn eyed the card with bitter amusement.

She flicked it away. "Is this hush money?"

Alexander's expression darkened. He threw a blue velvet box at her.

The True Love logo burned her eyes.

Inside lay a multicolored diamond dragonfly brooch, its facets gleaming coldly under the lights.

"Like it?" His tone dripped sarcasm.

Evelyn lifted the brooch, its sharp edges digging into her palm.

"Did you buy this..." she asked softly, "with Isabella's butterfly brooch?"

Alexander frowned. "What difference does it make?"

Evelyn doubled over with laughter.

Tears welled in her eyes before she tossed the brooch back into the box.

"Thank you for your generosity, Lord Alex."

Alexander's eyes flashed. He hauled her upright.

"Two million plus this isn't enough?"

Evelyn tilted her head defiantly. "The lobby's swarming with reporters. Aren't you afraid they'll catch the great Alexander Kingsley with his ex in a hotel room?"

She leaned closer, her breath brushing his jaw. "Imagine the headlines—"

"Evelyn!" He shoved her away violently.

Disgust churned in his eyes. "Finally showing your true colors?"

Evelyn smoothed her rumpled collar and smiled brightly. "Why pretend?"

She picked up the brooch box and weighed it in her hand.

"I'll keep this." Walking toward the door, she added, "Best wishes to you and Isabella."

Her fingers touched the doorknob.

A deafening crash echoed behind her.

Alexander had smashed the vase on the coffee table.

"Get out!"

Evelyn didn't look back as she opened the door.

At the end of the hallway, another camera flash went off.