Chapter 17

Evelyn's brows furrowed, a flicker of impatience flashing in her eyes.

"Ethan, what do you want? I admit it was my fault for marrying you without your consent. But for three years, I’ve done everything for you. Now I just want to leave. Is that too much to ask?"

Ethan's pupils constricted, his jaw tightening.

"I told you—divorce is not an option."

He took a step closer, his voice low and dangerous.

"I’ve already found out you weren’t with Daniel Sterling those days. Where did the five million come from? If you don’t want me to dig deeper, come home with me now."

Evelyn’s fingers clenched unconsciously, conflict flickering in her gaze.

Finally, she shook off his hand and got into the car.

The air inside the vehicle was suffocating.

Evelyn stared out the window at the blurring scenery, frustration churning inside her.

She didn’t understand why Ethan had suddenly changed his stance. He had never cared about their marriage before.

When they arrived at the villa, she headed straight upstairs.

"Your grandfather’s birthday is the day after tomorrow," Ethan’s voice came from behind her. "I prepared a pair of antique vases as a gift."

Evelyn paused but didn’t turn around.

"Do what you want."

"He’s your grandfather."

"So what?" She finally turned, a mocking smile curling her lips. "Blood ties mean nothing."

The Jackson family had never given her warmth. She had no interest in pleasing them.

"We’re attending the banquet together."

"Fine."

She tossed the word coldly over her shoulder and hurried upstairs.

The moment she entered her room, Sophia’s call came through.

"Evelyn, Ethan wants to see you."

She arched a brow. "About the MY acquisition?"

"Yes. Sullivan Group’s offer is tempting. The board is already swayed. If I hadn’t stalled—"

"Set up the meeting," Evelyn cut in. "I’ll face him sooner or later."

As soon as she hung up, a knock sounded at her door.

Ethan’s voice came through the wood. "Dinner’s ready. I have a business dinner, so eat without me."

She didn’t respond. Only when the sound of his car faded did she go downstairs.

The dining table was laden with her favorite dishes.

Evelyn froze for a second before forcing herself to eat calmly. She cleaned up afterward without a word.

Late into the night, the roar of an engine shattered the silence.

She looked up from her book to see Ethan stumbling out of the car, clearly drunk. After the driver left, he nearly fell several times.

Evelyn coldly drew the curtains.

But the noise from the master bedroom—thuds and crashes—made sleep impossible.

"Can you keep it down?" She slammed her fist against his door.

The noise stopped abruptly.

As she turned to leave, the door suddenly swung open.

A strong hand yanked her into the darkness.

"Ah!"

Ethan’s scorching body pinned her against the door, the heavy scent of alcohol enveloping her.

His lips crashed down on hers, searing and demanding, while his hands roamed her waist.

Evelyn struggled violently. "Let me go!"

With a sharp click, she turned on the light.

In the harsh glare, Ethan squinted. She saw the raw desire in his eyes—and something else she couldn’t decipher.

"I’ll find someone else for you," she said icily.

His grip tightened. "Evelyn, you’re my wife."

"Not for long."

He let out a cold laugh before suddenly biting down hard on her lip.

"Want a divorce?" His voice was glacial. "Fine. Spend tonight with me first."

Evelyn’s face went deathly pale.