Chapter 5

Daniel Sterling's fingers tightened abruptly, his knuckles turning white. His pupils contracted violently as he stood frozen in the doorway.

"Daniel, why are you—"

Evelyn Sullivan's voice cut off. Her hand paused mid-motion, towel still pressed to her damp hair. Her gaze traveled over Daniel's shoulder, locking onto Ethan Sullivan's dark, stormy eyes.

"What are you doing here?" Her voice was ice-cold.

Ethan's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Seems I interrupted something?"

The towel twisted in Evelyn's grip, but her expression remained calm. "You received the divorce papers. When are we going to the courthouse?"

"Evelyn!" Ethan stepped forward abruptly. "I didn't sign them. You're coming home with me."

He reached for her, but Daniel moved between them in a flash.

Ethan's gaze turned dangerous. "Looking to get blacklisted?"

Daniel didn't flinch. "Good luck trying, Mr. Sullivan." He glanced at Evelyn. "She doesn't want to go with you."

Ethan pulled out his phone, finger hovering over the call button.

"Ethan." Evelyn spoke suddenly. "Let's talk."

The screen dimmed, but Ethan's fury burned hotter. "Already protecting him? You found yourself quite the distraction while I was gone this past month."

Ignoring him, Evelyn turned to Daniel. "Go. I'll handle this."

Daniel hesitated, then nodded. "Call me if you need anything."

The moment the door closed, Ethan grabbed Evelyn's wrist and dragged her outside.

"Let go!" She struggled, her heels stumbling on the steps.

Silent, Ethan shoved her roughly into the passenger seat of his Maybach. The engine roared as the car sped up the winding mountain road.

"Stop the car!" Evelyn pounded on the window. "Ethan, have you lost your mind?"

"Seatbelt." His grip on the steering wheel turned white-knuckled as the speedometer needle climbed.

Evelyn laughed coldly. "I meant what I said about the divorce."

A screech of brakes. Evelyn's forehead slammed into the dashboard. Darkness swam in her vision.

"Divorce?" Ethan's voice was lethal. "So you can run off with that actor? Dream on."

She pressed a hand to her throbbing temple. "You're in love with Isabella. I'm stepping aside. What more do you want?"

"What does she have to do with this?"

"Don't play dumb." Evelyn's lips curled in derision. "Shall I remind you who really holds your heart?"

The car filled with suffocating silence.

Ethan's phone buzzed. The name "Isabella Jackson" flashed on the screen.

"Ethan..." A tearful voice came through the speaker. "The power's out... I'm scared..."

His brow furrowed. "I'm on my way."

Hanging up, he met Evelyn's mocking stare. "The villa lost power. Isabella's afraid of the dark."

"Go." Evelyn pushed the door open. "Your signature on those papers is just a formality. I don't love you anymore. This marriage is over."

The night wind tangled in her hair as she walked away. Ethan watched her retreating figure, then slammed his fist into the steering wheel.