Chapter 56

Evelyn Sullivan pulled open the car door with an impassive expression, only to have it blocked by a hand with distinct knuckles.

"We need to talk." Ethan Sullivan's voice was low.

"Unnecessary." She didn’t even bother to look at him.

His Adam's apple bobbed. "I went too far last time."

Her fingers stilled. She hadn’t expected an apology from him. When she lifted her gaze, she met eyes so deep they seemed bottomless.

"Apology accepted." She turned to leave. "Now move."

Ethan suddenly gripped her wrist. "You're still angry."

"Don’t flatter yourself." She yanked her hand free. "My feelings are none of your concern."

The screech of tires pierced the air as her red sports car sped away.

For the next two weeks, tabloids were filled with photos of the Sullivan Group CEO attending events with the rising designer Isabella Jackson. Evelyn flipped past them without a second glance, as if they were strangers.

At ten o'clock one night, the doorbell of her villa rang abruptly.

Peering through the peephole, Evelyn saw Ethan standing outside. Her fingers tightened around the hem of her nightgown. When she opened the door, the pungent scent of alcohol hit her.

"You're drunk?" She frowned.

Ethan braced one hand against the doorframe, his tie loose. "Do you remember what today is?"

Only then did it dawn on her—their third wedding anniversary. She scoffed. "Finally remembered you have a wife?"

"I brought you a gift." He stepped closer without warning.

Evelyn retreated. "I don’t want—"

Before she could finish, his scorching lips crashed onto hers. She bit down hard, drawing blood. The metallic taste spread between them.

"Psycho!" She wiped her mouth furiously.

Ethan only chuckled as he fastened a diamond necklace around her throat. "Happy anniversary, Mrs. Sullivan." The cold metal touched her skin, and she jerked back, but he seized her wrist.

"Try taking it off." His eyes darkened dangerously. "I won’t hesitate to kiss you again."

Trembling with rage, she demanded, "What do you want?"

His long fingers brushed her cheek. "Three months. How much longer will you keep this up?"

"Keep this up?" She shoved him away. "Ethan, you’ll never understand respect."

Under the moonlight, the pendant glinted coldly—mirroring the ice in her gaze.