Chapter 3

The next morning, a knock startled Evelyn from her daze. She opened the door groggily.

Three bodyguards stood in unison, gesturing politely. "Miss Hayes, Mr. Dobson sent us to escort you. He's arranged a new residence."

Before she could react, they ushered her firmly out of the hotel.

As the car pulled away, she glanced at the unfamiliar route outside, a spark of unease flaring within her.

Seizing a moment when the bodyguards weren't watching, she opened her contacts, intending to call her father. A hand snatched her phone away.

"Miss Hayes, Mr. Dobson's orders are clear. No outside contact without his permission." The bodyguard pocketed her phone and fell silent.

Evelyn dug her nails into her palm, forcing herself to stay calm. Brute force wouldn't solve this.

She couldn't fathom what Kristian Dobson wanted.

Soon, the car stopped smoothly outside a villa, eerily quiet with no one in sight.

The bodyguards led her inside, her face set in a cold mask.

In the villa's living room, a butler and two maids waited. The sofa overflowed with gift boxes, dazzling with luxury.

She scanned the items-a limited-edition Chanel bag, a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, and other high-end brands' latest pieces.

Turning to the butler, she asked darkly, "What's this? Does Kristian plan to lock me away as his little pet? Tell him to face me."

The butler lowered his gaze, mute. The bodyguards mirrored his silence.

She nearly laughed in frustration, trapped with no means to fight back.

For now, she had to bide her time and find a way to escape.

For three days, Evelyn lived like a puppet, every move dictated.

Even a trip to the bathroom came with a maid stationed outside, knocking every ten minutes to ensure she hadn't fled.

She asked to sunbathe in the backyard, but the butler repeated, "Mr. Dobson forbids you to leave this room."

Just as her patience frayed, Kristian appeared.

He showed no guilt, lounging on the sofa, sipping red wine. "Evelyn, you could never afford this life, no matter how hard you tried. You should thank me for giving it to you."

His hair was slicked back, his expensive suit paired with gold-rimmed glasses. His every gesture dripped with arrogance.

This was not the simple man she once knew.

Money had consumed him. Evelyn looked away, unwilling to waste words.

Talk was pointless.

Kristian ignored her icy demeanor, a faint smile playing on his lips as he signaled the butler to present a black off-shoulder gown.

"There's a private gala. Laura wants you to see the world." He caressed her cheek, as if soothing a pet.

Evelyn shoved his hand away, glaring. "Kristian, I'm not going to any gala. Let me go. Do you hear me?"

If not for the odds against her, she'd have slapped him senseless.

He'd betrayed her. Why play the devoted lover now?

It was repulsive.

The tension hung heavy, but Kristian seemed unfazed, as if he'd anticipated her defiance. He pulled a pocket-watch necklace from his coat.

His tone was careless. "This was your grandmother's keepsake. Wouldn't it be a shame if it broke?"

Her eyes flashed with panic. She blurted, "Don't touch it. I'll go."

Satisfied, Kristian smiled and summoned a makeup artist to prepare her.

She sat before the mirror, heart aching, tears slipping down her cheeks.

In their second year together, Kristian had asked for her most cherished possession. Foolishly, she'd handed over the necklace, giving him her weakness.

Now, she hated herself for it.

Half an hour later, Evelyn followed Kristian silently to the Clarke family's private gala.

The lively chatter stopped abruptly at her arrival.

Laura Clarke, teetering on stilettos, rushed to Kristian's side, looping her arm through his. "Honey, it's only been half a day, and I already miss you."

She spoke while casting a dismissive glance at Evelyn.

Kristian tapped her nose playfully. "I'm with you twenty-four hours a day, and you miss me after half a day? So clingy."

Ruby Edwards, Laura's loyal sidekick, chimed in. "Laura's head over heels for you. Don't take it for granted."

At her words, the crowd, as if rehearsed, shot Evelyn scornful looks. Some even snickered.