Chapter 20

Evelyn felt like invisible hands were closing around her throat.

The air grew thick as the room began to spin uncontrollably.

How could Dominic possibly be Mr. X?

Mr. X had transferred eight hundred thousand dors and expressed interest in Thornfield Industries. Why would Dominic do such a thing?

Yet if he wasn't Mr. X, what was he doing in this private room?

Her thoughts raced as she studied the man before her. The wheelchair, the dark shirt, that unnaturally pale complexion - everything confirmed this was Dominic Blackwood.

Evelyn exhaled sharply and instinctively retreated, only to find the door firmly shut behind her.

"Leaving without proper greetings?"

Her visible discomfort made Dominic's lips press into a thin line.

"What brings you to a place like this?"

Evelyn nervously tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, forcing composure. "I... I'm meeting friends for dinner."

"This is a bar."

"Oh..."

Her eyes darted around the lavish private room that suddenly felt like a prison.

"I... must have the wrong room. I should go find them."

"Evelyn Thorne," Dominic's voice cut through the air like ice. "Did my warning this morning mean nothing to you?"

"I heard you," Evelyn countered, "but I don't live by your commands."

The memory of their last confrontation burned fresh in her mind.

She'd been sober that night, yet he'd accused her of dressing provocatively to attract male attention.

Dominic's eyebrows arched at her defiance.

She was unlike other women - fiercely independent, unyielding to authority. Most frustratingly, his threats never seemed to faze her.

Which meant she didn't take him seriously at all.

Dominic lifted his wineglass, taking a deliberate sip.

Evelyn steadied her breathing. "Why are you here? I thought you were dining at the family estate."

She desperately wanted to ask if he was Mr. X, but fear held her tongue.

The possibilities terrified her.

If he was Mr. X, how would they conduct business?

If not, how would she explain her earlier deception?

"Join me for a drink," Dominic commanded, his bloodshot eyes locking onto hers.

Evelyn's brow furrowed.

What game was he playing?

"I don't drink," she stated firmly. His intentions were unreadable, and she needed escape. "Enjoy your evening. I'm leaving!"

The door refused to budge despite her efforts.

Locked from the outside.

"Dominic! Open this door!" Her cheeks flushed with anger.

"I said drink with me," his voice turned dangerous. "Are you deaf or just pretending?"

Cold sweat trickled down Evelyn's spine, her legs trembling.

If only she could drink, she'd humor him to end this nightmare.

But she couldn't.

Not now.

Not even if he threatened her life.

Trapped, she approached him cautiously.

"I lied this morning," Evelyn admitted, avoiding his gaze. "I had a business meeting tonight. Someone agreed to invest in my father's company."

"Who?"

"I don't know his name."

"You'd meet a nameless stranger?"

"Vincent was coming with me."

"Where is he then?"

"Stuck in traffic."

Evelyn met Dominic's stare with watery eyes. "I'm an adult. Even as your wife, I deserve my own life. You have no right to control me."

As she spoke, Dominic took another sip, his throat moving hypnotically.

Would he get drunk?

How would he return home if he did?

Her thoughts scattered as Dominic's hand shot out, gripping her arm painfully.

Before she could react, he flung her onto the plush couch.

Though soft, the impact stung her pride.

Did he see her as some plaything?

Denied even basic autonomy?

Clenching her teeth, she started to rise.

Then froze.

Dominic stood before her - towering, menacing, completely out of his wheelchair.

Her mind blanked.

All anger forgotten.

Words failed her.

In one swift motion, Dominic pinned her down.

"Men bring women here for one reason. If that's not your purpose, why come?"

His fingers gripped her chin painfully, forcing her mouth open.

With his free hand, he lifted the wineglass, its contents sloshing ominously.

Terror seized Evelyn.

Tears streamed as she struggled uselessly beneath his weight.

"You answer a stranger's invitation... You need to learn consequences," Dominic growled, tipping the wine into her mouth.

Evelyn clawed at his arms, but his strength was terrifying for someone recently ill.

The image of him standing flashed through her mind - so much taller than she'd imagined.

The bitter liquid choked her, triggering violent coughs.

She felt herself drowning.

Instinct took over.

In panic, she yanked Dominic's collar, sending a button flying.

Cool air hit his exposed chest.

Seeing her tear-streaked face, something in Dominic shifted.

He released her chin.

Evelyn immediately spat out the wine.

"I hate you, Dominic Blackwood!" she sobbed, fists clenched.

"One drink. Was that so difficult?"

His momentary pity vanished. Fingers moved to her collar, popping buttons to reveal delicate collarbones.

"If not me, another man would be doing this! These are the wages of your lies!"