Chapter 453

Evelyn was in unbearable agony. Yet she couldn't help rolling her eyes at the ridiculous assumption. These journalists really lacked imagination. Must every man and woman be romantically involved? Couldn't they just be friends?

"I'm Ms. Carter's bodyguard."

Alexander Whitmore gazed down tenderly at the woman in his arms, his entire world narrowing to only her existence. "And I'm also Ms. Carter's devoted admirer."

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock at his unexpected declaration.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as camera flashes exploded around them, bathing the scene in blinding light. These weren't ordinary reporters doing routine coverage tonight. They were completely engrossed, capturing every dramatic moment with feverish intensity.

Without warning, a tall figure materialized beside Evelyn like a sudden storm. Nathan Blackwood wordlessly tore her from Alexander's embrace, his iron grip locking around her waist. With silent efficiency, he began steering her through the chaotic crowd.

"Nathan! Release me! Who do you think you are?!" Evelyn winced in pain, her struggles proving futile against his unyielding hold.

Nathan remained deaf to her protests. His jaw clenched visibly, veins protruding at his temples as he single-mindedly propelled her forward.

He looked positively unhinged.

The spectators exchanged confused glances. So Evelyn Carter had two protectors? But there could only be one man by her side!

Reaching a secluded corridor, Evelyn finally snapped. She wrenched her arm free, her entire body trembling with fury.

The moment she slipped from his grasp, Nathan recaptured her slender wrist, dragging her back against his chest. One hand anchored firmly at the small of her back, pressing her flush against him as if terrified she might vanish.

He hadn't craved anything this desperately in years. And now, no matter how clear his mind remained, his body betrayed him with uncontrollable longing.

"Nathan! Have you completely lost your mind?!"

Evelyn felt utterly powerless. Her breath came in ragged gasps as the searing pain in her abdomen forced tears to her eyes.

"What more do you want from me, Evelyn? What must I do to stop this torment between us?" Nathan's breathing grew labored.

His voice trembled as moisture gathered in his eyes. In this moment, Nathan appeared equal parts enraged, humiliated, and desperate.

"Torment? That's rich!"

Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut. She lacked the energy to argue with this delusional, mentally unstable man. She was done with him. "Release me, or don't blame me for what happens next. Three... two..."

"Do you truly believe I'm incapable of protecting you? Or is this your way of humiliating me?!" Nathan's grip tightened dangerously, his eyes burning crimson.

He'd just witnessed Alexander Whitmore's public declaration.

His ex-wife. His woman.

Yet another man dared lay claim to her, openly courting her affection.

In that moment, his heart endured agony equivalent to a thousand stampeding horses.

His body felt leaden, as if sinking into an endless abyss.

"One." Evelyn's expression turned glacial as she uttered the final count.

"Evelyn—"

Whoosh!

In the next heartbeat, Evelyn's lips curled in cold disdain. The gleaming edge of a butterfly knife pressed against Nathan's chest.