Chapter 9

Julian's pupils constricted violently.

Evelyn?!

How could she be at the auction?

His Adam's apple bobbed as cold sweat broke across his back.

The cigar slipped silently from his fingers.

Adrian's gaze shifted, landing on Evelyn's pale face.

The air froze solid between them.

"Evelyn..." Julian's voice trembled.

Her crimson lips curved into a mocking smile.

"An explanation?" Her fingers brushed stray hairs behind her ear. "About how you called me a wooden doll? Or that I'm not fit to polish Isabella's shoes?"

Julian's face drained of color.

"The porcelain vases..." He suddenly remembered.

Evelyn gave a light laugh. "The second piece was a fake. The glaze was too new."

She turned toward the emergency exit.

Elevators made her nauseous since the pregnancy began.

Adrian's stare burned into her back.

So this was why he'd kept her hidden.

A sharp ache pierced her chest.

"Mr. Roscente!" An assistant rushed over in panic. "The buyer discovered issues with the porcelain!"

Isabella's smile froze.

She reached to comfort Julian, but Adrian had vanished.

"Father, I have the documents," she whispered into her phone. "Evelyn will take the fall."

The underground parking garage's fluorescent lights glared harshly.

Evelyn's fingers barely touched the car door when an iron grip seized her wrist.

Adrian pinned her against the vehicle.

"Who is Sebastian?" His thumb traced a fresh mark above her collarbone.

She struggled violently.

His scorching breath seared her ear. "You're not leaving until you answer."