Chapter 16

"Thanks for the ride." The moment the car stopped, Evelyn threw open the door and stepped out in a hurry, clutching her shopping bags. She slammed the door shut behind her and marched toward a rundown building.

Two thugs were smoking outside, their eyes scanning the street.

Liam knew instantly this wasn't a normal place. The men at the entrance were clearly guards.

He ordered the driver to call for reinforcements before stepping out and following Evelyn.

The thugs recognized her. They let her pass without question but blocked Liam when he tried to enter.

Liam gestured toward the door. "That woman you just let in is my wife. I'm going in with her."

One of the men smirked. "Dominic's sister is your wife? You'd have better luck telling me I'm your damn father, pal."

Liam had no patience for words. Men like these only understood one language.

His expression darkened. His fist flew before they could react.

A sharp crack echoed as his punch landed on the first thug's skull, knocking him out cold.

The second man scrambled for his knife, but Liam was faster. A brutal strike sent him crumpling to the ground, writhing in agony.

Liam pulled out a handkerchief, wiping his hands as he stepped inside.

The dimly lit corridor led to a crowded underground casino. The air was thick with smoke and the murmur of gamblers.

A commotion in the corner caught his attention.

He pushed through the crowd—and froze.

Evelyn had pulled a burlap sack over a man's head. She swung the baseball bat with terrifying force, striking him again and again.

The man screamed, clawing at the sack, but she didn't stop. Her jaw was clenched, her movements ruthless. She looked ready to break every bone in his body.

No one intervened. The spectators only whispered among themselves.

"Damn, Dominic's sister doesn't hold back."

"If your brother sold you to traffickers and you survived, you'd do worse."

"Should've stabbed him instead!"

The casino manager finally spoke up. "Hey, Dominic's sister, he still owes me a fortune. You kill him, who's paying his debts?"

Evelyn ignored him. She only paused when her arms grew tired, breathing heavily, sweat glistening on her skin.

The moment the beating stopped, the man yanked off the sack. "Who the hell—"

His voice died when he saw her.

His face paled.

How was she alive?

"E-Evelyn? You're back?" He scrambled to his feet despite his injuries.

Evelyn took a slow breath, her voice icy. "Don't say my name. You lost that right." She tightened her grip on the bat. "Yes, I survived. And now, you're not my brother—you're my enemy. Pray you kill me first, because I won't stop until you're broken."

Dominic staggered back, forcing a weak smile. "Evelyn, come on. We're family."

She raised the bat again. "I swear on Dad's grave, I'm leaving you crippled today."

Dominic panicked. "He was my father too!" He bolted into the crowd, dragging his injured leg behind him.

Evelyn moved to chase him—then froze.

Liam stood there, watching.

Her breath hitched.

His polished presence was starkly out of place in this den of filth.

Her stomach twisted.

When had he come in?