Chapter 138

Adrian's pupils contracted violently as he stared at the fruit knife buried deep in Evelyn's chest.

His hands jerked away as if electrocuted.

"You're insane!" His voice came out hoarse and broken.

His entire body trembled in disbelief.

How could she?

He had only meant to scare her into leaving this dangerous place.

Evelyn's lips curved into a tragic smile, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

"How touching," she whispered. "Mr. Valentine would go this far to avenge his fiancée. Adrian's love for Isabella is truly moving."

Adrian's heart twisted painfully.

That wasn't it at all.

He had been trying to protect her.

Vincent would have her killed the moment the first batch of ore was extracted. She had escaped safely—why had she come back?

Zachary stood guard outside the door, blocking the swarm of reporters. He trusted his boss knew her limits—she would never walk into certain death.

Adrian caught Evelyn as she swayed, pulling her against his chest. Agony tore through him.

Her vision blurred from pain, but she still saw the panic in his eyes. A victorious smile touched her lips.

Adrian Valentine, I hate you.

Her eyes fluttered shut as she collapsed in his arms.

"No! Evelyn—" Adrian's voice cracked. "I never meant to hurt you. Please...open your eyes."

He held her tighter, drowning in regret.

He couldn't protect her.

The enemies were too many, the dangers too pervasive. No amount of bodyguards could stop an attack from the shadows.

The office door burst open with a crash.

Nathan stormed in, eyes blazing. "Adrian! How dare you lay a hand on her!"

His fist connected with Adrian's face.

Adrian took the blow without flinching, refusing to loosen his grip on Evelyn. After over four hundred days apart, he couldn't bear to let go.

"Adrian!" Nathan seized his collar. "She'll die if you don't release her! Is that what you want?"

The words snapped Adrian out of his daze.

Seeing Evelyn's blood-soaked clothes, he gathered her in his arms and bolted for the door.

Zachary blocked the exit, gaze icy. "Put her down."

"Move!" Adrian snarled, eyes bloodshot.

When Zachary reached for Evelyn, Adrian twisted away.

"Get a car ready if you want her to live!" Adrian barked.

Zachary sneered. "You stabbed her. Don't play the hero now."

Pain lanced through Adrian's chest, but he only held Evelyn closer. No other man would touch her.

Nathan rushed forward, paling at Evelyn's ashen face. "Zachary! We need to save her first!"