Theodore.

Evelyn quickly raised her hands, stepping back to create distance. "Mr. Vance, please stop. I am a married woman."

Theodore let out a cold, dismissive laugh. "I'm aware. But that invalid, Alexander Blackwood, cannot possibly give you the happiness you deserve."

After confirming Evelyn was the one who had saved his life years ago, Theodore had ordered a deep investigation into her past. He discovered she had been betrayed by her ex-boyfriend just before marrying Alexander.

In Theodore's eyes, Alexander was nothing more than a wheelchair-bound reject from the Blackwood family, hardly a worthy opponent. He was confident he could make Evelyn his.

While initially relieved to see Theodore alive, his derogatory words about her husband instantly soured her mood. Her expression turned cold. "I must insist you show some respect when speaking about my husband."

Seeing her defend Alexander so fiercely only fueled the jealousy burning inside Theodore.

Clenching his jaw, he made his offer. "Evelyn, I can give you everything. Wealth, influence, anything you could ever want. Marry me, and it's all yours. Why remain loyal to a man like Alexander?"

Evelyn stared at him, taken aback by his audacity.

Their previous interactions had been limited. His sudden obsession was both puzzling and unwelcome. She realized any further conversation would be futile.

She took a steadying breath, her voice calm but firm. "Mr. Vance, I came here tonight to discuss business. If you are not interested in a professional partnership, then this conversation is over."

She moved to walk past him, but he blocked her path, his gaze intense. "And what if I'm not ready to let you leave?"

A spike of fear shot through her.

The man whose life she had saved was now threatening her.

Her first instinct was to fight back, but she remembered the bodyguards stationed outside the door. She was outnumbered. A direct confrontation would be unwise.

So, she changed her approach, forcing her posture to remain composed. "I cannot stop you from wanting to repay a debt."

A flicker of anticipation lit Theodore's eyes, like a child seeing a desired toy within reach.

Evelyn continued, her tone unwavering. "However, if your intention is truly to repay me, shouldn't it be on my terms? Forcing me into something I do not want would only turn gratitude into resentment."

Theodore's brow furrowed. "That is not my intention, Evelyn. I genuinely wish to treat you well."

"Then let me leave. All I want right now is to walk out of here safely."

Theodore fell silent.

Evelyn maintained her cool exterior, but internally, every nerve was on edge. Her hand slipped discreetly into her purse, her fingers closing around a small can of pepper spray.

Seconds stretched into an eternity before Theodore finally relented. "Very well. You may go."

Evelyn exhaled a silent breath of relief and turned towards the door. But his voice stopped her once more.

With her back to him, he posed his final, haunting question. "Evelyn, are you truly telling me you will never consider divorcing Alexander?"

Her answer was immediate and absolute. "My husband and I share a bond that is unbreakable. I will never abandon him. Not for any price."

A heavy silence filled the room. Then, suddenly, Theodore began to laugh.

The sound was harsh and unexpected. Puzzled, Evelyn turned to face him again, her brows drawn together in confusion as she tried to decipher the meaning behind his laughter.