The driver quickly apologized. "My deepest apologies, Mr. Blackwood. There appears to be an unforeseen obstruction ahead."

Alexander tightened his arm around Evelyn, his brow furrowed as he looked forward. "How did this happen so abruptly?"

Before them, a scene of utter chaos unfolded. Several high-end vehicles were scattered across the roadway in a haphazard mess, completely disregarding any traffic laws.

"What is going on out there?" Alexander's tone was laced with both irritation and curiosity.

Evelyn, having steadied her breathing, leaned forward to assess the situation alongside him. A cluster of cars sat idly in the middle of the road, their drivers seemingly oblivious to the long line of angry, honking cars building up behind them.

"I will go and see what the matter is," the driver stated, opening the door and stepping into the cool night air.

He returned shortly, his expression grim. "I've made some inquiries," he reported, slightly out of breath. "This disruption is connected to Theodore Vance. He has just returned to the city and chose to make a public appearance tonight after a prolonged absence. It seems every influential figure in Crestwood is vying for his attention."

He paused briefly before adding, "The authorities have been notified and are on their way to clear this."

Alexander's face darkened as he absorbed the information. "So, this entire spectacle is just to curry favor with Theodore?"

He had always known Theodore was insufferably arrogant. But this level of public, reckless disregard was shocking.

Was Theodore deliberately causing this scene?

Could this brazen display be part of some larger scheme?

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Theodore Vance.

Her mind instantly flashed back to the man she had previously encountered.

"Who is this Theodore Vance?" Evelyn asked, unable to hide her curiosity.

The driver answered promptly. "Theodore has been a persistent adversary of the founder of Aethelgard Industries for many years. He interferes in their business operations openly and covertly. This is common knowledge here."

Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise. "He's actually the rival of Aethelgard Industries' founder?"

This revelation added a new layer of complexity to an already tense situation.

She already held a deep dislike for Theodore. Learning of his long-standing vendetta against the founder of Aethelgard Industries, a man she greatly admired, fueled her indignation.

A surge of anger rose within her, but Evelyn knew she had to keep her feelings concealed.

The last thing Evelyn needed was for Alexander to find out about her past admiration for the founder of Aethelgard Industries.

He was notoriously possessive.

Completely unaware of her inner turmoil, Alexander continued, his voice laced with contempt. "Theodore Vance is not just arrogant. Rumor has it he's responsible for ruining countless lives."

Evelyn's eyes flew open wide.

Shock and disbelief were written across her face.

"How could anyone be that cruel?" she gasped.

A cold dread washed over her.

The man she had once helped out of simple kindness was truly monstrous.

Annoyance churned inside her with every passing second.

If she had known his true character, she would never have intervened.

She would have let him face his own wretched destiny.

The memory of his marriage proposal made her skin crawl.

How dare he?

She cursed the misfortune that had tangled her life with his.

Lost in her dark thoughts, Evelyn didn't notice Alexander's worried stare.

He saw her distant, frightened expression and misinterpreted it.

His hands tightened on her shoulders, a firm, protective hold.

"Don't be afraid," he whispered, his voice low and reassuring. "If we ever encounter him, I will keep you safe."

Evelyn bit her lower lip.

A profound unease settled in her stomach.

She was only now grasping the full scale of Theodore Vance's power in Crestwood.

With his immense status, he was undoubtedly surrounded by willing admirers.

Having been exposed to so many women, surely he wouldn't continue pursuing a married woman like her.

Not after she had already rejected him so definitively.