Just after the first red light, Charles'' speeding Phantom caught up with Brooks'' Maybach. He was sitting in the back and was absolutely livid. His voice sounded as cold as ice when he ordered, "Make them stop."


    Through the lowered window, Charles red at Evelyn in the back seat, his eyes burning with an anger that could set the world aze. Evelyn was fully aware that she was in a state beyond her control, but she still had the nerve to leave with Brooks. That sent Charles'' fury through the roof.


    He''d let Evelyn lock Dahlia away for hours and even tolerated her taking out her frustrations on him. Why couldn''t she just move on? She''d gone so far as to use a blind date to rile him up. She ignored his warning in the car that morning, and when things went sideways, instead of reflecting, she decided to push his buttons by leaving with Brooks. Didn''t she fear he might actually abandon her?


    "Yes, Mr. Jenkins."


    Upon hearing themand, Aiden floored the gas pedal, overtaking Brooks'' car with ease. He was a skilled driver and kept the pressure on Brooks'' car. Brooks remained calm, expertly handling the steering wheel. He could shake off Aiden, but Evelyn was with him, and he couldn''t be as reckless as Aiden, who seemed ready to risk it all.


    During the chase, Brooks caught a glimpse of Evelyn. She was struggling to stay seated and swaying with every sharp turn. In a moment of distraction, her head banged against the window.


    Brooks'' eyes narrowed. He eased up his foot poised over the elerator, allowing Aiden to force him to stop.


    Before the car had fully halted, Charles, wearing a frosty expression, swung open the door and got out. With his tall frame and long strides, he quickly reached Brooks'' car. He opened the back door, leaned in, and, without a word, pulled the slightly dazed Evelyn into his arms.


    "Out."


    His voice was cold, brooking no argument. Almost at the same time, Brooks pushed open his door, stepping forward to intervene, but Aiden blocked his path. Brooks face darkened, and he brushed Aiden''s hand aside. Aiden was no match for Brooks.


    Once free, Brooks grabbed Charles'' arm. "Mr. Jenkins, let''s keep this civil. Evelyn just said she wants to leave with me."


    "Do you always take a woman''s angry words to heart?" Charles held Evelyn tightly, his possessiveness evident as he pressed her to him, shielding her from Brooks'' gaze.


    "Are you sure it''s just anger and not what she truly wants?"


    Brooks''ment made Charles'' expression even stormier. He refused to believe that Evelyn''s choice to leave with Brooks was genuine.


    As Evelyn regained her senses, she caught Charles'' familiar, unique scent. Even though her heart had grown cold over the years, his scent was indelibly etched into her memory.


    Recognizing him, Evelyn immediately struggled to break free. "Charles, let me go...!"


    She couldn''t go with him. She trusted Brooks'' integrity. As soon as she got into his car, he''d already arranged for a doctor to meet them at the hospital. He was a gentleman for thinking of her well-being before she even asked.


    But Charles? He only took advantage when it suited him. She didn''t want his touch.


    Charles acknowledged Evelyn''s resistance, and the chill in his eyes intensified. Ignoring Brooks, he leaned down and kissed Evelyn''s slightly parted lips. She was heated from her fever.