Exit the Catfights Enter the Empire novel Chapter 2

"Xavier!" Evelyn lay on the sofa, suddenly speaking up. "Aren't you afraid I'll go straight to your grandfather and have him send Vickie Fulton away?"

Vickie was Valerie's sister. That woman wasn't as young, as beautiful, or as well-connected as Evelyn, yet just because she resembled Valerie, Xavier kept her tucked away like a precious treasure.

Xavier whipped around and grabbed Evelyn by the throat. His thin lips curved into a smile, but the glint in his eyes was as sharp as a blade. "I suggest you behave yourself, Evelyn. Otherwise, I can't guarantee what I might do. Understood?"

Evelyn was absolutely certain she saw murder in his eyes. For the sake of Vickie—a mere stand-in—he wanted her dead. A chill ran through her chest, and sorrow spilled into her gaze.

He stared at her for a moment before tossing her aside. Pulling out a tissue, he meticulously wiped his fingers, not even missing his cuticles, looking as thoroughly disgusted as if he had just touched radioactive waste.

Evelyn's heart violently seized, as if crushed by an invisible hand, leaving her gasping for air.

She watched him slam the door on his way out, slumping back against the couch as a few tears escaped her eyes.

What was worse than the man you love being in love with someone else?

It was when the woman he loved was dead.

When someone dies, they can never make a mistake again. As time passes, they only become more flawless, an untouchable memory, a perfect illusion that leaves the living wife forever trapped in the shadows.

If she had a choice, she truly wouldn't want to love Xavier anymore.

But she couldn't help it. Ever since that year he carried her out of the blizzard, she had fallen for him. By now, it was a terminal condition.

Evelyn smoothed out her clothes. By the time she looked up again, her expression was perfectly calm, erasing every trace of her prior heartbreak.

She opened the door and walked out, finding Xavier's tall, straight figure waiting in the hallway.

He shot her a glance. "Grandpa's waiting for us at home."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify