"Mr. Rutherford, you've misunderstood. My relationship with Miss Watson is strictly professional."

My eyebrows rose. "Professional?"

Then I gestured toward the lingerie in his hand. "Is this part of the job too?"

Evan's smile faltered for just a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. He slowly placed Francine's lingerie into his bag, then turned to face me, his eyes filled with challenge.

"Mr. Rutherford, since you're so curious, let me tell you."

He lowered his voice, the corner of his mouth curling into a mocking grin.

"You're right. My relationship with Francine has long since gone beyond the professional."

My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms, but I felt no pain.

Then, Evan spoke flippantly, "Our first intimate contact was in the company's break room. That day, she was drunk and kissed me first."

His tone was smug, as if he were bragging about some great victory.

"Francine knows exactly what she wants. I admit that I couldn't resist the temptation. Later, we were at hotels, in the car, even on your family's sofa. She's far more passionate and open than you think."

Each word felt like a knife, stabbing deep into my chest.

I thought I had moved on, but hearing these vivid details, my rage consumed every bit of reason I had left.

"Shut up!"

I lunged forward, grabbing his collar.

Evan didn't resist. Instead, he smiled that damn victorious smile.

He leaned in, his voice lowering to a whisper, just loud enough for me to hear.

"What's wrong? Can't take it?"

Evan sneered at me, his smile sharp and malicious. "Francine said it herself, Carson. I'm much better than you. In work, in bed, all of it. She regrets marrying you, and even more, she regrets not meeting me sooner. This trip to the Maldives? That's the honeymoon she promised me. Don't worry. I'll take better care of her than you ever did. Maybe even get her pregnant with our kid!"

That was it—the final straw.

I raised my fist, prepared to hit, but suddenly I felt a cold object in my hand.

Unaware, Evan had secretly concealed a small knife there. Before I could realize what was happening, he seized my wrist, pulled my arm toward his stomach, and pushed the knife in.

"Ahhh!" Evan screamed, the sound tearing through the air, and blood soaked his white shirt instantly.

I froze, unable to grasp what had just occurred.

Then, I heard rushed footsteps.

“Evan!”