Chapter 5
1029 Words
Evelyn had already circled the Westwood estate twice, her anxiety mounting with each passing moment. The estate was enormous, and the surrounding villas looked almost identical; she couldn't tell which one was the main house. She knew that in a family as strict as the Westwoods, being late for the first breakfast would have severe consequences, and she dreaded to think how she would face them.
There was no one around—the vast grounds were devoid of any servants or staff she could ask for directions. A dull ache throbbed between her legs, but she couldn't afford to worry about physical discomfort now. Clenching her teeth, she quickened her pace, jogging in hopes of finding her way.
Just as despair was about to overtake her, a larger and more luxurious mansion appeared ahead. On the lawn stood a tall man with his back to her, dressed in a finely tailored suit, a cigarette held between his fingers.
Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief; this had to be the main house. She hurried toward the man, her anxious footsteps echoing loudly in the silent estate.
However, the moment the man turned around, Evelyn's steps came to an abrupt halt.
Her eyes widened, heart skipping a beat—it was him. Logan Westwood, Henry's uncle, and the man who had taken everything from her the previous night.
They stood about fifteen feet apart, eyes locked. Evelyn felt her legs go weak, any thought of escape vanishing. She was so flustered that she couldn't tear her gaze away, standing there helplessly, looking timidly at Logan.
Logan stood still, narrowing his eyes as he sized her up, his face devoid of emotion. His suit was impeccable, giving him an air of elegance and restraint, yet the faint aura of danger he exuded was impossible to ignore. He calmly flicked the ash from his cigarette and spoke in a detached tone, "What? Cat got your tongue?"
Evelyn snapped back to reality, her face flushing red, heart beating erratically. She immediately lowered her head, not daring to meet his gaze. Her lips trembled as she tried to say something, but only disjointed sounds came out, "I... I..."
She couldn't form a sentence; memories of last night flooded back, overwhelming her. Logan's voice pulled her back from her turmoil, "You're looking for the main house, aren't you?"
She nodded frantically, her anxiety mounting. She knew time was running out; if she delayed any longer, she'd definitely be late.
Logan looked at her, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. He stepped aside to make way, his voice still cold, "The main house is just ahead. You've got five minutes—you might just make it."
Hearing she had five minutes left, Evelyn grew even more anxious. Forgetting her fear, she quickly moved to run toward the main house.
But just as she was about to pass by Logan, he suddenly turned and blocked her path again. Caught off guard, Evelyn had to stop abruptly, but her momentum caused her to take an extra step forward—straight into Logan's arms. Her head bumped into his chin, causing her to let out a muffled "Ouch!"
That slight sound of pain seemed to ignite something within Logan. His usually steady fingers trembled slightly, his Adam's apple bobbing once. His voice grew even huskier, "In such a hurry to throw yourself at me? Didn't get enough last night?"
Evelyn's face turned crimson instantly. She stared at him in shock. "You! You did that on purpose!"
A hint of amusement played at the corners of Logan's mouth. "Your name is Evelyn Harper, right?"
She bit her lip, her face pale with anger but with no retort. Stubbornly, she turned her head away, refusing to meet his gaze. Seeing this, Logan didn't get angry. He casually discarded his cigarette, crushing it under his shoe. Then he lifted his hand to tilt her chin upward, forcing her to face him. His voice carried a dangerous undertone, "I asked you a question. Be a good girl and answer. Obedient women are much more appealing."
His intimate gesture made her heart race, as if a heavy weight was pressing against her chest. Amidst the confusion, anger and fear intertwined within her.
With reddening eyes, Evelyn clenched her teeth, finally reaching her breaking point. In this short day, she'd endured too much humiliation and fear. Logan's provocation ignited her fury completely.
"What exactly do you want!" she snapped, glaring at him, her voice trembling. "I know last night happened because I went into the wrong room, but you didn't exactly suffer for it!"
Logan raised an eyebrow, his gaze growing colder. Releasing her chin, his voice deepened, "Didn't suffer? You think that makes us even?"
She froze, her earlier bravado fading instantly. Logan leaned in closer, his tone leaving no room for argument, "Listen carefully, Evelyn. Any woman I've been with belongs to me. You'd better stay away from Henry. If I catch you doing anything you shouldn't, I won't be so forgiving."
Evelyn was too stunned to speak. Instinctively, she took a step back, her hands clutching at her clothes to hide her inner panic. Logan's threat was like a sharp blade piercing her heart.
"You... How can you say that? Last night was clearly an accident," she stammered, trying to argue, but the oppressive aura of the man before her sent chills down her spine.
He let out a cold chuckle, a hint of disdain in his eyes. "Accident or not, from now on, your life is my concern. Don't even think about running away or getting involved with Henry."
His domineering words left her speechless, a sense of helplessness washing over her. Her eyes reflected both anger and fear as she looked at him. Finally, she forced down her humiliation and unease, muttering softly, "You're being unreasonable."
Logan, tired of the exchange, raised his wrist to check his watch, turning the face toward her. "Are you sure you want to waste time arguing with me? You've got one minute left."
She glanced down—only one minute remaining! Without another thought, she pushed past him and dashed toward the dining hall.
- Writer
