Chapter 7: Unmasking the Shadows
Evelyn had always prided herself on being adaptable. Life had thrown curveballs before, but this one—a world of designer dresses, whispered power plays, and unspoken expectations—felt like a hurricane she couldn't escape.
That evening, as she sat by the large bay window in her room, overlooking the sprawling garden, she decided she needed more than survival. She needed a way to reclaim herself in this carefully curated chaos.
Her gaze fell on her sketchpad, tucked away in the corner of the room. It had been months since she'd last drawn anything, her art pushed aside by the whirlwind her life had become. Tentatively, she pulled it out, her fingers brushing over the textured paper.
Sitting by the window with a pencil in hand, Evelyn let herself drift. The lines started tentative, but soon the motions became fluid, natural. She sketched the garden below, adding her own flourishes—a hidden door among the roses, a quiet bench where one might escape the noise of the world.
For the first time in weeks, she felt like herself again.
The next morning, Evelyn joined Alexander for breakfast. The air between them was still tense from their confrontation at the gala, but she was determined to push past it.
"I want to work," she said, breaking the silence.
Alexander looked up from his coffee, his brow furrowing. "Work?"
"Yes," she said firmly. "I'm not going to spend my days being groomed into the perfect wife. I need something that's mine."
He set his cup down, studying her intently. "What do you have in mind?"
Evelyn hesitated. She hadn't thought this far ahead. "I… I want to use my skills. I used to freelance as an illustrator. Maybe I can take that up again."
Alexander leaned back, his expression unreadable. "If that's what you want, I won't stop you. But understand this: my world won't wait for you to figure things out. You'll have to balance both."
"Your world isn't my priority," Evelyn said quietly but firmly. "I'll play the part you need in public, but I won't let it consume me."
His jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Fair enough."
Later that afternoon, Evelyn received a visitor she hadn't expected: Damian Carter.
She was in the garden, sketching, when he strolled in, his presence as disruptive as a thunderstorm.
"Well, well," Damian said, his lips curving into a sly smile. "The elusive Mrs. Hayes."
Evelyn stood, her heart pounding. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see Alexander," Damian replied smoothly. "But I thought I'd say hello while I was at it."
"You're not welcome here," she said, her voice steady despite the fear bubbling beneath the surface.
Damian chuckled, his dark eyes gleaming. "Relax, Evelyn. I'm not here to cause trouble—yet. I'm just curious about the woman who's turned Alexander's world upside down."
"Leave," she said firmly.
Before Damian could respond, Alexander appeared, his expression stormy.
"Carter," Alexander said sharply. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Relax, Hayes," Damian said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Just paying my respects."
"You've made them," Alexander snapped. "Now get out."
Damian smirked, his gaze lingering on Evelyn for a moment longer before he turned and walked away.
As soon as he was gone, Alexander turned to Evelyn, his frustration evident. "What did he say to you?"
"Nothing important," she said, though her hands were still shaking.
Alexander's eyes narrowed. "Stay away from him. He's not just a rival—he's a predator. He'll use anything and anyone to get what he wants."
"I didn't invite him here," Evelyn snapped. "Maybe you should focus on keeping him out of your house instead of lecturing me."
For a moment, Alexander looked like he might argue, but then he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're right. I'm sorry."
Evelyn blinked, startled by the unexpected apology.
"I'll make sure this doesn't happen again," Alexander said quietly. "But promise me you'll be careful. Damian is dangerous."
Evelyn nodded, though her mind was already racing. If Damian Carter was as dangerous as Alexander claimed, then why did it feel like he was the only one unafraid to pull back the curtain on the Hayes empire?