Anger took over his features as he stared at me through narrowed eyes. He drew a shaky breath. "What did you just say?"

I let out a huff, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of my lips. "Did you really not hear it, or are you just too much of a coward to accept the truth?"

His eyes went wide with fury, and I could even see the veins popping from his forehead. Within the next second, he snatched my arm into a tight grip, his nails were digging into my arm, my brows furrowing slightly in pain, but I ignored it.

"They have no proof! There’s nothing they can do to me. The Smith Enterprise will remain untouchable!"

"Are you sure about that?" I challenged, defiance evident on my face as I yanked my wrist out of his grip—the red mark from where he grabbed me stained my arm. I merely glanced down at it for a while, gently rubbing it as I watched with satisfaction the way his confidence faltered within the next second.

I would love to see the look on his face when he realised I wasn’t lying at all about what I said. Or the way he would fall from grace when the news spread, all without my secret help behind the scenes.

But before Lucas could even have the chance to retort or make another move, Rhys had already pushed past me to get to Lucas. I watched with wide eyes as his fist landed squarely on my ex-husband’s jaw in the next second.

I swore I could have heard the crack despite the loud gasp that rose from the crowd that surrounded us. A nasty bruise formed almost immediately as Lucas held onto his face and stumbled back in pain and disbelief.

My gaze flew up to meet Rhys’. "What the hell were you thinking?" My voice remained low as I snapped, furious at how impulsive he acted in front of the press and public. "Why did you do that in front of everyone here? What are people going to say?"

"I don’t care what others would say." His dark gaze flickered over to Lucas as he clenched his jaw. Soon after, his eyes were back on mine. "He deserved that. Tell me I’m wrong."

A frown formed between my brows as I leaned in to whisper-yell into his ear again. "Don’t do anything rash again, I can handle this."

"Are you crazy?" Jessica’s sharp voice pierced through the thick tension that lingered in the air. "What have you done! He’s bleeding!" She cried out loud before turning to Lucas and gently caressing his face as he winced in pain. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

Of course, Jessica was the first to run to Lucas’ side again, tears already glistening in her eyes. Meanwhile, my father and stepmother seemed almost unbothered, unfazed by the commotion that was unfolding right in front of them. Maybe it was a good thing, after all, now all attention is focused on my idiot ex-husband.

My stepsister turned her attention to me this time, unjust written all over her face. "How could you let him hit Lucas? I know you don’t like me because of what happened, but no matter what, Lucas was still once your husband."

Jessica’s words only made me laugh. A cold, bitter laugh escaped my lips as I stared at her in disbelief.

Since she wanted to play the victim and guilt trip me, two could play the game. This was my best shot at painting them as the scandalous couple, one who betrayed her own sister, and the other his wife.

The press would definitely have a fun time with this.

"You really want to talk about him being my husband right now? Have you not learned to mind your own business?"

The crowd immediately quieted.

Jessica faltered, regret flashed past her face for a split second. "E-Evelyn—"

"No." I cut her off sharply. "Since you’re so determined to defend him, let’s talk about what kind of husband he actually was."

Lucas’ expression darkened. I took a deliberate step forward, refusing to look away from either of them.

"Tell me, Jessica. Did he act like my husband when he skipped our anniversaries every single year?"

Silence.

"Did he act like my husband when he disappeared whenever I needed him most?"

Jessica’s face paled, like a white sheet of paper.

"Did he act like my husband when he saved you and pushed me towards the gunman as the hostage? Or was he acting like my husband when he spent countless nights with you behind my back?"

A wave of gasps rippled through the crowd, even though this was basically old news.

Lucas’ jaw tightened. "Watch your mouth," he growled.

"Why?" I shot back immediately. "Am I lying?"

Silence stretched between us, my words rendering her speechless.

"So tell me, my dear little sister..." I spat the words out. "Why exactly should I care that he got punched once? Lucas Smith doesn’t deserve an ounce of my kindness. Not even a little. He got exactly what he deserved."

I leaned forward, whispering into Jessica’s ear as a smirk morphed itself onto my lips. "Oh, but don’t worry. There’s more to come."

***

Reporters had been camping outside of TechHub’s office building ever since last night, all ready to pounce and hurl dozens of questions at us. It felt as though I was spending more time hiding from them than doing anything else for the rest of the week.

Tabloids and the news were plastered with our names, but the good news was that the reporters and public bought our act.

Meanwhile, Lucas was not so lucky. After what happened and all that was spilled from that night, I doubt that he could recover from it so quickly. I hadn’t heard much about him since that day, only some rumours that the board was unhappy with what happened, and they didn’t take the news lightly.

A few days later, we found another entrance at the side of the building. Though we couldn’t exactly avoid the reporters entirely, it was definitely better than nothing at all.

It was right after lunch, and we had just stepped out of the car when I felt Rhys’ fingers intertwined with mine, like it was the most natural thing to do. I should have gotten used to his touch by now, yet my heart still skipped a beat. I’d hate to say this...But I was pathetic and really down bad.

"What are you doing?" I questioned, my voice just loud enough for him to hear. "There’s no need to act here. There’s barely anyone around."

He leaned towards the side of my face, and I caught a glimpse of the smirk etched onto his lips. His breath grazed the nape of my neck, sending a shiver right down my spine. "Who said anything about acting?"

A soft gasp left my parted lips. His words alone were enough to send my heart into a frenzy.

Seemingly pleased with my reaction, he leaned back and tightened his grip on my hand when I didn’t say anything else. A satisfied grin now spread across his face.

I didn’t notice it earlier, but the lobby of TechHub was unusually crowded today. People moved in and out of the revolving doors while clients occupied the lounge area, discussing business over coffee. But most people were crowding around the main area, right in the center.

Murmurs were flying through the air, whispers spreading through the lobby like wildfire.

Like the others, I couldn’t help but feel curious, my eyes busy searching for some clues. And before I knew it, I was pulling Rhys along behind me.

"Evelyn, what are you doing?" He asked, confusion laced his deep voice as he spoke, unbothered by the commotion unravelling upfront.

"I think something is happening in front," I explained, my eyes still fixed ahead, and an uneasy feeling settled deep in the pit of my stomach. Almost as if I knew something bad was about to happen.

My gut was screaming at me to turn around and leave, to mind my own business. But somehow, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. "I want to find out what’s going on," I told him matter-of-factly.

But before I could see what was happening, a familiar voice sliced through the chatter and noise that filled the space.

"I’m not leaving until I see Evelyn Hart!"

I recognised that voice anywhere. The crowd parted, and there he was.

Lucas Smith.

He looked like a man possessed. His tie hung loose around his neck, his eyes bloodshot and wild. Dark stubble covered his jaw, making him look nothing like the polished CEO who had once appeared on magazine covers. He wasn’t alone, of course, his mother was here too.

His features twisted with disdain when his eyes finally found mine, and he was staring directly into my eyes. His eyes lit ablaze with fury once again.

"There you are."