Evelyn had no time to think.

The ground met her back with a hard, jarring impact.

Her eyes flew open, wide with alarm.

Several shadowy figures were closing in fast.

A sharp gasp escaped her lips.

She squeezed her eyes shut, throwing her arms up to cover her head.

A fist was aimed straight for her.

But it never landed.

A strong hand shot out, catching the attacker's wrist with an iron grip.

"Ah!" The man cried out as Alexander shoved him violently away.

"Evelyn." Alexander's voice was a low, urgent whisper beside her. He reached for her hand. "Are you hurt?"

His face was etched with deep worry. His tone was thick with concern.

Evelyn drew a shaky breath, forcing herself to stand. "I'm okay. They didn't touch me."

The attackers hesitated, surprised by this sudden defense.

"So, you're Evelyn's husband." The leader of the group sneered, her voice dripping with mockery. "A man in a wheelchair and a talentless fraud. What a perfect pair."

Cruel laughter rippled through her followers.

"A cripple and a cheat! They deserve each other!"

"Who else would be tricked into marrying Evelyn?"

Alexander's expression turned to ice with every vile word aimed at Evelyn. His voice dropped to a dangerous, frigid calm. "Say that one more time. I want to see if you're ready to face what happens next."

The leader, a woman named Annabelle Sinclair, simply crossed her arms, a smug smirk on her face.

"I'm a loyal supporter of Cassandra Sterling. I'm Annabelle Sinclair, from the wealthy Sinclair family. Do you honestly think I'm afraid of you?" She looked Alexander up and down with pure contempt before turning her glare to Evelyn. "A disabled heir from the Blackwood family and a designer who steals ideas. What can you possibly do to me?"

Her sneer widened. "Since you're choosing to stand with Evelyn, don't expect any mercy from us!"

She turned to rally the crowd of Cassandra's fans. "Everyone! Evelyn nearly destroyed Cassandra's career! We can't let her get away with this! A dishonest designer like her is a danger to everyone! And this man defending her is just as guilty!"

Her words were a spark to tinder.

The mob's anger ignited.

This wasn't an attack to them. It was a righteous crusade.

They were protecting their idol. They believed they were in the right.

Without a second thought, they grabbed rotten fruit and handfuls of garbage from the ground.

They launched the filthy projectiles at Evelyn and Alexander.

Alexander's face was a stone mask of determination.

In one swift motion, he pulled Evelyn into his embrace, using his own body as a shield.

"Alexander!" Evelyn cried out, trying to twist around to protect him instead.

Her mind was reeling.

Why were they calling her a fraud? She had submitted all the evidence. Nathanial had promised to help clear her name...

What was going on?

The scene descended into utter chaos.

But then, a new sound cut through the noise.

Alexander's reinforcements had arrived.

His assistant took one look at the situation, his face paling in shock.

"Stop this! Now!"

His commanding voice sliced through the air.

A team of large, imposing bodyguards surged forward, quickly forming a tight, protective circle around Alexander and Evelyn.