Evelyn jerked the knife from Theodore's shoulder, stumbling back.

Her heart hammered against her ribs.

The wound on his shoulder immediately began to bleed more freely.

Panic flashed across Evelyn's face, her eyes wide with horror.

She had actually stabbed someone.

This realization made her grip on the fruit knife falter. A tremor ran through her hand.

Bright red droplets fell from the knife's sharp tip, tracing a shaky path to the floor.

Tension seized her. She struggled to swallow, her breaths coming in sharp, shallow gasps. She was frozen.

For self-preservation, she forced a shaky calm. Through clenched teeth, she issued a firm warning. "Theodore, let me go now. Next time, it won't be your shoulder."

Her fingers tightened around the handle again.

Theodore, pale from blood loss, offered a weak smile. His gaze remained deceptively soft.

"Evelyn, I will let you go. Of course I will. But we need to see to your hand first. I can't relax otherwise."

His words didn't register.

To her, it sounded like more excuses to keep her trapped.

"Stop your lies!" Evelyn shouted, her voice hoarse.

Theodore maintained his steady gaze. Then, he took an unexpected step toward her.

Evelyn's heart began to race wildly.

Her eyes dropped to the bleeding wound on his shoulder. Conflict warred within her.

Suddenly, with decisive resolve, Evelyn pointed the knife toward her own neck.

Theodore's face darkened instantly at her drastic action.

This bold move effectively halted his advance.

"Evelyn! Please, stay calm!"

Tension sharpened his voice.

A wave of relief washed over her. Her threat was working.

"I'm not backing down, Theodore. You won't win this. I will never betray Alexander."

Theodore's eyes flashed with anger at her declaration.

How could she be so devoted to a man confined to a wheelchair?

Jealousy and bitterness soured his expression.

He looked at her intently, his voice dropping to a soft, dangerous level. "Do you really need to reject me so harshly, Evelyn?"

An unsettling idea flickered in his mind.

Would she reconsider her feelings if he made her his tonight?

The notion took hold, growing uncontrollable.

Evelyn saw the menacing glint in his eyes. A shiver of pure dread ran down her spine.

Meanwhile, Evelyn's bodyguard returned from the mall.

As he approached the banquet hall, a waiter, acting on Margaret's orders, intercepted him.

"Give me the clothes. I'll make sure Evelyn gets them."

The bodyguard's brow furrowed with suspicion.

"No. I need to deliver them to her personally."

He brushed past the waiter without another word.

But as he neared the lounge, Margaret's people blocked his path. They were prepared for him.

"Don't take matters into your own hands. Stay out of trouble," Margaret warned coldly.

The bodyguard's gaze hardened. "I need to see Evelyn. Where is she?"

A sly grin twisted Margaret's lips. "You're eager to see Evelyn? Are you certain she's even available to meet you?"