Chapter 34

Evangeline took a deep breath, realizing this would not be the day things got resolved.

After yesterday's ugly confrontation and her plotting against him, she was sure he would be looking for payback.

Walter chuckled as if she had told a joke.

He slipped into a black robe, nonchalantly pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. He was not a regular smoker, but he let the bright flame flicker and smoke swirl around him.

The smoke masked the icy storm in his eyes. "Didn't you say you didn't want it yesterday? Leave!"

Evangeline's mind raced back to the previous day.

She did not need to guess; she was certain Walter had been with Julia.

"I was wrong yesterday."

She approached him, eyes downcast.

Walter sat sprawled out before her, a picture of languid arrogance tinged with a hint of gloom. At her admission, he scoffed. "Ms. Rearden, are you admitting a mistake? That's a rarity."

He pulled her closer, right between his parted legs, and tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.