Chapter 586

"Do I... even have the right to say I'm not satisfied?"

Walter had not forgotten why he was there, not for a second.

He arched an eyebrow, his smile a mix of mischief and warmth, but his hand was firm, keeping a careful distance between him and Julia.

Julia stroked his cheek with a tenderness that belied the cruelty of her words, her fingers tracing the rough stubble on his chin.

"Of course... not," she said, her voice dripping with malice.

With a sudden flourish, she lifted her head and with a flick of her wrist, the crimson drapes tumbled to the floor.

Behind a pane of glass, Evangeline was tied up, her eyes wide with fear, her mouth sealed shut. Her belly was still round, a sign that the baby was safe—for the time being. Walter's heart eased, if only just a bit.

"Mm mmh mmph!"

The glass was thin, so Walter could hear every muffled sob from Evangeline.

Her hair was a mess, and a dark bruise marred her forehead—a clear sign of Julia's rough handling.

The thought of what migh