After they finished their meal, the guests began to filter out, each one heading home.
"Carlos!" his aunt called out, prompting him to pause.
"May I have a word with you?" she asked, and Carlos nodded in agreement.
"Stay here," he instructed Evelyn before following his aunt to a more secluded part of the room.
Evelyn felt exhaustion wash over her; suddenly, her legs felt weak. She reached out to the wall for support, catching her breath.
"That was quite a display! You deserve better than that scoundrel, you are too beautiful for this and besides, you are just my type" a voice interrupted her thoughts. It was Carlos's older brother, Cole.
"Run for your life unless you want to end up in even deeper trouble. He's more dangerous than you think—he shows no mercy." He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing.
"I know you might think I'm just trying to make things difficult for him because I dislike him, but you have a right to know—he was the one responsible for our father's death. He killed him to seize control of the company!" Cole's voice dripped with venom. "Our mother despises him for it. And he even took the position that was meant for me. He's a devil, and I'm warning you!" Cole's eyes searched for any sign of reaction.
Evelyn looked him, now she understands why Carlos hate him. 'Is it Carlos's fault that he's capable enough to lead the company?' she roll her eyes. What kind of man would use such knowledge against his own brother's wife, trying to drive her away? She could sense Cole's desperation; he was the one acting like the true villain.
Instead of responding to his taunts, she clenched her fists, she is just going to ignore him, her husband had told her to treat them as if they were invisible, and she intended to follow that word. With her head held high, she averted her eyes, refusing to engage.
Cole, frustrated by her indifference, shot her a fiery glare. "Don't say I didn't warn you," he spat before storming away, his anger trailing behind him.
Evelyn pressed the palm of her hand to her forehead, feeling the beginnings of a headache. "What a long day," she muttered, leaning against the wall as she awaited Carlos's return. Her gaze swept the room, and she caught sight of Chloe heading her way. 'Please, let her just walk past,' she silently prayed, but her plea went unanswered.
Chloe stopped in front of her, arms crossed and a fierce expression plastered on her face. "Divorce my brother," she demanded, her tone icy.
Evelyn blinked in surprise. "Excuse me?"
"Yes, it's clear you don't care for him in the slightest," Chloe pressed, determination in her eyes.
Evelyn struggled to hold back a smirk; the audacity was almost amusing. "Are you after his money? How much do you need? Just tell me, and i will give you, so get lost" Chloe sneered, the frustration evident in her voice.
Exasperated, Evelyn exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the unwelcoming family pressing down on her. She have had enough, trying to be the best sister in law. It would have been easier if Carlos have told her to treat her as invisible too. "Excuse me, but I love your brother. You're mistaken if you think I married him for his wealth. Stop jumping to conclusions and get out of my face!" She fired back, her voice vibrant with defiance.
Chloe's response was swift; a sharp slap landed across Evelyn's cheek, snapping her head to the side.
"What the hell is going on?" Carlos's voice cut through the tension, and both women turned to see him approaching them, his presence commanding and fierce.
"Brother, you need to see how—" Chloe began, but her words died in her throat as she met the cold, unyielding gaze of Carlos.
Evelyn instinctively removed her hand from her cheek as Carlos stepped closer, eyes locked onto Chloe. "You've been crossing the line too many times, Chloe. You dare to slap my wife?" His voice was deceptively calm, but the fury simmering beneath was palpable.
"I… I… I'm sorry," Chloe stammered...
"I don't want to hear from you again," Carlos said, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of emotion as he gently took Evelyn's hand, intertwining their fingers. He led her toward the door, creating a protective barrier around her with his presence.
Chloe's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her heart aching. How could her brother choose to sever ties with her for the sake of a woman? As she watched them leave, she felt a pang of envy mixed with sorrow, wishing for even a fraction of that connection in her own life.