Chapter 174

Evelyn was suddenly shoved into the car, sprawling across the seat. As Charles leaned in, she instinctively kicked at him, determined to keep him at bay. With all her might, she landed a solid kick to his chest. Charles had just gotten into the car, and let out a grunt as he Evelyn didn’t waste a moment watching his face; she took advantage of the chaos to open the car door and tried to scramble out. Just as one foot touched the ground, Charles grabbed her wrist, yanking her back inside with a strong pull.
hit the door from the impact. Her fierce resistance only darkened his expression further, the tension in the air growing thicker.
“Help! Someone’s attacking me!” she shouted, spotting a person walking their dog across the lawn. Charles had no shame, so why should she hold back? But right as the passerby glanced their way, Charles slammed the door shut and locked it, cutting off any view from outside.
The neighborhood was already dimly lit, and his car was parked in a shadowy spot. Separated by a swath of greenery, the passerby heard something but, seeing nothing, assumed they had misheard and continued on their way.
Inside the car, Charles pinned Evelyn beneath him, leaning close. His voice was a low, husky whisper. “You wanna scream again?”
Evelyn’s hands were trapped under his, and her legs were pinned, leaving her powerless and seething with anger. His suggestive words only made her choke with frustration. Charles had specially soundproofed the car because he liked hearing her screams. Evelyn wondered if all guys were thrill-seekers like this.
The first time they had sex in this car was when Charlie needed money for her medical fees. Evelyn couldn’t track down Charles, so she went to his office. In the parking lot, he had her pinned in the car. It was their first time there. Even though his private parking spot was secluded, she was terrified someone might pass by. No matter what Charles did, she bit her lip hard, refusing to make any embarrassing sounds. Afterward, Charles had the car soundproofed. They’d had sex in this car more than once. She could shout all she wanted inside, and no one outside would hear a thing.
Back then, Charles’ advances might have made her blush and flustered, but now, she felt nothing, even knowing what he was getting at. With no chance of anyone outside hearing her screams, Evelyn didn’t waste her energy. Unfazed by Charles, she stared at him coldly. “Charles, what kind of madness are you on about now?”
“Evelyn, you need to convince Grandma to drop the idea of adopting you as her granddaughter,” Charles demanded bluntly as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He wasn’t having it!
“No.”
Evelyn’s refusal was just as blunt, without a hint of hesitation. Charles’ eyes darkened instantly, irritation flashing in them. His defined hand gripped her chin, and his voice was low as he squeezed words out through clenched teeth.
“No? Evelyn, do you even realize what it means to be publicly announced as Miss Jenkins at the family banquet?”
Evelyn hesitated, then let out a mocking laugh. “Charles, after everything, you can’t seriously think I still love you and want to be with you, do you?”
His words were obviously a reminder. Once she became Miss Jenkins, she’d be his sister in name, even without blood ties.