Chapter 21 Matthew returned home and once again opened the surveillance footage from Evelyn's apartment . Since he had installed those hidden cameras , he had made a habit of checking them every day- monitoring her every move as if it were the only way to feel close to her . On screen , Evelyn appeared in a dark green velvet dress . Her hair was swept up in a loose bun , and on her earlobes dangled a pair of gem - studded earrings , They shimmered under the light - the same pair Simon had just helped her put on . " Let's go , " she said , her voice gentle and faintly smiling , " it's time for the gala ." Matthew instantly grabbed his car keys and stormed out the door . They must be heading to the Carter family's charity event that evening . If it hadn't been for Lila ambushing them earlier with that bucket of paint , they would've arrived at the venue long ago . As soon as he reached the entrance of the venue , he was stopped by security . " Mr. Roscente , please turn back , " the guard said expressionlessly . " Mr. Carter has given strict instructions - you're not welcome here . " Matthew's temples throbbed . He forced himself to stay calm and took a few steps back , retreating to his car . Ever since the Carter family outmaneuvered him in the acquisition deal , everything had gone downhill for him in Switzerland . And now , he couldn't even get into a charity gala . " Evelyn ... " he murmured , eyes glazed with obsession . The event continued deep into the night . Matthew stood in the shadows outside the estate wall like a statue . The soft pop of champagne , the gentle hum of violins , and the distant sound of chatter - all of it felt like a thousand needles piercing his heart . When the guests finally began to leave , Matthew couldn't hold back anymore . He rushed in during a guard change , slipping past security . " Evelyn ! " She had been on the balcony , speaking with an elderly master architect . At the sound of his voice , she turned . Her brows creased slightly . Chapter 21 16.67 % Matthew had never seen her look at him that way - like she was looking at a stranger . No , worse than a stranger . It was pure indifference . " Come with me , " he said , reaching for her wrist . But before he could touch her , two bodyguards stepped forward , blocking his path . Simon emerged from behind a column and calmly stepped in front of Evelyn . " Mr. Roscente , no one in Switzerland has the right to force Evelyn to do anything she doesn't want to . " Matthew's breathing turned ragged . His voice was almost a growl . " Just ten minutes . Let me talk to her for ten minutes . " Evelyn didn't say a word . She simply turned away and resumed her conversation with the elderly architect , her posture composed , her expression attentive . She looked exactly like she used to when she was with him - serene , thoughtful - but now her gaze held no trace of him . Simon made a gesture , and the bodyguards promptly escorted Matthew out . As he was being pushed through the gates , Matthew caught one last glimpse of Evelyn . She was smiling as she clinked glasses with the architect , completely at ease . That smile shattered what little sanity he had left . Back in his car , Matthew opened his laptop and once again pulled up the surveillance feed from Evelyn's apartment . The screen's cold light reflected off his bloodshot eyes . He replayed the footage of Simon dropping Evelyn off that night - again and again . He watched as they said goodnight at the door . Simon leaned in slightly , as if he wanted to kiss her forehead , but held back and simply gave her a brief , restrained hug . Bang ! He slammed the laptop against the car window . Breathing heavily , a thousand dangerous thoughts swarmed through his mind . Kidnap her ? Lock her up ? Drag her back to their home country ? He knew how insane those thoughts were , but the jealousy burning in his chest had long since consumed his reason . Chapter 21 16.67 % J He dialed a number he hadn't used in years . " Get the plane ready . I'm bringing someone with me . Also , I want Simon's entire travel schedule . Every stop . " Rain began to fall , tapping steadily against the windows . Matthew stared in the direction of the Shen estate , his eyes dark with madness . He thought of what Evelyn once said to him : " Matthew , love isn't possession . " But in his mind , that had never made sense . If love wasn't possession , then what was it ? Chapter 21