Chapter 24

Julian Ashford remained silent, his gaze traveling over Evelyn Sinclair's shoulder to land on Alexander Kingsley.

Evelyn kept her back turned to the man, refusing to spare him even a glance.

A muffled cough sounded behind her.

"Miss Sinclair!" Ethan Miller's voice cracked with urgency.

She didn't look back.

From this moment on, that man's joys and sorrows meant nothing to her.

She drew a deep breath, her voice clear and resolute. "Alexander Kingsley, we're done. You chose Isabella Winslow. I choose freedom."

The air froze.

After a long pause, Alexander's low voice cut through the silence. "Leave."

Shrugging off supporting hands, he strode away with decisive steps.

"Lord Alex!" Ethan chased after him.

Alexander unclenched the hand covering his mouth. Blood smeared between his fingers as he crushed it into his palm, casually wiping the crimson trail from his lips with his sleeve.

Ethan's eyes reddened.

He'd witnessed this man's transformation from youth to adulthood.

Alexander showed no mercy to enemies but remained fiercely loyal to his own.

To the world, he was the perfect heir. Only before Evelyn did he shed all pride.

"Lord Alex..." Ethan's voice trembled.

"Silence." Alexander's icy tone brooked no argument.

"At least go to the hospital—" Ethan persisted desperately.

Alexander gave no reply, using his other hand to wipe away fresh blood welling up.

......

The room returned to stillness.

Evelyn entered the bathroom and lifted her gaze to the mirror. Blood streaked her face like tear tracks.

She numbly touched the dried stains.

When had this happened?

She wasn't injured.

Julian dismissed his subordinates and approached with a damp towel.

"Don't be afraid." Gently turning her shoulders, he wiped her face with tender care. "It's over now..."

Evelyn noticed the gruesome wounds on his hands, flesh torn open at the knuckles.

"I'm sorry, Julian." Her voice shook.

"You saved me," he murmured.

When the cabinet collapsed, he'd battered his way out despite his injuries.

"I contacted my team immediately. You bought us crucial time."

Alexander had been staking out Horizon Media.

Julian had prepared for this.

When he broke free, reinforcements arrived just in time.

Evelyn stared at the bloodied towel. "You always think ahead."

"Move somewhere else," Julian suggested. "Alexander knows this place."

"He won't return." Evelyn shook her head.

Rage might make him lose control, but Alexander was ultimately rational.

Her words had severed all possibilities.

Julian stayed silent.

Some things he left unsaid.

Evelyn thought his blood had transferred to Alexander.

In truth, Alexander had already been drenched in crimson when Ethan pulled him from the window.

He left not because of her cruelty.

But because... he couldn't hold on any longer.

The blood on Evelyn's face had dripped from Alexander when he pinned her down.

These truths Julian would never reveal.

He too had selfish motives.

If Evelyn hesitated, he wouldn't mind giving fate a push.

"Evelyn, are you certain?" He sought final confirmation.

She closed her eyes and nodded.

This path had been irreversible since thirteen years ago.

......

Hospital room.

Isabella wept delicate tears. "Aunt Eleanor, how could Evelyn do this... She made Julian attack Alexander..."

Eleanor Kingsley's cold gaze rested on her son in the hospital bed.

Isabella continued through sobs. "Horizon got that recording because Evelyn planned it—"

"Enough." Eleanor cut her off. "Isabella, when did you become so tiresome?"

Isabella covered her mouth in wounded innocence. "I just care about Alexander..."

"My son has no shortage of people who care." Eleanor's words held no warmth. "You'd do better visiting your grandfather."

Isabella finally understood where Alexander inherited his sharp tongue.

Dabbing her eyes, she adopted a submissive tone. "Auntie, I was just worried—"

"Worry quietly then." Eleanor massaged her temples. "My son's hospitalized. He doesn't need your theatrics."