At the entrance of the encrypted ward, a group of imposing men stood in front of Alexander."Move aside!" Alexander's knuckles cracked as his fury surged."No one is allowed inside!" one of them shouted."Move aside!""I'm afraid I can't comply!"...Very well, no one had yet managed to block his way.Alexander clenched his fists and threw a punch.The third floor of the hospital descended into chaos. Despite their skillful moves, Alexander quickly took down several of them. For every man he knocked down, more seemed to appear.The corridor quickly filled with people. What started with just seven or eight men soon swelled to dozens, all fighting him at once.Alexander was a trained fighter. Even though he hadn't fought much in recent years, his skills hadn't weakened at all. He was easily handling dozens of men. However, the numbers kept increasing. After ten minutes, he saw even more people flooding in. He narrowed his eyes.These fools had no idea what they were up against. If it wer
On the other side, Laura returned home, clutching her swollen cheek as she crawled into her bed.Her small face was buried deep into the pillow, her body curled into a ball as if only this could give her a sense of safety. It seemed like this was the only place that could bring her warmth.Her eyes were slightly misted, and she sniffled, thinking of Phoebe in the hospital. She wonders how she's doing now... Has she woken up yet?She longed to be by Phoebe's side, to talk to her. If Phoebe knew that the baby was gone, she would be so heartbroken. Laura wanted to comfort her, but Gavin wouldn't let her stay there. He told her to go home.Her pale fingers gently touched her cheek. She frowned and winced. "Ugh—hurts so much..."Earlier, when she looked at herself in the bathroom mirror, her cheek was so swollen, nearly unrecognizable—red and purple. When Gavin slapped her, her head went fuzzy. For a moment, it felt like her soul had disconnected from her body.It was easy to imagine how h
Gordon's funeral was held three days later—a simple and solemn ceremony.On the day of the funeral, Alexander stood at a distance, watching her grieve in silence. He didn't approach, wanting to give her space to process her pain.A few relatives offered their condolences and left early. Only Phoebe and her parents stayed by Gordon's graveside, unwilling to leave him alone.Phoebe stood in front of Gordon's gravestone, crying until she fainted, waking only to cry again. She couldn't believe he was gone—leaving behind their parents and her, just like that. Memories of their childhood happiness played in her mind. He had been alive and well, and now all that remained was a cold gravestone.She would never forgive herself. She believed Gordon's death was entirely her fault. If he hadn't tried to save her, he would still be here. Even if he had gone astray, at least he would still be alive.Now, with Gordon's death, more responsibilities and guilt weighed heavily on her shoulders. Staring a
Phoebe suddenly felt a wave of frustration. He really was so infuriating. If he kept being cruel to her, maybe leaving him wouldn't feel so hard.But now… now he had transformed into someone else—gentle, caring, and tender. His sudden kindness was disarming, and despite herself, she had to admit that she liked this version of him.Especially recently, he had been quietly taking care of her family. She never asked, but she knew it was his doing. Without him, her family might have fallen apart by now.And yet, she was terrified. Terrified that his kindness would vanish as quickly as it appeared. His unpredictability left her feeling insecure, as though happiness were just a fleeting moment she couldn't hold on to. How she wished this moment could last forever.Her pale arms wrapped around his sturdy waist, and she nuzzled her cheek against his chest, like a lazy cat seeking affection from its owner.Alexander chuckled softly. Her gesture stroked his male ego, sending a surge of warmth t
The next morning, Phoebe woke up to find herself lying in bed.Had Alexander brought her back? She turned over, trying to recall what had happened last night.But as she shifted, she felt a sudden chill under the covers. She pulled them back, only to realize she was completely naked underneath.A cold shiver ran down her spine.How did she end up without clothes? She didn't usually sleep like this!Then, the sound of running water from the bathroom shattered her thoughts, making her head spin. She quickly grabbed some clothes and, barefoot and still unclothed, rushed toward the bathroom. She pushed the door open gently.Inside, the mist from the shower hung in the air, and standing beneath it was Alexander—his body, sculpted and smooth, the kind of physique that could drive any woman wild.Phoebe froze, her mind blank, her ability to think evaporating. It wasn't a dream. Alexander was in her house... and he was showering.The water cut off abruptly, and at that moment, Alexander's hea
When Alexander emerged from the bathroom, he found Phoebe already dressed and sitting upright, her posture stiff. He couldn't help but laugh. "Not going back to sleep?""No." Phoebe glanced at him quickly before lowering her gaze again. Damn it, why didn't he just put on clothes before coming out of the bathroom? Instead, he had wrapped a towel around his waist and walked out like that. He must have a thing for exposing himself.Wait—Phoebe looked again. That towel... it was her towel—the one she used to dry herself off with. How could he wrap it around his body like that?But as she took a closer look, she couldn't help but find it funny. The towel had cartoon patterns all over it. The more she looked, the more she wanted to laugh. Her lips twitched, but she managed to hold it in."Think I look funny?" His expression darkened slightly.Phoebe quickly shook her head. "No!"But in her heart, she thought he really did look ridiculous. Of course, she couldn't say that out loud. After all
After finishing breakfast, Alexander took Phoebe straight to the airport. Without saying much, he ushered her onto the plane. It wasn't until she was seated that Phoebe realized how confused she felt."Where are we going?" she asked."Abroad," Alexander replied."Ah?" Phoebe's mouth formed an "O.""For what?" she pressed, voicing her curiosity."I have some business to take care of," Alexander answered, his hands still busy working. He had brought her along to give her a change of scenery and to keep her by his side."Oh," Phoebe mumbled, puffing out her cheeks as her mood sank.So, he was here for work. She had assumed this trip was meant to be a relaxing getaway for the two of them.Watching him work so diligently, Phoebe couldn't help but stare. From the moment they boarded the plane, he hadn't stopped, not even for a moment. He's so busy.But despite his hectic schedule, he still made time to see her every day.He looked so handsome while working—especially his profile, with its s
When Alexander returned from handling his business, he found Phoebe fast asleep. He moved quietly into the room, his cold and indifferent expression softening as he gazed at her peaceful face.Sitting on the edge of the bed, he gently stroked her cheek, a tender smile playing on his lips. The affection in his eyes was unmistakable.Unable to resist, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before rising and leaving the room, softly closing the door behind him.In the study, Alexander reviewed several documents. The silence was interrupted by his phone ringing.Frowning, he picked it up and answered without much interest."Alex, you finally decided to take my call?""What do you want?""I want to see you!""I'm busy.""I'm pregnant."Alexander's eyes narrowed, his gaze turning sharp and icy. His grip on the phone tightened, his fingers curling with such force that it seemed the phone might shatter."What did you say? Say it again.""Alex, I'm pregnant!" Melissa's soft an
Gavin's face was filled with worry as he gently pressed on her ankle. There didn't seem to be anything abnormal—it looked like a dislocation. "I'll take you to the hospital."The car sped off into the night and soon arrived at the hospital.When the doctor realigned Phoebe's ankle, the excruciating pain overwhelmed her, and she burst into tears. Gavin wrapped her in his arms and, to prevent her from biting herself, put his arm into her mouth.Her scream pierced the air before she collapsed weakly against Gavin's chest. Beads of sweat covered her forehead, and her face turned alarmingly pale.Though her ankle was still swollen, Phoebe could now feel it fully. She forced a bitter smile, realizing just how agonizing bone pain could be.It felt as if she had died and come back to life.After prescribing medication for her injury, the doctor gave them a few instructions and left.Gavin went to fetch the medicine and returned shortly
The departure of the two caused a stir at the banquet.People whispered among themselves, but the minor episode didn't seem to dampen the festive atmosphere. Laughter and chatter resumed as if nothing had happened.Alexander squinted slightly, his icy gaze fixed on the backs of the departing figures. His handsome face was frosted with cold fury.Damn that woman. She would rather expose herself than look back at him even once. She must be waiting for Gavin.So, this was why she was so desperate to leave him—she wanted to throw herself into Gavin's arms.Damn it. She's already in Gavin's arms so quickly.How long has she been with him? Was it mere moments after he let her go that she ran straight to Gavin?Alexander's fists clenched tightly, his steps heavy as he stormed out, a chilling aura surrounding him."Alex, where are you going?"Samantha called after him anxiously when she saw him leave. They had barely been at
Samantha's lips curled downward slightly, her eyes brimming with disdain and contempt. She cast a sidelong glance at Phoebe, sprawled on the floor, and let out a derisive snort."Look at you," she sneered. "Absolutely shameless. Exposing yourself like this and not even trying to cover up. Do you even know what dignity means? All this just to grab attention and fame—how utterly despicable. You'd stoop to any low, even desecrating an occasion as solemn as this with your vulgar antics. Absolutely disgraceful."Her gaze flicked momentarily to Alexander standing nearby.Noticing that his eyes, like those of the other men in the room, were locked on Phoebe, a pang of jealousy surged through her.In a coquettish tone, she said, "Alex, you wouldn't be interested in a woman this desperate, would you?"Samantha hadn't even noticed Phoebe until the sound of her fall drew her attention.But the moment her eyes landed on Phoebe's breathtakingly beautiful face, a spark of envy ignited within her, s
"Alex, what are you looking at so intently?" Samantha's voice was sweet and coquettish, her eyes shimmering as she playfully asked the question.Her tone carried the intimacy of lovers oblivious to their surroundings.A fleeting, complex emotion crossed Alexander's deep eyes—like a shooting star in the night sky, gone in an instant. His thin lips pressed into a stern line, ignoring Samantha's question entirely. He continued to gaze silently in one direction, his expression inscrutable.The faint smile on Phoebe's lips froze, transforming into something stiff and bitter. It was as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over her, chilling her to the bone.Every inch of her body felt the cold seeping in, numbing her.Why was he acting this way? Had he not seen her? Why did his gaze treat her like a stranger—so indifferent, as though they had never shared a connection?It was as if everything between them had been a fleeting dream, now completely erased.Was it because of her impulsive
Alexander entered the grand banquet hall with his date in tow, commanding attention like a storm disturbing a calm lake. In an instant, the event's serene atmosphere was shattered, and a wave of whispers and speculation rippled through the crowd. His presence, as a figure of such significance, was akin to dropping a bombshell amidst the gathering of elites and dignitaries—impossible to ignore."Mr. Davis, welcome! We are honored by your presence," greeted a slightly overweight middle-aged man who rushed forward, his face plastered with an ingratiating smile. Bowing and scraping, he resembled a sycophantic lapdog, eager to curry favor with the powerful Alexander. Not long after, several others followed suit, surrounding Alexander in a small circle of flattery and eager conversation.Alexander's expression remained indifferent, his features as unreadable as the surface of a tranquil lake. He responded with a curt "Hmm," giving no clue to his inner thoughts or emotions."Is this your new
As night fell, a grand and luxurious banquet unfolded within a palatial villa. The interior was brilliantly lit, filled with the mingling of elegant figures and murmurs of distinguished guests from all walks of life.A sleek black car glided smoothly through the gates of the villa, coming to a halt under the respectful gaze of the waiting servants.The car door opened, revealing Gavin's tall and commanding figure. His steps were steady as he exited the vehicle and circled around to the other side, where he gracefully opened the door for Phoebe with a gentlemanly gesture.Phoebe stepped out lightly, her movements poised and graceful. She naturally linked her arm with Gavin's, but beneath her composed demeanor, her heart raced uncontrollably. A subtle wave of nervousness spread through her body, impossible to suppress.Her eyes darted anxiously through the crowd, searching for the tall figure that haunted her thoughts. Yet after a few moments, a faint glimmer of disappointment crossed h
There was an inherent wicked charm and untamed energy about Gavin.As he approached step by step, Phoebe's heart inexplicably began to race.Feeling flustered, she lowered her head.She couldn't deny the man before her possessed an extraordinary allure, both in looks and demeanor. His every move exuded an irresistible charisma.Yet, Phoebe's heart was already filled with someone else, leaving no room for anyone else."Let's go,"Gavin said, his arm slightly bent in an elegant gesture, inviting Phoebe to take it.Phoebe frowned slightly, her heart filled with hesitation and conflict.After a brief pause, she gingerly extended her delicate arm and looped it through his. Wearing these high heels felt like walking on clouds—unsteady and precarious.Clinging to his arm seemed the most practical choice.Still, Phoebe couldn't help but wonder if he had done this on purpose.He knew she rarely wore heels
The next day, Phoebe arrived at the agreed location on time, following Gavin's instructions from the day before. She had assumed they would head straight to the evening banquet, but what greeted her instead was a high-end fashion studio."Why are we here?" Phoebe asked suspiciously, standing at the entrance without any intention of stepping inside.Her eyes stayed fixed on Gavin, trying to discern his intentions from his expression."As my companion for the evening, you'll need to be appropriately dressed," Gavin replied with an air of calm confidence. After a brief pause, a faint smile tugged at his lips."Phoebe, do you think showing up in your current attire would be appropriate for such a formal occasion?" His gaze swept over her outfit, making his point clear.Phoebe instinctively glanced down at her casual student clothes, then turned to her reflection in the glass panel on the wall.She couldn't deny that her outfit was utterly unsuit
Inside the slowly moving car, the atmosphere was subtly tense. Gavin focused intently on the steering wheel, driving steadily, while Phoebe sat in the passenger seat, her heart consumed by a growing sense of urgency.Throughout the ride, she bit her lip several times, hesitating to speak. Her mind was fixated on asking about Alexander's whereabouts.After all, Gavin had confidently assured her earlier that he had found Alexander. Yet, so much time had passed, and he hadn't said a word about it, as if his promise had been entirely forgotten.Phoebe grew increasingly restless, worry gnawing at her. Was he lying to her? Had he merely used this as a ploy to coax her into the car?The thought stoked the flames of anger within her, and her face flushed red with frustration. Unable to suppress her emotions any longer, she burst out."Are you going to tell me or not?" Phoebe raised her voice, her tone a mix of urgency and indignation. She fixed her gaze on