Chapter 19

A predatory glint flickered in Alexander Knight's icy gaze.

The moment their wedding concluded, he'd received an urgent summons from the Knight family patriarch—William Knight. At ninety-six, the old man still commanded absolute authority within the family, much like an emperor's retired father.

Just over a month ago, when Alexander had consolidated control over Knight Enterprises and eliminated all opposition in one ruthless sweep, his grandfather had issued a decree.

"Alexander, since you've purged all obstacles, spare those who remain. Promise me this, and I'll never interfere in your affairs again." William's tone held both command and plea.

"Agreed." Alexander's response had been as frigid as his expression.

For two months, the old man kept his word—until today. Before Alexander could even escort his ailing mother back to the hospital, the summons came.

Expecting questions about his impromptu marriage, Alexander was surprised to find his cousin Dominic Pierce—son of his paternal aunt—pleading with William in the grand study.

"Alexander, you gave me your word." The patriarch's voice trembled with age but not authority. He'd witnessed firsthand how merciless his grandson could be.

"Alex...I swear I didn't know she was yours!" Dominic stammered, knees knocking. "She was dressed in rags hauling bricks at the construction site—I thought she was just some poor country girl! Have mercy, cousin!"

Dominic wasn't sure even his grandfather's protection would stop Alexander from putting a bullet between his eyes right then. He'd dared to lust after Alexander Knight's woman—a death sentence by any measure.

Alexander ruffled Dominic's hair with chilling gentleness. "Focus on managing your parents' company, cousin. At this rate, you'll burn through your vitality before thirty."

The implicit pardon made Dominic nearly collapse in gratitude. "Thank you! Thank you for sparing me!"

William's wrinkled face tightened. "What's this about some woman? I don't meddle in your affairs, but you can't just bring any stray home! At least introduce your bride to the family!"

"She's merely a comfort to my dying mother," Alexander stated bluntly. "After the funeral, we'll sever ties."

"See that you do." The old man's expression hardened. "Your grandmother misses you. Stay for dinner—no arguments."

Mid-meal, Alexander received a text from Alice. He'd completely forgotten her at the restaurant. Immediately summoning his assistant Nathaniel, he ordered her retrieval.

Yet somehow, she'd ended up in his bedroom.

His private sanctuary—connected to the study and terrace—was a fortress of hidden security measures. First trespass earned a warning. Second meant death. The door opened inward easily enough, but exiting? Impossible without authorization.

Like a lobster trap.

What game was this woman playing? Bold enough to invade his inner sanctum in his absence?

Every encounter with Alice Carter forced him to reassess her.

Crouching before her shivering form, Alexander studied her with arctic intensity. The wedding gown clung to her slender frame beautifully—the V-cut front and back accentuating delicate shoulder blades and the elegant curve of her spine. Her bobbed hair emphasized the porcelain column of her throat as she half-reclined, creating a breathtaking silhouette.

The dress's X-shaped waistline highlighted how tiny her midsection was—he could likely span it with both hands and still have room. Curled into herself with tear tracks glistening on sleeping cheeks, she seemed far younger and more vulnerable than when awake.

For a heartbeat, she reminded him of Victoria—that same fragile terror from their first encounter.

Alexander's throat tightened.

Then reality crashed back. This wasn't Victoria. This was the audacious intruder who'd breached his most private space.

Seizing her chin, he jerked her awake. "Explain yourself. Why break into my room? Seeking death?"

Alice gasped awake from nightmares of faceless pursuers and cliffside plunges. His brutal grip forced fresh tears from her wide, clouded eyes.

"The bracelet...your mother's gift...too valuable to leave unattended..." Her voice fractured like thin ice. "I knocked lightly...the door just...opened..."

She knew she was dead regardless. What had she done to deserve this? Eight years of charity survival, imprisoned for others' crimes, violated by a stranger, carrying an unwanted yet cherished child—now even that would be stolen from her.

Meeting Alexander's gaze, her expression hardened from terror to resignation. "Do what you will."

Releasing her chin, Alexander hauled her up by the waist. Off-balance, she instinctively wrapped arms around his neck as he leaned in.

The rich scent of his cologne—spiced tobacco and something darker—flooded her senses. Blushing furiously, she shoved at his chest. "Don't—"