Chapter 22

Alice trembled violently as she buried her face against Alexander's chest. She had always known how ruthless he could be, but witnessing it firsthand was something else entirely. Today, she saw the depths of his merciless nature—unyielding, unapologetic.

Yet, those people had it coming.

No pity. No remorse.

Because Alice had nearly died at Victoria’s hands.

Slowly lifting her head from Alexander’s shoulder, Alice fixed Victoria with wide, innocent eyes—eyes that masked the storm of emotions beneath.

At the hospital, the doctor’s voice was calm. "Only soft tissue contusions. Nothing life-threatening."

Alice exhaled in relief, the suffocating fear finally loosening its grip. But then her thoughts spiraled—Margaret. How had she been these past few days?

"Mr. Knight," Alice whispered, gratitude lacing her voice. "Thank you for saving me. Is... is Aunt Margaret alright?"

Alexander’s expression remained unreadable. "No."

Alice’s breath hitched. "What happened?"

"Intensive care."

Ever since Alice started visiting Margaret daily, the older woman had grown accustomed to her presence. Her sudden disappearance had worsened Margaret’s fragile condition—so much so that she had nearly slipped away.

At first, Alexander had assumed the worst—that Alice, tempted by wealth, had sold the emerald bracelet and vanished. His initial plan? Find her and make her regret it.

But the truth was far darker.

Victoria had taken her.

"Is she—" Alice’s voice cracked as she grabbed Alexander’s hands desperately. "Please, take me to her. Now."

The ICU was sterile, silent. Through the glass, Alice saw Margaret—pale, motionless, tubes snaking across her frail body.

Tears spilled down Alice’s cheeks.

Margaret was the only warmth left in her life. The only family she had. And now, because of her absence, Margaret had suffered.

"I’m sorry... I’m so sorry..." Alice pressed her forehead against the glass, her voice breaking. "Please wake up. Let me take care of you again. You’re all I have left."

Behind her, Nathaniel—Alexander’s ever-loyal assistant—watched with a softened gaze. "Master Alexander," he murmured, "after observing her, I don’t believe she ever intended harm toward Madam Margaret. The inmates I spoke to confirmed she was genuinely close to her in prison. Unlike..."

He hesitated, glancing at Alexander’s stony face before continuing. "Unlike Miss Victoria, who would go to such lengths. If you had arrived even a second later..."

Nathaniel didn’t finish.

Alexander’s gaze remained fixed ahead. After a long pause, he finally spoke. "Find out what connection Alice has to the Sullivan family."

Nathaniel bowed slightly. "Understood."

When Alexander turned back, Alice was still slumped outside the ICU, refusing to leave, her quiet sobs echoing in the sterile hallway.

Then—

The doctor stepped out. "She’s awake."

Alice froze for a heartbeat before bolting inside, collapsing at Margaret’s bedside. "Mom," she choked out, clutching Margaret’s hand. "Mom, I’m here."

Margaret’s eyelids fluttered open. When she saw Alice, her weak voice trembled with relief. "Alice... where have you been?"