Chapter 251

Evelyn watched the chaotic fight unfold before her, her heart pounding faster than during any action movie she'd ever seen.

"Go, Evelyn!" Arabella cheered enthusiastically from the side.

Evelyn barely managed to evade the man's brutal kicks. Seriously? Now's the time for cheerleading?!

"Arabella! Call the police!" she snapped.

"Oh—right!" Arabella finally snapped out of her daze and fumbled for her phone.

The attacker hadn't expected the delicate-looking woman to be so skilled in combat.

Realizing he couldn't overpower Evelyn, he shifted his focus to Arabella. In a flash, he turned and lunged at her.

Arabella's phone clattered to the ground. She froze, eyes squeezing shut in terror. A sharp gasp escaped her lips.

A pained grunt followed.

Arabella's eyes flew open just in time to see Evelyn shielding her, taking the brunt of the knife attack.

A long gash split Evelyn's blazer sleeve, crimson blood staining the fabric in a vivid streak.

"Evelyn!" Arabella shrieked, tears streaming down her face.

Evelyn panted, clutching her bleeding arm. A dull, throbbing pain radiated through her scalp, sweat beading on her forehead.

This wasn't a random mugging.

This man was a professional.

Just as the attacker raised his knife again, a strong hand seized him by the collar, yanking him backward.

Evelyn seized the moment—her foot lashed out in a sharp roundhouse kick, sending the dagger clattering away.

A sharp cry of pain followed.

Crack!

Evelyn watched, stunned, as the man's arms were effortlessly dislocated—like dismantling a toy.

It was terrifyingly impressive.

"You?!"

Evelyn's breath hitched. The pain in her wound momentarily forgotten, she stared at the man who had subdued the attacker beneath his polished leather shoes.

Her unexpected savior.

"What a pleasant coincidence," Alexander Whitmore murmured, his lips curving into a gentle smile.

He pressed his shoe harder against the man's face, eliciting another agonized groan.

"Ms. Carter!" Theodore's voice rang out as he sprinted toward them.

"Theodore! Hurry—Evelyn's hurt!" Arabella's voice trembled, fresh tears welling in her eyes.

"Ms. Carter! What happened?!"

Theodore's heart clenched at the sight of blood pooling on the pavement. His vision blurred. "Who did this to you?"

"Why are you here? How's your mother?" Evelyn exhaled sharply, scolding him. "This isn't the time—"

"Like hell it isn't! You need a hospital now!" Theodore's hands shook as he reached for her.

Evelyn stepped back stubbornly. "It's not deep. Just take care of Arabella—she's shaken up."

"Ms. Carter..." Theodore's fingers curled helplessly.

Evelyn had always been relentless. Even now, wounded and bleeding, she refused to show weakness.

"Evelyn, let Theodore help you. I'm fine," Arabella whispered, guilt twisting her expression. "This is my fault. If I hadn't been so useless—"

"Don't be ridiculous." Evelyn pinched Arabella's tear-streaked cheek lightly. "If anything, I dragged you into this."

Nearby, Alexander's bodyguards secured the attacker, shoving him into a car.

"Sir, are you all right?!" His secretary paled, finally catching up.

Alexander dusted off his suit with effortless grace before locking eyes with Evelyn.

His gaze burned with something unreadable.

Evelyn inhaled deeply and approached him. "Thank you for your help. But I need to handle this man myself. It's important."

Alexander's lips quirked. "Of course. But on one condition."

"Name it."

Before she could react, strong arms lifted her effortlessly.

Alexander cradled her against his chest, moving so swiftly even Theodore couldn't intervene.

Evelyn gasped.

Her eyes met his—warm, intense, unwavering.

"First, the hospital," he murmured. "Then you can do whatever you want."