Chapter 253

"Calm down?!" My voice cracked with raw emotion. "My daughter is fighting for her life because of that monster!"

I jabbed my finger toward Nathan's ashen face. "Nathan Blackwood! If you never intended to marry Victoria, why spin those pretty lies about marriage proposals? My daughter saved your wretched life when you tried to end it all! And this is how you repay her kindness?"

Nathan's hands trembled violently as childhood trauma came crashing back. The suffocating memories he'd buried deep now clawed their way to the surface, stealing his breath.

Meanwhile, Alexander Whitmore rushed Evelyn to Kingsley Medical Center. She'd insisted Theodore stay with Arabella - the poor girl was already hysterical with guilt. Evelyn couldn't bear to see her delicate sister's tears fall harder.

The blade had missed vital arteries, thanks to Evelyn's quick reflexes. When she emerged from treatment, her porcelain forearm bore a thick bandage beneath the sleeve of Alexander's tailored jacket.

"Keep it," he murmured, adjusting the coat around her slender frame. His fingers lingered near the gauze. "That dressing looks terrifying. Do you really want to frighten your sister and secretary?"

Evelyn's protest died on her lips. There was something dangerously persuasive about Alexander's consideration.

"Sir, may I ask why you were in our neighborhood?" Her eyes held quiet suspicion.

"I have a penthouse there." The lie came smoothly. While his family did own the development, Alexander resided elsewhere.

"How... coincidental." She let the matter drop, though her gaze remained shrewd.

Watching the nurses clean her wound had been torture. "You didn't even whimper," Alexander observed, admiration coloring his tone. "You're the bravest woman I've met."

Evelyn offered a polite smile. "Many women possess strength, Mr. Whitmore. You'll encounter others."

His lips curved. "I'm not interested in others."

A beat of silence. Then Evelyn's expression turned serious. "While I appreciate your help, carrying a stranger bridal style was... forward. I value personal boundaries."

Alexander adjusted his glasses, contrition in his clear gaze. "My apologies. Seeing you injured made me act rashly. I'll respect your space."

His sincerity disarmed her. Just as she began to relax, Evelyn realized something. "We haven't properly introduced ourselves—"

"Evelyn!" A familiar baritone voice sliced through the hospital corridor.