Chapter 12Alex's eyes widened like he had just been punched in the guts. “You're not serious, are you?” He quizzed, lowering his voice.James nodded quietly. He was already too weak to speak now. He just lay still on the floor, his breath slowed and forced.“It's… it's true.” He stuttered, his voice shredded into tiny bits. “Victor has only been flaunting the fake all this while. I didn't let him have the real one… because I made a promise to your grandfather on his dying bed that I'd protect it with my life.” At this point, the furious look on Alex's face had disappeared, replaced with an intrigued, terribly shocked expression.He crouched closely towards James's weak frame, his gaze turning softer now. “If indeed what you say is true, why then is the ring not there in the safe? And why did you have to keep it from me for so long?”James coughed between quiet, muffled sobs, his voice rough and croaky as he struggled to speak.“I… I hid it from you because I was waiting for the perf

Chapter 14“It's a good thing you called me when you did.” The doctor said quietly, his voice laced with severity as he finished examining Elena. His gaze remained on her fragile frame resting on the bed, his expression darkening. “She could have lost the baby if you hadn’t intervened in time.”A cold chill ran through Alex… and his eyes shifted quickly between Elena and the doctor. “But… she's stable now, right?”“Yes, she is.” The doctor replied, his tone softening into a calm, solemn whisper. “She just needs to rest properly. With proper care, both she and the baby will be fine.”“Thank you, doctor.” Alex exhaled, his voice laced with a mix of panic and relief as his gaze returned to Elena. Then turning his full attention to the doctor, his expression sharpened. “I'd like to have a word with you. Outside.”The doctor gave a quick nod. “Of course, Mr Wellington. After you.”Alex stepped into the hallway, holding the door open until the doctor followed. As soon as they were both outs

Chapter 16He headed straight to James’s wing… and there he was, fast asleep.“Let me know the moment he wakes,” he instructed the guard at the door, then turned and made his way back to his suite.But what he didn’t expect was to find another guard already waiting outside his door, hands clasped behind his back.“Boss,” the guard said, his voice firm but tense, “I have a confession to make.”Alex studied him for a second, then gave a slow nod. “Go on. I’m listening.”“It’s about Miss Thompson…”Alex’s eyes darkened the instant her name was mentioned. He stepped forward in a flash, grabbing the guard by the collar, his grip tight and unforgiving.“What about her?” he growled, his voice laced with fury. “Is she in danger?”The guard gasped for breath, struggling in his hold. He shook his head frantically, unable to speak until Alex finally released him.“Now talk,” Alex snapped, crossing his arms as he began to circle him. “What exactly do you have to say about her?”The guard clutched

Chapter 18James stiffened, the weight of Alex’s words hitting him like a brutal blow. It was a deal he couldn’t afford to refuse… but how was he supposed to convince Victor so easily?Alex caught the trace of doubt in his eyes and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.“You don’t have to decide now,” he said quietly, rising to his feet. “Take all the time you need. But remember… your daughter’s life is hanging in the balance.”With that, he turned and left the room, the door clicking softly behind him, leaving James alone with the storm in his head.The offer echoed in his mind like a haunting whisper.The thought of finally seeing his daughter again… after twenty long years… made his heart race. He would give anything to make it happen.But fear held him back… fear of getting in Victor's bad record. Even the mention of his name made James’s chest tighten. Victor was dangerous, smart and ruthless. And if he discovered any form of betrayal, James knew he wouldn’t survive it… even his

Chapter 20Freya’s eyes widened, like they were going to fall out, but Alex didn't give her a chance to argue or refuse.“You have one hour to get prepared.” He said calmly as he settled back into his seat. Freya stood there for a second longer, the words still sounding like gunshots in her ears. Exposing Victor's evil dealings was something she had secretly longed for, because she was tired of living under his control, doing whatever he demanded out of fear. But at the same time, it was a terrifyingly difficult thing to do. Speaking out came with serious risks. If she testified and charges were brought against him, she knew Victor wouldn’t rest until he silenced her… and this time, he wouldn’t hesitate to end her life.Still, she had no real choice of her own.Alex didn't sound like he wanted her to decide for herself. He had said it like it was an order, and she was left with no other option but to comply.~Alex arrived at the banquet right on time. He walked through the crowd s