Chapter 1689
No.1
Amid the deafening impact, he seized her throat, shoving her toward the yawning darkness.
"You think I won't die with you?" His words howled with the night wind. "The Sinclairs dare death—are the Kingsleys cowards?"
Black spots danced in Evelyn's vision.
Something warm splattered her face.
"If you die, it'll be with me!"
......
Somehow, Evelyn found herself back inside.
No.2
She collapsed, coughing until her ribs ached.
The wardrobe gaped with a jagged hole.
Blood streaked the broken wood.
Two factions stood locked in stalemate.
Julian's knuckles dripped crimson.
Alexander, restrained by his men, smeared blood across his lips.
Ethan knelt beside her, pleading. "Miss Sinclair, please... Lord Alex hasn't slept in two days..."
No.3
Evelyn laughed between coughs.
He'd nearly murdered her and Julian.
Yet she was the tormentor?
"Lord Alex remembered your dress shopping..." Ethan's eyes reddened. "Just apologize..."
Evelyn swayed to her feet.
She moved toward Julian.
Gazing at his mangled hand, she whispered, "Julian... Does it hurt?"
No.4
Julian Ashford remained silent, his gaze traveling over Evelyn Sinclair's shoulder to land on Alexander Kingsley.
Evelyn kept her back turned to the man, refusing to spare him even a glance.
A muffled cough sounded behind her.
"Miss Sinclair!" Ethan Miller's voice cracked with urgency.
She didn't look back.
From this moment on, that man's joys and sorrows meant nothing to her.
She drew a deep breath, her voice clear and resolute. "Alexander Kingsley, we're done. You chose Isabella Winslow. I choose freedom."
No.5
The air froze.
After a long pause, Alexander's low voice cut through the silence. "Leave."
Shrugging off supporting hands, he strode away with decisive steps.
"Lord Alex!" Ethan chased after him.
Alexander unclenched the hand covering his mouth. Blood smeared between his fingers as he crushed it into his palm, casually wiping the crimson trail from his lips with his sleeve.
Ethan's eyes reddened.
He'd witnessed this man's transformation from youth to adulthood.
No.6
Alexander showed no mercy to enemies but remained fiercely loyal to his own.
To the world, he was the perfect heir. Only before Evelyn did he shed all pride.
"Lord Alex..." Ethan's voice trembled.
"Silence." Alexander's icy tone brooked no argument.
"At least go to the hospital—" Ethan persisted desperately.
Alexander gave no reply, using his other hand to wipe away fresh blood welling up.
......
No.7
The room returned to stillness.
Evelyn entered the bathroom and lifted her gaze to the mirror. Blood streaked her face like tear tracks.
She numbly touched the dried stains.
When had this happened?
She wasn't injured.
Julian dismissed his subordinates and approached with a damp towel.