Chapter 684
No.1
In truth, Alexander had already been drenched in crimson when Ethan pulled him from the window.
He left not because of her cruelty.
But because... he couldn't hold on any longer.
The blood on Evelyn's face had dripped from Alexander when he pinned her down.
These truths Julian would never reveal.
He too had selfish motives.
If Evelyn hesitated, he wouldn't mind giving fate a push.
No.2
"Evelyn, are you certain?" He sought final confirmation.
She closed her eyes and nodded.
This path had been irreversible since thirteen years ago.
......
Hospital room.
Isabella wept delicate tears. "Aunt Eleanor, how could Evelyn do this... She made Julian attack Alexander..."
Eleanor Kingsley's cold gaze rested on her son in the hospital bed.
No.3
Isabella continued through sobs. "Horizon got that recording because Evelyn planned it—"
"Enough." Eleanor cut her off. "Isabella, when did you become so tiresome?"
Isabella covered her mouth in wounded innocence. "I just care about Alexander..."
"My son has no shortage of people who care." Eleanor's words held no warmth. "You'd do better visiting your grandfather."
Isabella finally understood where Alexander inherited his sharp tongue.
Dabbing her eyes, she adopted a submissive tone. "Auntie, I was just worried—"
"Worry quietly then." Eleanor massaged her temples. "My son's hospitalized. He doesn't need your theatrics."
No.4
"Auntie, I just want to take care of Alexander..."
"You?" Eleanor scoffed, her manicured fingers tapping the hospital bed rail. "Miss Winslow, do you have a nursing license? Or perhaps a medical degree?"
Isabella's smile froze.
Eleanor adjusted her cufflinks with deliberate slowness. "The Winslows are a respectable family. How did they raise someone with such poor judgment?"
Isabella's grip tightened on her purse strap.
As a top actress, she was accustomed to being worshipped.
"Auntie, Alexander and I—"
No.5
"Enough." Eleanor raised a hand. "What you do outside these walls is none of my concern. But the Kingsley estate?" Her gaze turned razor-sharp. "You'll never set foot in it."
Isabella shot to her feet.
She glanced at Alexander lying motionless with closed eyes, as if oblivious to her humiliation.
His defense of her at Royal Gardens yesterday now seemed like a cruel joke.
She stormed out, stiletto heels striking the floor like gunshots.
Eleanor exhaled deeply.
Turning to her "sleeping" son, she pinched his ear hard. "Quite the charmer, aren't you? Last time it was bruises, now a hospital stay?"
No.6
Ethan watched Alexander's ear turn crimson but ventured, "Madam, Lord Alex was—"
"Want to be the next Mrs. Kingsley?" Eleanor's glare silenced him.
She pulled up a chair, her tone suddenly sweet. "Regrets now? When she chased you, you ignored her. This brooding act is pathetic."
Ethan edged toward the wall.
"Madam, Lord Alex has been overwhelmed with work—"
"Forgot to eat and sleep, did he?" Eleanor arched a brow. "How did my carefree nature produce such a lovesick fool?"
Ethan became one with the wallpaper.
No.7
"Ethan," Eleanor commanded, "order three commemorative plaques."
She counted on her fingers: "First one—'Obsessed With Love.' Second—'Reaping What You Sow.' Third..." She paused. "'Early Death, Early Rebirth.'"
Alexander's eyes snapped open.
"Ethan. Leave."
Any longer and his mother might invent worse epitaphs.
"Mom," he said bluntly, "she's at Serenity Heights. Bring her home."
Eleanor smirked. "I won't bully my benefactor's daughter."