Chapter 6
The sharp click of heels echoed down the hospital corridor as Evangeline Hart swept in, every inch of her polished and radiant–a striking contrast to Serena Whitmore, who lay bruised and bandaged in the sterile hospital bed.
“I heard you got pretty roughed up,” Evie said sweetly, her syrupy tone laced with venom. “Julian’s barely left my side these past few days. He’s been feeding me, tucking me in… treating me like I’m made of glass.”
She tilted her head, all faux innocence. “Meanwhile, you’re here all alone. No one even stopping by. That’s… really sad.”
Serena turned her face away, silent.
“Need a hand?” Evie asked imockingly then suddenly pressed down on Serena’s fractured leg.
Serena cried out in pain, instinctively shoving her away.
Evie stumbled back and fell, then shot upright with dramatic flair, brushing imaginary dust from her skirt. “Did you just push me?” she gasped, eyes blazing
She sneered, voice trembling with rage “Julian treats me like I’m his everything–holds me like I might break, treasures me like I’m his whole damn world and you dare lay a hand on me?”
Her gaze turned cold. “You’ll regret this.”
With that, she shot Serena a scathing look and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
Serena’s chest tightened. A familiar dread crawled up her spine.
And sure enough, not ten minutes later, Julian Blackwell kicked open the door.
“Serena!” he roared, storming toward her. His eyes were bloodshot with rage. In a flash, his hand closed around her throat. “Evie came here out of kindness, and you hired thugs to attack her?”
Serena’s eyes widened. “I didn’t-”
“Don’t lie to me!” His voice was a low, dangerous growl. “If I hadn’t shown up when I did, she could’ve been-”
He cut himself off, jaw clenched. When he looked at her again, his expression was like ice. “I know you’ve had a thing for me for years. I’ve told you, time and again I don’t feel the same. But if you lay a finger on Evie again, I won’t just reject you I’ll hate you.”
Serena coughed, struggling for breath, her eyes brimming with tears. I swear… I didn’t…”
Julian laughed a hollow, chilling sound. “Still playing innocent?”
–
He clapped his hands.
The door opened, and five large men stepped inside.
Serena’s blood ran cold. “Julian, what are you doing?!”
“What do you think?” he said coolly, “You hurt Evie. There are consequences.”
She tried to get off the bed, but her battered body wouldn’t cooperate. “You’re Insane! If you touch me, you’ll ruin the deal between our families!”
“For Evie, I’d burn every bridge between us and the Whitmores without hesitation.”
He turned to leave. “Have fun ”
“Julian!” Serena screamed after him, her voice cracking. “Are you really this heartless?!”
He paused in the doorway. Then, without turning around, said flatly, “Scared now? Good. I’ll give you one chance swear you won’t choose me as your flancé at the birthday gala, and I’ll call this off.”
“I was never going to choose you!” Serena shouted hoarsely. “I’d pick anyone but you!”
Chapter 6
Julian turned, eyes dark. “And I’m supposed to believe that?”
He let out a cold laugh. “You’ve been trailing after me since we were kids, chasing a fantasy for years. If you’re too blind to see the truth, don’t blame me for being cruel.”
The door slammed shut behind him.
The five men stepped closer.
Serena shut her eyes, trembling, as the sound of tearing fabric sliced through the air…
