Chapter 209

The dim lighting cast flickering shadows across the room, their movements erratic and unpredictable.

Isabella's slender frame trembled slightly in Alexander's embrace. Her innocence was intoxicating, and the alcohol in his system only fueled his boldness.

Suddenly, her vision blurred as Alexander's towering figure pressed her down.

Her petite body sank deep into the plush couch, trapped like a delicate bird in a gilded cage. Alexander's breath hitched, but his lips never left hers—claiming, tasting, dominating.

The sultry voice of the singer on stage drifted through the air, a haunting melody that only heightened the dizzying haze clouding Isabella's mind. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"Ah—" Her breath caught as she squirmed beneath him, struggling weakly.

A wicked smirk curled Alexander's lips.

A fire ignited low in his abdomen, his darkening gaze burning with raw desire. He felt like a starving beast, barely holding onto his restraint.

Even drunk, a voice in his head screamed at him—she was his best friend’s sister.

Off-limits.

Forbidden.

Just as he was about to lose control, he reluctantly pulled away, a thin strand of saliva still connecting their lips. Isabella's gaze was unfocused, her mind too clouded to form a coherent thought.

That kiss had intoxicated her more than any liquor ever could.

"Tell me," Alexander murmured, his voice rough as he wiped the wetness from her lips with his thumb. "Was your little theory correct? That women are inherently lustful?"

"You took advantage of me," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"And?" His smirk deepened. "Did I prove your point? Or do you think I'm made of stone?"

Suddenly, an overwhelming wave of exhaustion crashed over Isabella.

Alexander pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his breath warm against her ear. "Sleep. Give me your answer tomorrow."

The once-vibrant Isabella was now on the verge of slipping into unconsciousness.

The haunting melody of the song still lingered around her.

BANG!

The door to the private room was violently kicked open.

Evelyn stormed in, her fury palpable. The disheveled men inside froze, their faces paling, while the women shrieked and scrambled behind their partners.

"Who the hell are you?" one of the men demanded, pointing at her.

Alexander had always shielded his sister well—she'd spent most of her life abroad, so few in Elmsworth recognized her.

Fuming, Evelyn marched to the coffee table, snatched an empty wine bottle, and smashed it over the man's head.

CRASH!

Glass shattered. Women screamed. The men stood dumbfounded.

"I'm your damn mother!" Evelyn snarled, her eyes blazing with fury.

"Where did this crazy bitch come from?" another man spat, rising to defend his friend.

"What's the meaning of this?" a third demanded. "What are you trying to do to my baby sister?"

Alexander strolled in from the balcony, cradling the sleeping Isabella in his arms.

Baby sister?

The two men who had stood exchanged uneasy glances before slowly sitting back down.

The one who'd been hit, blood trickling down his temple, forced an awkward laugh.

"My apologies, Ms. Evelyn. A misunderstanding, surely?"

"Alexander!" Evelyn's eyes widened in outrage as she took in the sight of him holding Isabella. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Evelyn," Alexander's voice was sharp, his brows furrowed. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, now you dare question me?" Her voice rose, shrill with anger. "Did I ruin your fun? Is that it?"

"He disrespected you," Alexander said coldly. "Smashing a bottle over his head was justified."

The three men remained frozen, not daring to speak as blood dripped from the wounded man's head.

"But what did I tell you?" Alexander's tone turned stern, the authoritative older brother emerging. "I told you to stay away from Sapphire Nights. If you must come, you inform me first so I can arrange things properly. This place is dangerous. What if something happened to you before I could protect you?"

"Stop pretending to care!" Evelyn snapped, jabbing a finger at him. "Admit it—you're just pissed because I interrupted your little game! Isabella is Nathaniel's sister, and you dare mess with her behind his back? You're shameless!"

"Evelyn." His voice dropped dangerously.

She flinched, taking half a step back.

He never used her full name.

He was furious.

"Go home. Now." His dismissal was sharp, final.

"I'll go," she hissed. "But you're coming with me!"

He glanced down at Isabella, still asleep in his arms. "I'm not going home tonight. Leave. Now."

"What are you planning to do?" Her voice rose to a shriek, making the others wince.

"Lily!" Alexander barked.

His secretary and personal bodyguard, Lily, hurried in.

"Escort Evelyn out. Take her home personally."

"Yes, sir."

Lily obeyed without hesitation.

She grabbed Evelyn's arm, her grip unyielding, and began dragging her toward the door.

"Let go of me! Do you know who I am?! You're hurting me!"

But her protests were useless.

Lily was immovable.

Under the stunned gazes of the onlookers, Evelyn was hauled out.

Late at night, Arabella luxuriated in her rose-petal bath, a homemade candle flickering beside her. The warm water soothed her tired muscles, and she sighed in contentment.

A man or a bath?

Easy choice.

Her phone rang, shattering the peaceful silence. It was her assistant, Jason.

"Jason," she said, putting the call on speaker as she lazily stirred the petals. "If it's too much, leave it for tomorrow. Get some rest."

"Ms. Arabella," Jason hesitated. "There's something you should know. But promise me you'll stay calm."

She snorted. "Jason, I've seen everything. Spit it out."

He took a deep breath. "I just saw Alexander with Isabella Abernathy. They checked into a hotel together."

Arabella sat bolt upright, water sloshing.

"What did you just say?"

"Alexander and Isabella," Jason repeated. "He handled the check-in himself. I couldn’t have mistaken it."

Her breath hitched.

Then—

"THAT BASTARD!"

Her furious roar shook the bathroom.

"WHERE'S MY GUN? I'LL MAKE HIM PAY FOR THIS!"