Chapter 396

Sophia Laurent stumbled free from the gangster's grasp.

Alcohol blurred her vision, but survival instinct drove her forward.

Shouts and chaotic footsteps echoed behind her.

She careened around a corridor corner and collided with a solid chest.

The faint scent of cedar drifted from the black suit.

"Sorry..." she slurred, making no move to pull away.

The man didn't push her off.

Crude curses erupted from the approaching gangsters.

"You bitch think you can run? I'll teach you a lesson tonight!"

Sophia trembled, fingers tightening around the man's sleeve.

"Help me..."

The man seemed drunk too. Her tug made him press fingers to his temple.

The gangsters closed in.

"Who's this pretty boy? Get lost!"

Someone shoved the man roughly.

He lifted his head slowly.

Dark eyes burned with terrifying ferocity.

Sophia's breath caught.

The man on screen was unmistakably Alexander Valdemar beside her.

"That night...it was you?" She turned in disbelief. "Why were you there?"

Alexander's expression darkened.

"More than just coincidence," he murmured.

On screen, the gangster's vulgar threat cut off as Alexander seized his wrist.

A swift judo throw slammed the man onto the floor.

Five others charged forward.

"Take out this meddling bastard first!"

Amid the chaos, Alexander moved with lethal precision.

But Sophia noticed his unsteady footing, the sweat beading at his temples.

Soon all five gangsters lay moaning on the ground.

Alexander braced against the wall, breathing ragged.