Chapter 294

The foggy memories from before she lost consciousness finally sharpened into focus.

She remembered Alexander appearing like a storm to rescue her at the last possible moment.

His strong arms had wrapped around her trembling body. His deep voice had whispered reassurances against her hair. Without thinking, she'd melted into his embrace, craving the safety only he could provide.

Evelyn's pulse quickened, that treacherous rhythm she knew all too well.

Her teeth sank into her lower lip. Fingernails dug crescent moons into her palms.

'No. This can't be happening again.'

'I despise him!'

'Every ounce of love died when he pushed me into that abyss.'

'Like survivors of shipwrecks who never long for the ocean again.'

'But I swear, Alexander, you'll understand drowning soon enough.'

Eleanor returned to Victoria's hospital room just as Alexander arrived.

A smug smile curled Eleanor's lips, convinced her earlier words had finally penetrated his stubbornness.

"Took you long enough to show concern for Victoria," Eleanor sniffed, her tone glacial.

"Victoria has suffered unimaginably, Alexander." Margaret dabbed at dry eyes with a tissue. "Four men... I can't even say it. You must stay with her now. In this state, who knows what desperate actions she might—"

Alexander's frosty glare silenced Margaret mid-sentence.

The older woman's crocodile tears evaporated under his piercing scrutiny. She quickly looked away, fingers twisting the damp tissue.

"I thought you were watching Victoria this entire time?" Alexander's voice could have frozen hell. "How did she end up at Riverside Recycling Plant?"

"I—I stepped out for water!" Margaret stammered. "When I returned, she was gone!"

"With two fractured legs? Quite the miraculous recovery."

"Someone must have taken her!" Margaret blurted. "It had to be Vivian! She orchestrated this whole—"

"Careful." Alexander's warning cut through the room like a blade. "Accuse Vivian again without proof, and you'll regret it."

Margaret's mouth opened and closed like a stranded fish. Cold sweat beaded along her hairline.

"I'll find the evidence!" Eleanor declared suddenly. "No one else would be this cruel to Victoria!"

Alexander's dark brows drew together. Before he could respond, a nurse emerged. "She's awake but extremely agitated. Don't upset her further."

"Victoria!" Eleanor wailed dramatically, face contorted in exaggerated distress.

She moved to enter but Margaret grabbed her arm. "Let Alexander go first. He's who she needs right now. We can speak with her later."

Eleanor nodded eagerly.

Turning to Alexander with watery eyes, she implored, "Comfort her, please. Don't break her heart again!"

Ignoring them both, Alexander pushed open the door.

The spacious VIP suite appeared empty at first glance.

No sign of Victoria in the pristine hospital bed.

His gaze flicked toward the balcony before a sound from the ensuite bathroom caught his attention.

The door stood ajar.

Steam curled from the shower stall where Victoria stood under the spray, fully clothed.

Revulsion twisted Alexander's features. He turned sharply away, jaw clenched.