Chapter 940

Alexander's brow furrowed as he approached. His expression was tightly controlled, but his gaze froze when he spotted the tiny puncture mark on Isabella's arm. The temperature in the room seemed to drop instantly.

"Did Donovan inject you?" His voice was arctic.

The answer was obvious. Their circle had particularly vile methods for dealing with rebellious women.

A drug that drained all strength while keeping the victim fully conscious. Unable to resist. Isabella had clearly been given such an injection.

Silent tears rolled down Isabella's cheeks as she nodded.

She'd chosen him. She deserved this.

The collective intake of breath was audible.

Evelyn trembled with barely contained rage. The air around Alexander turned glacial.

He stepped forward, extending his arms. "I'll carry her. You go first."

Evelyn took a steadying breath before touching Isabella's shoulder. "Don't be afraid, Isabella. We're leaving now."

Donovan would return soon. If he brought reinforcements, they'd be in trouble.

After all, he'd already imprisoned Isabella. What other depraved acts was he capable of?

Just thinking about that brooding, volatile face made Evelyn's blood run cold.

Only someone as naive as Isabella would trust him. Only she could develop feelings as fleeting as fireworks for a man like that. Her red, swollen eyes were heartbreaking.

"Let's go," Isabella whispered weakly.

Alexander lifted her bridal-style. They'd just reached the living room when heavy, urgent footsteps echoed at the entrance. Donovan had arrived.

Faster than expected.

"Sir!" Beatrice cried out dramatically. "They're taking Ms. Montgomery! They attacked me!"

Donovan surveyed the wreckage - the overturned furniture, his unconscious bodyguards. His dark eyes burned with cold fury before locking onto Isabella in Alexander's arms.

"She's not leaving." His sharp tone cut through the room as he blocked their path.

His expression was thunderous, emotions churning behind those obsidian eyes.

"Put my woman down, Mr. Sterling."

Alexander's bodyguards closed ranks around Donovan. Alexander's glare could have frozen hell. "Your woman? Donovan, are you even a man? Isabella Montgomery isn't some plaything you can discard. Remember that."

If Isabella had been nobody, she'd have no recourse after Donovan's mistreatment.

But she wasn't nobody. The Montgomerys were San Francisco royalty. Her mother ruled the business world with an iron fist. Who would dare disrespect her?

Was Donovan truly this reckless?

Donovan's cold stare met Alexander's. "This doesn't concern you."

A clear warning to stay out of their affairs.

Evelyn had no patience left. "Enough. We'll discuss this later. The hospital first."

The bodyguards moved to clear the path. But Donovan struck first - a vicious kick sent the nearest guard flying.

His movements were lethal, precise. The remaining guards charged. Bloodlust gleamed in his eyes as he dispatched three, four men with brutal efficiency. Mere bodyguards were no match for his skills.

After neutralizing the last guard, Donovan lunged at Alexander with cold intent.

Alexander stood firm, face like carved ice. Evelyn braced herself on the sidelines.

Just steps away, Isabella suddenly gritted her teeth. With tremendous effort, she rasped:

"Donovan Pierce, if you lay one finger on me, I swear I'll destroy your entire family. Starting with your deranged mother!"