Crestfall's Tower loomed above me as I walked in without resistance , each step echoing too loudly in the sterile silence of power . Alexander Crestfall's office was nothing like Victor's world of dominance and arrogance . Where Victor filled every room with suffocating force , Alexander exuded icy restraint . His shirt was buttoned neatly to the throat , his tailored suit razor - sharp . He looked every inch the untouchable aristocrat , nothing like the ruthless reputation whispered in Shadowland . When I entered , he was reading through a file . Three years had only made him seem more distant , colder . His men slipped out quickly , their shoulders hunched . I hesitated , then whispered , " Mr. Crestfall- " " Get out . " The word cut like steel . But when his eyes finally lifted and recognized me , his voice faltered . " Victor sent you ? " " No ... Miss Sterling . She heard you like Rose Petal Shortbread , so she- " I never finished . Alexander suddenly pulled open a drawer , took out a small red velvet box , and strode straight toward me . I froze , thinking he meant to leave . I even reached out as if to stop him . Instead , he pressed the box into my hands . " For Miss Sterling ? " I asked , bewildered . " For you . " He removed the necklace from its case , stepped behind me , and fastened it around my neck himself . I stood motionless . He'd given me gifts before , but I always thought it was out of courtesy - because of Victor . As I turned to go , I gathered the courage to ask , " Mr. Crestfall ... about Miss Sterling's birthday gala in three days- " Chapter 3 " Do you want to see me there ? " he interrupted softly . I blinked , caught off guard , then nodded . The corner of his mouth curved into the faintest smile . " Then I'll be there . If you want me , I'll come . " My heart stumbled , beating too fast . I nearly fled the building . But outside Crestfall's Tower , I ran straight into Victor . He looked strung tight , his jaw set , and yanked me toward him . " Why did it take so long to deliver a simple gift ? Did Alexander give you trouble ? " His gaze landed on the necklace glinting at my throat . In an instant , his face darkened . " He gave this to you ? " I nodded faintly . " Yes , Mr. Crestfall- The words barely left my lips before Victor ripped it from my neck , the chain biting into my skin . I cried out in pain . " Buy ten identical ones , " he ordered his men . " Send them to Alexander . My lady never wears another man's gifts . " Victor was angry - furious , even . But I didn't understand why . Wasn't this exactly what he wanted ? For Alexander to show interest in me ? Back at Lowe's Manor , he dragged me roughly down the hall , shoving open a guestroom door . He caught my gaze , frustration simmering under his skin as he loosened his collar . " Seraphina's staying here a few days . She likes your room . You'll move in here for now . I nodded , silent , and began to pack . His voice rumbled on behind me , sharp curses directed at Alexander for stealing " his lady . " Then , suddenly , his words trailed off . I looked up - and met that familiar , dangerous stare . It was the same hungry look he always gave me when desire overtook him , when the wolf inside broke loose . " Mr. Lowe , " I forced out quickly , my throat dry , " you should go back . Miss Sterling is waiting in your room . " Chapter 3 3.90 % He ignored me , stripping off his shirt . " Did Alexander agree to attend the gala ? " " Yes . " Victor froze for a beat . His voice dropped , flat and edged with warning . " Remember - this is just an act . Don't let him actually touch you . " The night of the gala , slipping close to Alexander was far easier than I expected . The man who was ice to the outside world seemed strangely unguarded with me . " Try this , " I said softly , handing him the glass of juice laced with powder . He lifted it halfway to his lips ... then looked straight at me . " Are you sure this is what you want ? " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!