For the next few days , I deliberately kept my distance . Alexander thought I was restless from being cooped up at home , so he brought me to a gala . In the lounge , the curious stares of society ladies made my skin prickle . I was just about to slip away when Seraphina stormed in on stilettos and slapped me across the face . " You filthy whore ! " Her voice shook with rage . " First Victor , now Alexander . What did you feed them - some kind of poison ? Both of them worship you like you're their salvation ! " From her rant , I pieced together what had happened last night . Victor had returned to Lowe's Manor and smashed his study apart . He'd pointed a gun at the family lawyer , demanding the engagement be annulled . Anyone who tried to intervene left with broken bones . In the end , it took his grandfather himself , wielding the family cane , to beat him bloody before he finally relented . But at dawn , Victor stormed into the Crestfall boardroom , pressed a gun to his own temple , and declared , " Cancel the alliance - or I blow my brains out right here . " Seraphina's voice cracked , her mascara streaking . " It's all because of you ! " She raised her hand again- But before the slap could land , a long , elegant hand caught her wrist . Victor . He flung her back with a force that made her stumble . His eyes were wild , lethal . " Miss Sterling . Enough . " Her face crumpled , makeup smeared , hysteria breaking through . " For her ? You'd humiliate me for her ? " Victor's expression didn't waver . " Escort Miss Sterling home . " The black - suited bodyguards dragged her from the hall . Victor's face was bruised , his features cut sharp and merciless . Yet when his eyes met mine , his #Chapter 9 11.69 % ... Exness Global ex 4.5 FREE Keep more of what you make with even better pricing . Discover Exness . Google Play INSTALL 549 gaze softened . " Bella ... " His voice trembled . " I didn't know Alexander would turn that charade into reality . These past days , I've realized - I never loved Seraphina . It's always been you . You're the one who's bled for me , who's stood between me and death ... " - " Mr. Lowe . " I stepped back , forcing distance . " Thank you for everything these past years . " His pupils contracted , anguish carved across his face . " Don't call me that ! " " But I'm Mrs. Crestfall now . " My fingers brushed the wedding band on my hand . " And you promised me if I wanted to marry , you'd let me go . " His composure snapped . With a roar , he kicked over the champagne tower , crystal shattering like a storm of glass across the marble floor . " Alexander Crestfall is a bastard- " " Please . " My voice dropped to a whisper , sharp enough to cut . " The cameras are everywhere . Do you really want to drag me down with you ? " His hand froze mid - air , trembling , then fell heavily to his side . Moments later , Alexander arrived . He pulled me behind him , his body taut under his tailored suit , danger radiating off him like static . Terrified they'd come to blows , I tugged at Alexander's sleeve . " Alex ... let's go home . " That name silenced the room . Both men stilled . Victor didn't move . His face was a mask of devastation . But Alexander scooped me into his arms without a word , carrying me toward the waiting Maybach . Just as he opened the door , Victor's voice cut through the night . " Alexander - if you ever let her shed a single tear ... " Alexander's laugh was cold , sharp . He didn't turn around . " You'll never live to see that day . " The engine roared to life . Victor's figure shrank in the rearview mirror , yet he remained frozen in #Chapter 9 Exness Global 11.69 % ex 4.5 FREE Keep more of what you make with even better pricing . Discover Exness . Google Play INSTALL place , staring after us . Inside the car , Alexander's hand clamped around my chin , forcing me to look at him . " Still reluctant to leave him ? It's not too late to get out . " 1 " Mr. Crestfall ... " I tilted my head , a smile tugging at my lips . " Are you jealous ? " Color burned across the tips of his ears . He turned away sharply . " Nonsense . " I let out a dramatic sigh . " Then maybe I should go back to Victor- I didn't finish before Alexander pinned me down against the leather seat , his composure cracking , neck flushed scarlet . " Don't you dare ! " I laughed softly , pressing a kiss to his throat, right where his pulse leapt . "Relax . I was teasing . " The partition slid up , sealing us off from the driver . And then his mouth was on mine again- hungry , unrelenting , drowning me in the only language he ever spoke without restraint. #Chapter 9 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!