Had he not blocked in time, Lisa might’ve been disfigured?
Though he didn’t love Lisa, he couldn’t let Vivian run wild.
The thought sent a chill down his spine.
Time to freeze her out!
The car glided smoothly toward downtown, the atmosphere inside thickening.
Andrew’s phone rang again–the family manor calling.
He answered briefly, hung up, then turned to Alexander in the back seat, speaking deliberately.
“Alexander, the manor called. Victor ordered… you mustn’t interfere with Vivian’s situation.”
Alexander leaned back, eyes shut, not even lifting an eyelid.
Andrew paused, then added: “Also, Victor wants you and… the wife back at the manor for dinner tonight.”
He stressed “the wife” sharply.
Alexander finally opened his eyes, gaze unreadable.
He ignored the manor’s command.
Just then, Alexander’s private phone buzzed.
“Vivian” flashed onscreen.
He stared for seconds, fingers twitching before swiping to answer.
“Alexander!
You finally picked up!”
Vivian’s voice spilled out–hysterical, tear–choked.
“Did you see the news?
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Matthew and Lisa framed me!
Help me, Alexander! Only you can save me–my career’s ruined!”
Her pitch climbed, sharp with terror and need.
“Just show up! Tell everyone I’m yours–the rumors will die!
Alexander, please…”
Alexander listened to her sobbing ramble, face blank, voice arctic.
“I’ll handle this.”
Calm words, iron finality.
“Lay low. Don’t leave home for days.”
He hung up before she could protest.
Seconds later, the phone shrieked again–still Vivian.
Alexander muted it without looking and tossed it aside.
Once, he’d have moved instantly–no one touched what he shielded.
But that video of her hurting Lisa… shook him.
As Alexander reached the Ford Corporate Headquarters Tower, a photo and message popped up.
Vivian, drenched, eyes closed–a tragic beauty.
“Alexander, save my Vivian! She drowned herself! Emergency ward, third floor, Central Hospital!”
Alexander froze. Two seconds. Then-
BANG! His fist smashed the car door.
Driver and Andrew flinched at the crash.
“Central Hospital.”
“Yes.”
Alexander shut his eyes tight, fists clenched. Why was he hesitating? He should’ve rushed to her side immediately.
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If it weren’t for her, he’d have drowned in the ocean four years ago…
A wave of crushing guilt washed over him, snapping him back to his senses.
He’d promised to protect her forever. He couldn’t break that vow.
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Ten minutes later, the Rolls–Royce pulled up at Central Hospital’s entrance. Alexander strode inside with long steps.
Approaching the ward, he heard muffled sobs.
Cynthia Parker beat her chest, wailing Vivian’s name.
“My poor girl! How could you do something so foolish? What will become of me? What will become of the?
What matters more than your life?”
“Four years ago when you jumped into the sea to save someone, I nearly lost you! How dare you try this again?”
“Are you trying to kill your old mother?–
Vivian! Vivian!
I’ll never force you into anything again! I was wrong!”
?
?
?
Alexander’s chest tightened. Had he arrived too late?
Her Debt of Gratitude, He Couldn’t Escape
Andrew saw the scene and hurried over, deliberately clearing his throat twice.
Damn!
Wasn’t Miss Campbell wide awake?
Why was her mother wailing like she was at a funeral?
He was momentarily speechless!
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“Miss Campbell, Mr. Ford is here to see you.”
Andrew raised his voice.
Alexander let out a breath, his eyes darkening instantly.
Cynthia spotted the distinguished man at the doorway, wiped her tears, and rushed to greet him.
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“Mr. Ford, you’ve finally come. Our Vivian nearly died. The doctor said if we’d arrived two minutes lat- er… I’d have faced the grief of outliving my child. Please talk some sense into her. She can’t do anything foolish again–my heart can’t take it.”
Cynthia shook her head, her face etched with misery.
“I’d like to speak with Vivian alone.”
Alexander’s gaze fixed on the unnaturally pale face in the hospital bed, his voice icy. “Why would you do something so reckless?”
The figure on the bed fluttered her lashes, slowly opening her eyes.
Seeing him, Vivian suddenly smiled–but before the smile reached her eyes, tears spilled over.
“My career… it’s ruined.”
Her voice was faint and hollow, shattered with despair.
“I’m being treated like a pariah now. What’s the point… what’s the point of living?”
Her tears flowed harder, words choking in her throat.
“I don’t want to burden you. My leaving… it’s the best outcome for you. For everyone.”
She paused, tear–filled eyes lifting to him, voice dropping to a whisper thick with hurt and longing.
“I just… I can’t bear to let you go.”
Something struck Alexander’s heart–not too hard, not too soft–and the rigid edges within him instantly softened.
His voice gentled, carrying a tenderness he didn’t recognize himself. “I told you I’d handle this.”
He held her gaze, emphasizing each word.
“When have I ever abandoned you?”
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The words were a lifeline, instantly reigniting the extinguished fire in Vivian’s eyes.
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Chapter36
Chapter36
