Chapter 32 Seducing Men in a Place Like That
The bodyguards had torn through every inch of the abandoned maze of woods, overturning rotting debris and clawing through undergrowth. All they found were bloodstains and shreds of clothing.
At one point, Alexander had been certain she was dead. The thought drove him into a frenzy, his search turning desperate enough to unsettle everyone around him.
Then came the call from his men in the city—Caroline was alive, lying in a hospital bed.
The moment he heard, something inside his chest loosened, like a fist unclenching. He didn't even go home. He changed clothes in the back of his car and drove straight to the hospital.
He hadn't expected to walk into this.
Caroline's bed. Another man sitting beside her, gently wiping away her tears.
The storm he'd braved to get here, the hours of fear, the relief he hadn't dared to acknowledge—all of it suddenly felt meaningless. That he had worried for Caroline at all felt absurd.
Alexander pushed the door open.
Both heads turned. Daniel's eyes narrowed in mild confusion. Caroline froze, her body going rigid. A tremor ran through her, small but uncontrollable.
Alexander ignored Daniel entirely, stepping up to the bed. Under Caroline's wide, fearful gaze, he reached out and brushed his fingers against her cold, pale cheek. "I'm late, darling." His voice was soft, almost tender—but it made Caroline feel as if she'd been dropped into ice water.
She knew all too well. This wasn't concern. It wasn't regret. It was a new form of humiliation.
He bent closer, ignoring the way she flinched. "When I heard you were hurt, I nearly lost my mind. Thank God you're still breathing."
Caroline's muscles locked. She wanted to pull away, scream, shove him back—but the fear was too deep, too paralyzing.
Daniel's frown deepened. This man's tone and touch were those of a lover. So why did Caroline look like she was about to shatter? She was trembling, her eyes full of despair, pleading silently for help. That wasn't how anyone looked at someone they loved.
"Sir," Daniel said, unable to stay silent. "Caroline is very weak right now... and she looks terrified."
Alexander's gaze shifted toward him as if noticing him for the first time. He straightened slowly, but kept his hand on Caroline's face. His thumb traced a slow, deliberate path along her cheek, a gesture heavy with possession. Then he smiled at Daniel, the expression almost warm. "Terrified?" His brow lifted.
He looked down at Caroline again, his voice dropping lower. "Are you afraid, darling? Is something hurting you? Or..." His eyes flicked to Daniel, the pause deliberate. "...did a stranger frighten you?"
Caroline's lips trembled, but no sound came. She could hear the threat buried in his words. What could she say? Deny it? Admit it? Either answer would bring worse punishment. She stared at him, eyes shimmering with unshed tears she didn't dare let fall.
Alexander's temper flared hotter. She could cry in front of this man, accept his comfort... but in front of him, all she had was fear?
'Perfect,' he thought.
"She's too weak to speak," he said smoothly, turning to Daniel. "I'm Alexander Hamilton. And you are?"
The Hamilton family? Daniel's stomach tightened. The name carried weight in Grandhaven—weight he'd heard about in whispers. Organized crime. Was Caroline...?
"I'm Daniel Cortes. Caroline and I were classmates at university." He forced his voice steady, masking the shock. His eyes went back to her trembling form. "I found her in the woods west of the city while exploring and brought her here. Mr. Hamilton, since you're family, I'll say this—she's badly injured, and she seems deeply shaken. Please take care of her."
"So she's an old friend. Then I owe you my thanks, Mr. Cortes." Alexander inclined his head. "I'll remember the favor. You'll be properly rewarded. But right now, my wife needs rest."
Wife? Daniel's head snapped toward Caroline.
She was married? And to a man from the mob?
Caroline flinched hard at the word "wife," her eyes squeezing shut. The tears she'd been holding back finally broke free, sliding down to her temple.
Alexander felt the tremor run through her. His own darkness surged. She didn't even want to be acknowledged as his wife? Not in front of someone else?
His mouth curved into a cold smile. He slid an arm around her thin shoulders, pulling her halfway into his chest. "Mr. Cortes, thank you again. I'll make sure she has the best doctors and care. It's getting late—you've done enough for today. Go rest. I'll visit to thank you properly another time."
It was as clear as any dismissal.
Daniel nodded, though his eyes lingered on Caroline. "Take care of yourself. If you need anything... call me." He set his card on the bedside table, gave Alexander a brief nod, and left.
The door shut. Silence fell heavy.
Caroline's trembling worsened. The air itself felt oppressive.
The warmth on Alexander's face vanished the instant the door closed. His expression hardened, cold and sharp. His arm stayed around her, but the grip tightened. Her shoulder ached under the pressure.
Then his hand shot up, fingers clamping around her chin. A sharp sound escaped her throat as pain forced her head up, her gaze locking with the fire in his eyes.
"University friend?" His voice dripped with contempt. "Accidental rescue? A hero's tale? Caroline, I underestimated you. Even half-dead in that place, you managed to reel in another man? Let him wipe your tears? Leave his number?"
His grip tightened until her jaw throbbed. "Looks like leaving you in the old maze wasn't enough of a lesson." His eyes were ice. "You still have the energy to play the helpless victim to earn sympathy?"