Chapter 4

I grabbed Caleb’s hand, my eyes narrowing, piercing him with a cold stare. “Stop it. Just stop touching me. I told you I’m not interested. So stay away from me.”

Caleb immediately deflated. I glanced at the empty seat next to him, my face cold, and drank until midnight, finally stumbling home and collapsing into bed.

My phone on the nightstand wouldn’t stop ringing, but I ignored it. When I finally woke up, I saw Alex Reed’s face hovering over mine. It took me a moment to realize I was in my own house. Seeing him there was unbelievable.

I spoke calmly. “What are you doing at my place?”

Alex placed a freshly made breakfast in front of me, taking his time. “Your father’s condition suddenly worsened yesterday, and I called you, but you didn’t answer. So I had no choice but to come find you. Your father’s condition is stable now.”

I nodded in thanks. Alex left, and after resting for a while, I headed to the bar. Passing through a small alley, I heard a familiar voice. I stopped and walked into the alley.

I saw Alex, someone grabbing his hair and slamming his head against the wall. I lunged forward, beating the guy senseless. The thug was furious. “Who the hell are you?! How dare you interfere!”

I looked at the bruises on Alex’s face, my eyes darkening dangerously. I turned to the thug, my voice cold. “Did *you* do that to him? What right did you have?”

The guy spat, a sneer twisting his lips. “Yeah, I hit him. That lowlife owes me loan shark money. I’m his creditor. Why *can’t* I hit him?”

I let out a cold laugh, then unleashed a flurry of blows right to *his* face. The thug reeled back, blood gushing. It was only when Alex grabbed my arm, pulling me back, that I finally stopped.

I pulled a card from my wallet and flung it at the guy, a sneer on my face. “This covers his debt and *your* medical bills. Don’t let me ever see you again.”