"Al… Alexander? What are you doing here?"
Heather's voice trembled uncontrollably. She thought her hiding spot in the suburbs was foolproof, never imagining Alexander would show up at her door.
Even more shocking was the fact that he was alive.
Alexander strode into the villa, his cold gaze sweeping over the opulent but cluttered living room. "Ms. Heather. It's been a long time."
"I have to say, I'm surprised you're still alive."
"What… what do you want?" Heather backed away until her back hit the wall, her hands twisting the fabric of her robe. "I'm warning you, Nathan won't let you get away with this!"
"Nathan?" Alexander let out a short, harsh laugh as he advanced on her, his eyes blazing with cold fury. "He can barely save himself right now. You think he can protect you?"
"Ms. Heather, you faked your death, transferred half of the Davidson family's assets overseas, and now you've returned with Nathan to seize power. Did you really think I would let you succeed?"
Heather trembled more violently, her eyes darting around in panic.
She knew what Alexander was capable of. The fact that he had solidified his position years ago, despite the opposition of the family elders, was proof enough of his ruthlessness. Now that she was in his hands, she knew her fate would be grim.
"No… I didn't! Those assets were rightfully mine!" Heather tried to sound defiant, but the fear in her voice betrayed her. "Nathan was entitled to a share of the Davidson family fortune! You're the one who stole everything from him!"
"Stole?" Alexander's eyes grew even colder. "If it weren't for you and Nathan conspiring together, what would have happened to Dean Gresham? If you hadn't forged evidence, would my mother have been driven out of the family? Ms. Heather, the debts you and Nathan owe me, owe Dean Gresham, and owe the Davidson family… it's time for a reckoning."
Seeing the murderous intent in his eyes, Heather's composure finally shattered. Her legs gave out, and she crumpled to the floor, tears streaming down her face. "I was wrong… I never should have helped Nathan do those things… Please, I'm begging you, let me go!"
Alexander's icy glare as he left was like a poisoned blade twisting in her heart.
She remained on the floor for a long time, unable to process what had just happened. She couldn't believe that her hideout, this secluded suburban villa she had thought so safe, had been discovered.
She and Nathan had planned it all so meticulously. They had used the chaos within the Davidson family for her to fake her death, escape abroad with the assets, and then return when the time was right to reclaim power. The plan had been flawless. But Alexander, as if he could see everything, had silently tracked her down.
He was like a cold-blooded snake, coiling around their necks before they even knew he was there.
"Such a ruthless man…" Heather whispered, her voice choked with sobs. Pushing herself up with trembling hands, she stumbled to the sofa and collapsed onto it, her body still shaking.
She knew Alexander's nature all too well: calm on the surface, but utterly brutal underneath. Once you were in his sights, there was no escape.

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