Chapter 278

"Cough cough cough..."

Susan choked on her own saliva, her face flushing crimson. Ethan Sullivan's sudden address of "sister" had caught her completely off guard.

"Sister?" Alexander Grant's brow furrowed slightly, clearly unprepared for his romantic rival to suddenly become a brother-in-law.

"That's right!" Ethan nodded excitedly. "Susan and I took a DNA test. We're biological siblings!" He stood on tiptoe to pat Alexander's shoulder. "You'd better treat me well from now on, Alex."

He even winked at Alexander, the implication unmistakable.

"Understood." Alexander responded smoothly. "I'm currently pursuing Susan. Your guidance would be appreciated."

He extended his hand with perfect gentlemanly grace.

Susan nearly laughed at their absurd exchange. Guidance? When had she ever agreed to be pursued?

But Ethan enthusiastically shook Alexander's hand. "Absolutely! If you dare hurt my sister, you'll have me to answer to!"

He waved his fist threateningly, though the gesture lacked any real menace.

"Noted." Alexander replied calmly, his gaze softening as it settled on Susan's face. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Much better." Susan was about to politely suggest they leave when Ethan suddenly bounded toward the door.

"Alex, take good care of my sister!" He threw a flirtatious glance over his shoulder.

"Will do." Alexander smoothly took a seat by the hospital bed.

"Mr. Grant, surely you have work—"

"Would you like an apple?" Alexander had already picked up a fruit knife and begun peeling an apple with deliberate care.

Susan fell silent.

Patrick Pope stood nearby, watching their interaction with quiet relief. At least his boss wouldn't be going down that other path anymore.

"Should I step out, boss?" Patrick whispered.

"Want an apple?" Alexander glanced up.

Patrick shook his head vigorously. "No no, I'll just... go!"

The room fell into sudden quiet.

Susan's wandering gaze eventually landed on Alexander's slender fingers. His peeling technique was clumsy yet strangely mesmerizing.

"I can do that myself," she offered tentatively.

"You're injured." Alexander didn't look up.

Susan glanced at her bandaged left wrist, memories of the dungeon injuries darkening her expression.

"Susan, I'm courting you. No need for formalities."

"We're not suited."

"Quite the opposite." Alexander's tone brooked no argument. "Ethan approves. My grandfather approves. I approve. The only dissenting opinion is yours, which clearly must be mistaken."

Susan's eyes widened. What kind of thieving logic was that?

"Susan," Alexander suddenly asked softly, "does it hurt?"

Those three words unlocked something tightly sealed within her. Her eyes burned unexpectedly.

Yes. It had always hurt. But no one had ever cared enough to ask.

Alexander looked up, meeting her reddened eyes. Something struck his heart like a physical blow. Reason told him to restrain himself, but his body moved first—

He pulled her into a sudden embrace.

The moment their lips met, an enraged roar shattered the moment:

"What the hell are you doing?!"