Chapter 186

The man's striking features were drained of color, his vulnerability making him appear almost delicate. Like a frightened rabbit, he instinctively burrowed into Alexander's embrace.

Alexander's lashes fluttered as an icy sensation gripped his heart.

The dampness from the girl's body seeped through his thin dress shirt, mingling with his own warmth. His breath caught as his arms tightened around her reflexively.

"Miss Isabella?" His voice came out husky, barely above a whisper.

Isabella clung to his shirt with trembling fingers, her eyes squeezed shut. She didn't respond.

"Are you injured?" Alexander murmured, his tone softening.

She pressed her forehead against his chest and gave a tiny shake of her head.

Something warm and unfamiliar bloomed in his chest.

The security guards immediately straightened when they recognized Mr. Kingsley, bowing deeply in respect.

"Good evening, Mr. Kingsley!"

"What exactly happened here?" Alexander demanded, still cradling Isabella protectively.

The more aggressive guard forced a smile. "This young lady is one of Miss Evelyn's fans. She tried to enter without an invitation. We merely stopped her—"

"So you laid hands on her?" Alexander's lips curled into a dangerous smile, his eyes darkening.

"No, sir! We just prevented her from entering." The guard swallowed hard, unwilling to admit they'd manhandled a defenseless girl.

Alexander smirked before whispering to Isabella, "Shall I teach them some manners?"

Isabella kept her face hidden, giving a hesitant nod before shaking her head.

With one arm still around Isabella, Alexander retrieved his phone with his free hand and dialed Sebastian.

"Mr. Lockwood, may I handle some personnel matters regarding the Vanderbilt Group?"

The guards exchanged panicked looks at his words.

Alexander gently stroked Isabella's damp hair. "Good. That makes me feel much better."

He helped Isabella steady herself before making a subtle gesture.

Within moments, Imperial Entertainment's security team surrounded the two confused guards.

Isabella watched in bewilderment as Alexander casually stepped into the circle of bodyguards, disappearing from view when they closed ranks again.

Muffled screams echoed from within the human barricade, making her pulse race.

A minute later, Alexander emerged, coldly observing the bruised men. He accepted a handkerchief from one of his guards to wipe blood from his knuckles.

"You couldn't recognize Miss Isabella of the Vanderbilt family? What use are your eyes?"

The guards turned ashen, immediately bowing to Isabella.

"Miss Sinclair, please forgive us! We didn't recognize you!"

In New York, everyone knew the Kingsley family's influence. Crossing them meant exile from high society.

"I'll handle this minor issue personally. No need to trouble your superiors." Alexander tossed the soiled handkerchief at their feet. "Leave the Vanderbilt Group. Leave New York. If I see you here again, the consequences will be severe."

"Thank you, Mr. Kingsley!"

As the men were escorted away, Isabella stood frozen, biting her lip nervously.

Alexander approached her again, studying her frightened expression. A devilish grin played on his lips. "The Vanderbilt staff didn't even recognize you. You're quite the enigma."

"Was that really necessary?" Isabella whispered, taking a small step back.

"Do you think I was too harsh?" Alexander's eyes narrowed.

Isabella nodded, keeping her gaze lowered.

"But I showed remarkable restraint." Alexander chuckled at her pitiful expression, ruffling her hair. "You're my friend's sister. Of course I'd defend you. This was actually quite mild—I didn't want to frighten you."

Warmth spread from Alexander's palm through Isabella's body as he touched her.

The sensation was unexpectedly comforting, making her close her eyes briefly.

Evelyn, who had just exited the banquet hall, witnessed the entire scene.

She never imagined her meek sister would go this far!

"You little witch!" Evelyn seethed, her nails digging into her palms. "Seducing my man the moment my back is turned!" She nearly charged forward before remembering Alexander's presence might make her outburst unseemly.

After several humiliating lessons, she'd learned to control her temper.

Taking deep breaths, she retreated into the shadows to observe.

Alexander noticed Isabella's soaked hair and mud-stained white dress—clear signs she'd braved the storm to come here.

A pang of protectiveness shot through him as he removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

Evelyn nearly shattered her teeth from grinding them so hard. Seeing Alexander's tenderness toward her sister fueled her burning jealousy.

"How did you get in this state? Didn't the Vanderbilt driver bring you?" Alexander asked with concern.

"I sneaked out. No one knows I'm here." Isabella, incapable of lying, answered truthfully.

"Sneaked out?" Alexander frowned in confusion.

Isabella didn't recognize Alexander's name, nor could she recall their passionate kiss under the stars.

"I'm Alexander Kingsley, your brother's friend." His smirk deepened. "Just call me Alexander."

Alexander?

The name triggered memories of Evelyn's tirades and threats—all centered around one man. Wasn't that Alexander?

The realization struck like lightning, making Isabella recoil in terror.

But Alexander seemed oblivious to her discomfort, instead capturing her cold hand with a laugh. "Let's get you some dry clothes."

"No, thank you."

"Don't be shy. I'm practically family." He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Come on, I'll have someone help you change."

As Alexander led her away, Isabella hesitated.

"Alexander?" Her small hand trembled in his. "Do you treat my sister this way too? She's also your friend's sister."

Evelyn? As if she deserves it!

"No." Alexander looked down at her, his smile radiant. "Only you."

Evelyn heard every word, her rage boiling over.

Her dagger-like glare followed Isabella's retreating figure, promising vengeance.