Chapter 196

Alexander's words struck Richard like a bolt of lightning.

He knew these weren't empty threats.

With Titan Capital's influence, Alexander could dismantle Horizon Enterprises effortlessly.

He didn't even need to erase the company entirely. A single strategic move would cripple their operations beyond repair.

What shocked Richard most was Alexander's motivation—this was all for Evelyn.

Just how deeply had she ensnared him?

Richard's mind raced as he reassessed his daughter's position.

She was no longer the powerless girl he could manipulate.

Not with Alexander standing behind her like an unshakable fortress.

His expression shifted as realization dawned.

"Alexander, let's not be hasty!" Richard raised his hands in surrender. "This is all a misunderstanding. Evelyn still holds shares in Horizon Enterprises—she's family!"

His voice turned pleading. "The villa? Of course it's hers. I'll speak to Vanessa immediately. Everything will be transferred to Evelyn's name by tomorrow."

Sweat beaded on his forehead as he waited for Alexander's response.

The air crackled with tension.

One wrong move, and his empire would crumble.

All because he'd underestimated his own daughter.

Alexander's words struck Vanessa like a physical blow. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at him in disbelief. Just moments ago, he'd said something entirely different!

Her nails dug into her palms as she fought to keep silent. A subtle shake of Alexander's head warned her to hold her tongue.

Now wasn't the time for objections. Not when everything hung in the balance.

"Furthermore," Alexander continued smoothly, "I'll be transferring all future dividends from Horizon Enterprises to Evelyn as well."

Richard Hayes remained stone-faced, so Alexander pressed on. "We've withheld financial support these past years because Evelyn never required extravagant sums. And frankly, I worried she might squander it recklessly."

A derisive snort escaped Richard.

"Evelyn has no interest in material possessions or your money, Mr. Hayes," Richard countered coldly. "She's severed all ties with you. There's no reason for her to accept anything from you now."

Alexander stiffened visibly.

Richard leaned forward, his voice dropping to a dangerous timbre. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear. My sole purpose today was to deliver a warning."

His next words sent chills down Alexander's spine.

"Horizon Enterprises has caught my attention."

The blood drained from Alexander's face.

Before he could formulate a response, Richard delivered his final blow. "And I always get what I want."

Alexander's expression darkened into something truly terrifying. His lips parted to speak—

The rain poured relentlessly as Alexander Whitmore opened his black umbrella and disappeared into the stormy night.

Vanessa Hart stepped back inside, her voice trembling. "Father, are you seriously giving the estate to Evelyn? And the dividends—"

Richard Hayes clenched his jaw, frustration simmering beneath the surface. Alexander's final words had struck like a blade.

A chilling realization settled over him—his treatment of Evelyn might very well dictate the future of Horizon Enterprises.

"What you should be worrying about," Richard snapped, "is what happens if Alexander decides to dismantle Horizon Enterprises!"

Vanessa paled, the gravity of the situation finally dawning on her. She turned to Ethan Caldwell, desperation in her eyes.

"Ethan, do you think Uncle Alexander would actually destroy Horizon Enterprises?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan hesitated, his thoughts tangled.

He didn’t want to believe Alexander would go to such lengths—all for Evelyn.

"Uncle Alexander has always kept business and personal matters separate," Ethan said slowly. "He wouldn’t."

A collective exhale filled the room.

Meanwhile, Alexander slid into the backseat of his car, where Evelyn Carter sat waiting, her expression unreadable in the dim light.

Her bare feet, smooth and delicate, curled against the black leather seat. A half-empty bottle of wine dangled precariously from her fingertips. Her eyes, usually sharp and alert, were now swollen and tinged with red.

Confusion swam in her gaze, mixing with an almost childlike innocence.

The wine had been a parting gift from a business associate at tonight's engagement party. Alexander had intended to add it to his prized collection in the cellar.

But Evelyn had other plans.

She’d already downed half the bottle before he could even start the car.

Rain had soaked her to the bone. Though the car’s heater hummed softly, she’d heard alcohol could warm a person faster. Besides, her mood was foul, her ankle throbbed, and the world felt like it was spinning.

When Alexander slid into the driver’s seat, Evelyn shook her head, trying to clear the fog.

The face before her wavered, splitting into two.

She blinked slowly, lips parting in drunken wonder. "Why... are there two Alexanders?"