Chapter 432

A flush of discomfort crept across Eleanor's features at Alexander's pointed remark.

Vincent Black seethed with barely contained rage. He knew exactly how ruthless Alexander could be. If not for that, he wouldn’t have remained overseas for years, avoiding this very confrontation.

"Alexander, what’s your game?" Vincent’s voice was sharp. "Why involve my son in our family disputes?"

"Vincent, what an odd thing to say." Alexander’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. "Aren’t we all family? I should be welcoming you back with open arms."

Vincent’s jaw tightened at the thinly veiled threat beneath Alexander’s pleasant tone.

"Besides, this has nothing to do with our personal grievances. Your son made his own mistakes—how is that my fault?"

Alexander tilted his head, his gaze cutting. "Stop coddling Ethan. He’s grown, yet what has he achieved? Vincent, Eleanor—doesn’t that reflect poorly on you as parents?"

Ethan Caldwell stood frozen, his throat dry.

Vincent and Eleanor’s expressions darkened like storm clouds.

Every word from Alexander struck like a blade, leaving them raw.

The truth struck them like lightning—Alexander was avenging Evelyn.

After witnessing how they'd tormented Evelyn, Alexander had sworn to reclaim her honor.

Everyone knew Alexander Whitmore always settled his debts.

Evelyn sat in the corridor, licking frosting from her fingers after finishing a chocolate cupcake. A faint smile curved her lips as she overheard the conversation.

Her heart fluttered, knowing Alexander would go this far for her.

Inside the hospital room, Alexander's icy stare pinned Ethan Caldwell in place.

"I’m offering you two choices." His voice was lethally calm. "Once you’re discharged, you either leave the country like your father and never set foot here again—or stay, but the Whitmore family will disown you. Either way, you lose your place among us."

Silence thickened the air.

Vincent Black’s face twisted with fury. "Alexander! You can’t strip my son of his name! I won’t allow it!"

Alexander didn’t blink. "If expulsion displeases you, then he can choose exile."

But exile was no better.

A life banished overseas meant losing access to the Whitmore fortune and influence. The family name would mean nothing without its power behind it.

Evelyn’s quiet laughter drifted through the door.

She had never felt more cherished.

"Father, speak up! Are you really going to let Alexander do this?" Vincent's voice trembled with panic.

Harold was stunned by Alexander's decision.

A deep instinct told him there was more to Alexander's reasoning than met the eye.

Ethan was Harold's favorite grandson. He had watched him grow, their bond unbreakable.

Harold turned to Alexander, his voice heavy. "Alexander, isn't this punishment too severe?"

"Severe? Father, have you forgotten our family's principles?"

Vanessa, who had remained silent until now, finally reacted.

Both choices led to ruin for Ethan, but she and Ethan were bound together.

"Alexander, I'm carrying the next heir of the Whitmore family. If Ethan is exiled, what becomes of my child?"

Eleanor nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Vanessa carries the family's legacy. That child is your great-grandson, Harold. Alexander, don't be cruel."

"Cruel? Fine. I'll make an exception. The child can remain part of the family—but Ethan cannot."

Alexander's voice was steel, his gaze locked onto Ethan. "You have two choices. Leave the country, or be stripped of the Whitmore name. Decide now."