Chapter 446

Vincent quickly steered the conversation back on track.

"Harold, we must seek justice for Ethan! The doctors confirmed he has lasting injuries. He's just a boy! Alexander can't abuse his authority as family head to brutalize him like this!"

Harold seemed lost in thought, barely registering Vincent's words.

"Harold!" Vincent raised his voice sharply.

The older man finally stirred, waving a dismissive hand. "I'm exhausted. Handle this mess yourself."

"Harold!" Vincent's jaw dropped in disbelief.

This was a complete reversal. Just hours ago, Harold had been livid upon learning three of Ethan's ribs were fractured. What changed? Had Alexander's mention of his late mother triggered something?

Did Harold still carry that old guilt?

Alexander's mocking laughter cut through the tension. "Vincent, you keep accusing me of unjust punishment. Why don't you ask your precious stepson what he actually did? Ethan dared lay hands on my wife—kidnapped her like common trash. Harold, tell me—doesn't three broken ribs sound merciful?"

Eleanor gasped, paling at the public exposure of the scandal.

Harold's head snapped up. "Alexander, explain yourself."

Alexander Whitmore turned his piercing gaze toward Evelyn Carter.

He dared to lay hands on my wife.

"Besides breaking three of his ribs, I'm stripping him of the family name." His voice was ice. "Harold, what do you think?"

The implication was clear.

Harold Aniston understood—Alexander wouldn’t act without cause. But even he hadn’t expected Ethan Caldwell to abduct Evelyn.

Now it all made sense.

Alexander settled beside Evelyn, his arm wrapping protectively around her shoulders.

"Family matters should stay within the family," he said coldly. "No outsiders are present, and the rest of the relatives aren’t here. I was willing to show mercy—banishment abroad would’ve been enough. But since Vincent Black insists on playing judge, I’ll cut Ethan from the Anistons entirely."

Vincent paled.

He turned to Harold. "Father, Ethan is impulsive, but he must have had a reason for taking Evelyn!"

He had considered denying it, but the truth was too easily uncovered. Harold wasn’t a fool.

Alexander scoffed. "Impulsive? He’s nearly thirty. What kind of child does that?"

Vincent’s jaw tightened. "Maybe Evelyn led him on!"

Evelyn’s eyes flashed. "Excuse me? I seduced him?" Her voice dripped with disbelief. "He knocked me out cold in the hospital and held me captive for over twenty days. The surveillance footage—"

"Do you want me to produce evidence?"

Evelyn was stunned by how shamelessly Vincent, Alexander’s eldest brother, could twist the truth at his age.

He scoffed, refusing to back down. "Harold watched Ethan grow up. He knows Ethan better than anyone! What can some surveillance footage prove? Even if he did tie you up, do you really think you’re completely innocent?"

His absurd logic only fueled Evelyn’s fury.

Alexander placed a steadying hand on her shoulder and shot Vincent a chilling glare. "Is the footage not enough to prove Ethan’s guilt, or are you just choosing to ignore it?"

Vincent’s face darkened. "You—! Alexander, I’m your elder brother. How dare you speak to me like that?"

Harold had been silent for a long while. Ever since Alexander mentioned his late mother, his expression had grown distant.

Now, as his two sons continued to argue, he finally struck his cane against the floor.

"Enough!" His voice cut through the tension. "Alexander, Ethan is still fighting for his life in the ICU. Whatever grievances you have against him, he’s already paid the price."

Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison (Evelyn)