You've Always Been Jealous of Harrison

Margaret's face went pale.

She stared at Alexander, her voice trembling. "Alexander! Have you lost your mind? This is outrageous!"

She raised a hand, ready to summon help. "Someone—"

A dark shadow crossed Alexander's face. His voice cut through the air, cold and sharp. "Does anyone else wish to interfere?"

A stunned silence fell over the grand hall.

For years, they had seen Alexander Blackwood as nothing. A powerless man confined to a wheelchair. An easy target for their disdain.

Now, the air grew cold around him.

His every movement radiated absolute authority. A dominance that made even the bravest guests hesitate. Any spark of defiance in their eyes was quickly drowned by a cold sweat of fear.

Harrison's wrist throbbed with agony. Sweat dripped down his temple. His expensive, tailored suit was now wrinkled and disheveled. A pathetic sight compared to his earlier arrogance.

"Release me!" he snarled, his voice shaking with pain and fury. "What do you think you're doing, Alexander?"

A mocking smile touched Alexander's lips. "You should be asking yourself that question. I've tolerated your childish behavior for years. But you dared to lay a hand on my wife. Did you truly believe I would let that slide?"

Nearby, Evelyn stood completely still. Her eyes were wide, fixed on the scene unfolding before her.

Only now did she understand. Alexander was defending her. This was for her.

Harrison, stubborn and proud, spat out, "She was the one who insulted me! I was merely putting her in her place!"

Before he could finish, Alexander's grip tightened viciously.

A sharp, guttural cry of pain ripped from Harrison's throat.

"Ah! Stop! You're breaking it! Let go!"

Alexander remained utterly calm, his voice like ice. "Apologize. Now."

Desperation took over. Harrison's pride shattered under the intense pain. "I was wrong! I'm sorry! I shouldn't have disrespected her! Please, I admit it! I was wrong!"

The reality finally crashed down on him. Alexander was not the man he had always assumed him to be.

He had never witnessed Alexander's true anger before.

A few harsh words aimed at Evelyn had been enough to unleash this fury. The intensity was staggering, and infuriating.

Swallowing his rage, Harrison continued to beg, his voice cracking with fear.

Alexander held his gaze for a long, tense moment. Then, he abruptly released his grip.

Harrison cried out again as he collapsed to the floor. He couldn't even push himself up.

Margaret rushed to his side. Her hands trembled as she examined his injured wrist.

The severe swelling and angry red marks were a brutal testament to Alexander's hidden strength.

"Have you gone completely insane?" Margaret shrieked, her elegant composure gone. Seeing her son in such pain stripped away all restraint. "You've always been jealous of Harrison! Is this your pathetic way of seeking revenge?"

Alexander didn't flinch at her accusations. His tone was dripping with sarcasm. "Since you have failed to teach him any manners, it seems the duty falls to me—as his elder brother—to correct his behavior."

Disbelief washed over Margaret's face as she stared at Alexander. Her mind reeled, trying to process the impossible scene.

For years, she had controlled him. She was certain he was just a docile, powerless cripple.

No influence. No fortune. Burdened by his physical condition. He had never seemed like a genuine threat.

Her caution had always been superficial. A mere habit of keeping him subdued. Her greatest fear had only ever been him forming a powerful marriage alliance.

Evelyn was still a mystery to her. She hadn't yet uncovered the woman's background or family.

But as her eyes locked with Alexander's unwavering, icy gaze, a profound and chilling unease settled deep in her chest.

This sudden dread had nothing to do with Evelyn or anyone else. It was directed solely at Alexander. He was the one sending a cold shiver down her spine.

But that made no sense. He was just a cripple.

Wasn't he?