Chapter 534 Trample the Alexander Family Underfoot!
At the end of the dimly lit, quiet hallway, the soft glow of the moon fell upon them.
"It hurts... it really hurts."
"I'm sorry, Evelyn... I'll be gentler."
Evelyn leaned against the wall, her delicate skin glistening with a faint sheen. Her long lashes fluttered like butterfly wings, and the way she bit her red lips made her look even more alluring.
In front of her, Edward knelt on one knee, removing her burgundy high heels. His large hand completely encircled her slender ankle, while his other hand carefully massaged her toes.
"You're so annoying. It's all because your dance steps were too fast. I twisted my ankle trying to keep up with you. Why didn't you wait for me?" Evelyn pouted, her voice filled with playful reproach.
"It's my fault, Evelyn. You can punish me when we get home, however you want. Or you can hit me right now."
Edward felt deeply guilty, a bit at a loss, and he pointed to his chest, "Hit me here, hit me hard."
Evelyn raised her delicate fist high, then gently lowered it. "No, your chest muscles are so hard. If I hit you, my hand will hurt more."
Edward looked up at her, his thin lips curving slightly, knowing she couldn't bear to hurt him.
His technique was good; Evelyn felt the pain in her ankle easing and even started to feel comfortable.
Edward stared at her small foot, his Adam's apple moving slowly.
Evelyn's feet were smooth and soft; each little toe was adorable, making him reluctant to let go.
"Evelyn, your feet are really beautiful."
"You're such a pervert. Do you have a foot fetish?"
Evelyn's cheeks turned red, her toes curling in his palm. "Edward, just admit it!"
"You can think of it that way. Does it still hurt?"
"My personal masseur's technique is pretty good. I guess you've made up for it." Evelyn squinted her beautiful eyes.
Edward helped her put on her high heels, then stood up straight, his left arm braced against the wall beside her head, his right hand suddenly pulling her waist, eagerly sealing her lips with a deep kiss.
He had wanted to kiss her for a long time, his blood boiling with desire.
Evelyn's lashes fluttered shyly, but she wrapped her arms around his neck, responding to his passion without reservation.
Their tongues intertwined, lips and teeth merging.
Every time they kissed, they wished they could devour each other, yet it was never enough.
Evelyn gasped as she pulled away from Edward, but he grabbed her chin again, his moist lips chasing hers, clearly unsatisfied.
"Um... maybe we shouldn't announce it tonight."
Edward paused, clearly nervous. "Evelyn, what's wrong?"
"Don't overthink it. I just feel that tonight's event doesn't need to be so high-profile."
Evelyn bit her lip, carefully adjusting his bow tie. "Sawyer just made a pass at me, and Charlie directly rejected him, announcing that I have a fiancé. It seemed a bit targeted."
"And I know he was secretly watching you. When he mentioned my fiancé, it could only be you."
Edward's heart pounded even harder.
"So there's no need to rush. Everyone knows you're mine. As long as we understand each other, that's enough."
Evelyn stood on tiptoe, pecking his lips lightly. "I don't care what you say, I care about what you do. We just need to live our lives. Those superficial things don't matter to me."
Edward's voice was thick with emotion. "Evelyn, what are you planning?"
"Nothing."
"Are you worried that if we go public, it will anger Wilson and his son, affecting your father's partnership with the Journey Group?"
Edward used to be unable to read her, but now he understood her perfectly. Evelyn was thinking about business gains and losses.
Evelyn's eyes darkened. "Who wouldn't want to avoid conflicts over money? Dawnridge Equestrian Hotel is a first-time venture in the country, a highly profitable project. If the Taylor family secures this project, it will lay a solid foundation for our expansion into Mugden. Then, KnightSpear Group can seize the Alexander family's market share in Mugden, pressuring them until they weaken and lose their ability to fight back."
Her teeth clenched, deep in thought. "Eventually, the Alexander family won't be able to compete with the Wellington Group in Mugden. I'm confident that, given time, I'll crush the entire Alexander Group!"
Edward understood her intentions, holding her close. "I know you're doing this for Jennifer. Everything you do is to prevent her from marrying into the Alexander family."
His understanding made her feel bittersweet, murmuring in his arms, "I just hate... hate that I'm not strong enough. This is the only way I can think of. Do you think I'm ridiculous?"
Edward's nose tingled with emotion, gently stroking her back. "No, I think you're smart. Right now, this is the best way. And I believe Gavin won't hold a grudge against Mr. Taylor over this. A true businessman weighs the pros and cons. He'll still choose KnightSpear Group. Even if you don't secure the partnership with the Journey Group, don't worry. With me here, the Alexander family won't have it easy."
Evelyn was moved, her eyes moist. Despite having a top-tier father and capable brothers, she was fiercely independent, always handling difficulties on her own, not wanting to worry her family. Edward was the first person she wanted to rely on, to lean on for a lifetime.
Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by a strange noise!
"Someone's here!"
Their eyes darkened, both looking towards the sound!
A man's figure flashed by!
"Edward, we must catch that person hiding in the shadows. He might have been eavesdropping!"
Evelyn's eyes narrowed coldly. "Our conversation involved business secrets. If it reaches the Alexander family's ears, it will be trouble!"
Edward's face turned stern, moving swiftly like lightning towards the shadow.
He was skilled and sharp-eyed, quickly catching the person!
"Stop. Don't make me use force."
The man stood with his back to Edward, slightly hunched over and panting heavily. His physical condition was clearly poor.
Edward's brows furrowed, feeling that the figure was very familiar.
"Is that you..."
"Mr. Wellington."
The man slowly turned around.
Under the moonlight, Edward saw his battered face, and his pupils widened in shock.
"William?"
At that moment, Evelyn quickly arrived.
Seeing William's suit covered in dust and in tatters, his handsome face bruised, especially his left eye, which was bloodshot from being hit, she was horrified.
"William!"
Evelyn ran to William, her trembling hands gripping his shoulders, her voice hoarse with worry. "What happened? What on earth happened? Who did this to you?"
William gritted his teeth, turning his face away in embarrassment.
He didn't want her to see him in such a state, but there was no way to avoid it.
"Speak up! William, talk to me!" Evelyn's eyes reddened with urgency, shaking his injured body forcefully.
"Evelyn! Calm down!"
Edward quickly wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her tightly. "William is hurt. You're only going to make it worse!"
Evelyn's chest ached and she struggled to breathe, finding it hard to calm down.
"William, are you still trying to hide the truth?"
Edward held the trembling Evelyn tightly, speaking in a deep voice. "Do you think hiding it is good for Evelyn? It will only make her feel worse, more tormented!"
"Ms. Evelyn Taylor... please, don't let Jennifer marry Randy."
William couldn't hold back, tears unknowingly wetting his cheeks. "I'll do anything, just don't let Jennifer marry Randy!"
Evelyn instantly understood, her eyes turning red. "The ones who beat you... Were they from the Alexander family?"
Edward also realized, clenching his fists!
Few people knew about Jennifer and William's relationship, but the Alexander family was one of them.
Daring to attack William, the Alexander family certainly had the guts!
"William, how did you get in here?" Edward asked worriedly.
"I was ambushed by the Alexander family, but I fought my way out, stole a security card from one of their guards, and forced my way in." William's face was pale, drenched in cold sweat.
"The Alexander family really went to great lengths to stop you!"
Edward's eyes burned with anger, but he maintained a calm demeanor in front of Evelyn, his voice cold and steady. "Your injuries are serious, and you already have old wounds that can't be ignored. I'll have Bart take you to the hospital right now."
"No! I can't leave! I have to see Jennifer! I need to take her away!" William's voice was desperate.
"William, please be rational."
Edward's brows furrowed. "Originally, with Evelyn's help, you might have had a chance to be with Jennifer. But if you cause a scene tonight and anger Mr. Taylor, you'll have no chance at all."
"Hope? Mr. Taylor has already agreed to the Alexander family's proposal! Jennifer is soft-hearted and timid; she'll definitely compromise for her parents and the family. If I don't fight, what hope do I have?"
Edward looked at the despair in William's eyes, feeling a sharp pain in his heart. As the president of the Wellington Group, he had power and influence, and with Byron's help, he had risked everything to be with Evelyn. William was just Evelyn's subordinate; his family background was insignificant compared to the Taylor family. Even if he and Jennifer truly loved each other, the challenges they faced were no less than his own.
"William, who attacked you?" Evelyn's anger burned; her only thought was to avenge him.
William shook his head. "I tried to force my way in, but Helen stopped me with her people. She was accompanied by Randy's secretary. I don't know... whether it was Randy or Helen who actually attacked me."
Evelyn's eyes flashed with cold fury. "They're all Alexanders, with the same dirty blood! If we can't distinguish, then let's not bother!"
Meanwhile, Jennifer was still unaware of William's ordeal. But she was troubled, unmoved by Randy's attempts to woo her, unable to listen to anything he said. Her heart was full of William. She could never accept anyone else.
Lost in thought, Jennifer dropped her phone. She bent down to pick it up, and Randy also reached to help, their hands accidentally touching. Jennifer's fingers recoiled in panic, but Randy brazenly grabbed her hand!
"Ah!" She cried out, pulling her hand away forcefully, standing up in anger. "Randy, what are you doing?"
"Sorry... I'm sorry, Miss Taylor. Your hand is so beautiful, I couldn't help myself. It's my fault, I apologize."
Randy quickly put on a fearful expression, his eyes welling up. "I'm sorry, but... I really like you, Miss Taylor. Gilbert has always loved Evelyn, you know that. You wouldn't want to marry him, or you'll regret it! But I'm different. I truly like you. Why don't we be together? It's the best outcome!"
"Enough, stop talking!"
Jennifer's face flushed with anger and shame, feeling humiliated. "My mother may not be my father's legally wedded wife, but you shouldn't treat me so lightly! I'm not interested in you or Gilbert. At least Gilbert respects me more than you do! Don't waste your efforts, I won't choose you!"
With that, Jennifer turned and left the banquet hall.
'He respects me more than you.'
She actually said Gilbert was better than him?
Randy was furious, his anger boiling over! He trembled as he pulled out his phone, sending a message to his secretary: [Tonight, I must have this ungrateful woman!]