Chapter 444

The dull pain at the back of his head sent the intruder into a frenzy.

He had only intended to steal valuables and flee when discovered. But the blood on his fingertips ignited his primal instincts.

Evelyn's scream pierced the darkness.

The man's eyes gleamed with malice as he lunged forward, clamping a calloused hand over her mouth and pinning her against the wall.

The cold surface pressed into her back as she trembled uncontrollably.

A flash of lightning illuminated the room.

In that split second, she saw his twisted face—narrow eyes burning with violence, greasy hair obscuring half his snarling features.

Worse still, she recognized the predatory hunger in his gaze.

Her nightgown had slipped during the struggle, the left strap dangling off her shoulder to reveal pale skin.

His eyes slithered down her body like venomous snakes.

"Listen," Evelyn forced out through chattering teeth, "you can still walk away. I'll pretend this never happened—even pay you. But if you touch me, rape carries a minimum three-year sentence!"

He hesitated briefly.

"The building has surveillance. Police will track you down," she pressed on. "Is one reckless moment worth ruining your life?"

Just as she thought she'd gotten through, his lips curled into a grotesque smile.

The world spun as he hurled her onto the couch.

The sound of tearing fabric echoed in the darkness.

Evelyn drove her knee upward with all her strength, breaking free when he recoiled in pain. But before she could take two steps, a vise-like grip yanked her ankle backward.

"Help—!"

Her cry dissolved into the roaring storm.

The attacker smothered her mouth and nose, cutting off her air supply. His clammy fingers crawled along her neck, making her stomach churn.

Suddenly, the crushing weight vanished.

Thudding punches followed, punctuated by the sickening crack of breaking bones.

Through blurred vision, she saw a towering figure silhouetted against the shattered window. Rainwater glistened on his form under the moonlight.

Alexander moved like an enraged lion, each strike delivering lethal force. The burglar crumpled, blood gushing from his nose and mouth.

"Mer—" The plea died mid-word.

Another devastating punch rendered the man unconscious.

"Alexander!" Evelyn scrambled to grab his arm. "Stop! You'll kill him!"

He seemed deaf to her pleas, fists continuing their brutal descent.

A dark crimson pool spread across the floor.

"ALEXANDER!" Her raw scream finally pierced his fury.

The raised fist froze mid-air.

When Alexander turned slowly, the murderous rage in his eyes made Evelyn's blood run cold. Even having witnessed his ruthlessness before, this level of savagery terrified her.

"I'm okay," she soothed softly. "Calm down first."

His gaze swept over her, verifying no injuries before shoving the barely-breathing intruder aside. He shrugged off his rain-soaked coat and wrapped it tightly around her trembling form.