Chapter 326

Julian was a skilled physician, which meant sedating someone came as second nature to him.

Adjusting his glasses with deliberate slowness, Julian remarked, "Liam, you've always been the epitome of composure. What possessed you to act so recklessly now?"

He continued smoothly, "Breaking into my residence with armed men? That's trespassing with criminal intent."

Alexander settled onto the sofa with practiced ease. His voice remained steady as he countered, "Feel free to add another charge while you're at it."

Julian's brow furrowed. "What are you implying?"

Ignoring the question, Alexander issued a single command with quiet authority. "Search."

His team scattered instantly, combing through every inch of the mansion. Rosalind rushed toward the bedrooms with particular urgency.

Julian shot to his feet, his complexion paling. "Liam, are you truly willing to violate protocol like this?" His voice held genuine disbelief.

"I am upholding the law," Alexander responded calmly.

"You'd better find something," Julian warned, his voice turning icy. "Otherwise, I'll pursue legal action until your career is in ruins."

Alexander's expression remained unreadable. He said nothing.

Settling back onto the sofa, Julian draped his arms over the backrest with false casualness. "I never imagined you'd risk your reputation for a woman. She must mean everything to you."

Silence stretched between them.

Julian chuckled darkly. "I used to admire your devotion to Victoria. How amusing that all that loyalty evaporated so quickly."

He leaned forward suddenly. "What I can't comprehend is why you divorced her if you love her so deeply."

Alexander's answer came measured and quiet. "True love means wanting someone's happiness above all else."

"It means respecting their choices, not imprisoning them with your desires."

Understanding dawned in Julian's eyes. "Ah... So she didn't love you. That's why she left."

A shadow crossed Alexander's features. He turned abruptly toward the staircase, avoiding Julian's mocking gaze.

The truth hung between them, and Julian erupted into cruel laughter.

One by one, Alexander's men returned empty-handed.

"General Blackwood, the second floor is clear."

"Sir, we've searched the grounds and found nothing."

Rosalind stormed back, her voice shaking with rage. "Julian! Where are you keeping Evelyn?"

Julian sighed theatrically. "You should be more concerned about explaining yourselves to a judge. Illegal search and seizure carries serious consequences."

Alexander rose without reaction. "We're leaving."

Rosalind's panic was immediate. "Sir! We can't abandon her! Evelyn's in danger—"

Alexander was already striding toward the exit, his team falling in behind him.

Rosalind stamped her foot in frustration, torn between Julian's smug expression and Alexander's retreating back. Helplessness washed over her.

"Staying for tea?" Julian taunted. "Or shall I call the authorities now?"

With a final glare, Rosalind hurried after the departing team.

Julian stepped onto the sunlit balcony, a victorious smirk playing on his lips.

Leaning against the railing, he watched the military convoy disappear down the driveway. "Pathetic," he murmured. "Can't even protect the woman you claim to love."

Once the last vehicle vanished from sight, Julian turned back inside, making straight for his study.

The moment the study door clicked shut, Alexander emerged from the balcony's shadowed corner. He vaulted over the railing with silent precision, his gaze locked on the study door as he advanced with lethal purpose.