Chapter 7

I fixed him with a cold stare, rubbing my slightly aching wrist, glaring at him out of the corner of my eye.

Years ago, when I first started acting, I underwent specialized combat training to perfect my fight scenes.

I guaranteed that slap would be painful and leave a nasty bruise.

Seeing Alex Thorne's stunned expression, I scoffed, no longer bothering to spare him another glance.

Who knew, the next second, he suddenly grabbed my neck, shoving me forcefully against the car door.

"I gave you an inch, and you took a mile, didn't you?"

Alex Thorne's sinister gaze swept over me from head to toe.

The terror of being beaten in my past life rushed back.

I gritted my teeth, refusing to show fear in front of this scumbag.

"Alex Thorne!"

An enraged roar echoed from the distance.

The grip on my neck loosened.

I saw my older brother, Daniel Reed, dart in front of us, landing a forceful punch on Alex Thorne's jaw.

Alex Thorne was forced to release his hand from my throat.

"Dan..."

I clutched my throat, gently pulling back his arm, which was still poised to strike again.

My brother, consumed by rage, almost broke free.

"Evie, don't stop me! I'm going to kill this bastard!"

My throat was terribly swollen, and even speaking caused intense pain.

I was about to force out words, risking my voice, to persuade my brother to stop, when

A man with a face five parts similar to Alex Thorne's grabbed my brother's raised fist.

He said,

"Don't be impulsive. We're outside. It won't look good for you or Ms. Reed if this is filmed."

My brother, though hot-headed, was usually amenable to reason.

He released Alex Thorne, whose lip was now split, and grumbled, affectionately ruffling my hair.

"Didn't I tell you? If someone bullies you, call your brother! If I hadn't come to get you, he would have killed you!"

My eyes welled up.

In my past life, after marrying Alex Thorne, I was cut off from the outside world.

Not just my agent, but my brother and parents too, were forbidden from meeting me or even calling.

My parents died, and I was confined to the house, unable to see them one last time.

Until my own death, I hadn't seen my only remaining relative, my brother, either.

My brother pulled my hand.

"Come on, let's go home. I brought you a gift!"

As he opened the car door.

Alex Thorne struggled to his feet from the ground, shouting loudly,

"Evie Reed! I'm giving you one last chance. As long as you're obedient, I won't hold it against your brother for hitting me. I advise you to know your place, otherwise, don't blame me if..."

His words caught in his throat.

His gaze fell on the man whose face was similar to his own, and he couldn't utter another word.

I calmly got into the car. Before closing the door, I said coldly, without a trace of emotion,

"Alex Thorne, I'm giving you one last warning too. Stop bothering me, or else, you'll be the one to regret it."

With that, I slammed the car door shut.