Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 513: Chapter 513

I made my way back to Honeydew Estate, my heart racing. When Sophina saw me drenched in blood, she froze, standing there in shock for what felt like an eternity before her eyes filled with tears. She didn't seem to notice Alex behind me, his face as cold and sharp as ice, as if it might shatter at any moment.
"Laurel, are you... are you alright?" Sophina stammered, her once pale face now ashen with fear.
I looked at Sophina, pressed my lips together, and shook my head.
Dorothy sighed softly, then hurriedly instructed Sophina to start a hot bath to wash away the lingering smell of blood from my clothes. Sophina quickly rushed to the side room, the one I usually stayed in.
"Mrs. Herrera, let me make you some oatmeal to calm your nerves," Dorothy said before turning and heading toward the kitchen.
The spacious living room fell into silence, leaving just Alex and me. My heart was pounding in my chest, but I forced myself to stay composed as I looked up at him. Throughout the drive back, Alex had kept his eyes closed, not saying a word. Only when we got out of the car did he notice the blood on my clothes had stained the seats, and he ordered Lawrence to clean the car.
Alex sat in his wheelchair. His expression was dark, his face pale and weary, making his eyes appear even more intense. Though his demeanor remained serious, there was an undeniable, almost haunting beauty to him—like a white fox in human form. His presence was cold and aloof, exuding an air that seemed to warn others to keep their distance.
"Stay home for the next few days. Don't go anywhere," Alex murmured. "If you need something, let Lawrence take care of it."
I froze for a moment, expecting Alex to ask about Liam's injury and why I had been in such a remote place. I furrowed my brows slightly. "Does that mean I can't go anywhere?" My voice came out hoarse as if it had been trapped in my throat for far too long.
Alex's gaze remained intense as he fixed his eyes on me and nodded slowly. The anger in his face seemed to fade, though the tension still lingered.
"What if I refuse?" I asked, my voice calm but firm.
"I'll have someone keep an eye on you. You won't be going anywhere," Alex said, pulling out his phone and dialing. "Make sure someone is watching Laurel around the clock. Don't let her out of the house."
"Kidnapping is illegal," I snapped, a bitter laugh escaping me. "Besides, I have an appointment at the lawyer's office on Monday."
"I'll have Carey come here," Alex replied coolly.
"I have other things to take care of. You should focus on taking care of yourself," I said, frowning as I turned and walked toward the side room.
Alex's voice rose slightly behind me. "If you want to die, I can't stop you."
I paused mid-step, then suddenly turned to face Alex, his expression cold as ice. It was clear he was genuinely angry. The words I'd meant to say caught in my throat, and I quickly averted my gaze, letting out a sharp, frustrated huff.
I spent a full hour in the bath. When faced with death, even someone intent on ending it all can't escape the body's instincts. The fear and trembling in my chest slowly eased as the warmth of the water began to calm me, and my cold body gradually regained its warmth.
I sent Harold a message, agreeing to his request. Even if his intentions were questionable, it didn't matter. There were already too many people wanting me dead, and one more wouldn't make a difference.
When I stepped out of the bathroom, I saw Alex on the phone. As soon as he noticed me, the conversation abruptly ended. I didn't catch the details, but I clearly caught the name that slipped from his lips—Regina.
His tone was gentle, a stark contrast to the cold, distant manner he had used with me earlier.
Alex said he had to step out for a moment. As he turned to walk away, I quickly stepped in his way, a cold smile on my lips. "If you don't let me leave, then you don't get to leave either."
Alex frowned slightly, a flash of irritation crossing his face. He spoke coldly, "Move."
"I won't," I shot back stubbornly. "Why should you be free to come and go while you keep me locked up here?"
"I have something important to take care of," Alex said, a flicker of urgency in his eyes. His hands tightened around the armrests of his wheelchair, his knuckles paling from the force. His gaze drifted past me as if already focused on the destination calling him, his thoughts far away.
"I have important things to take care of, too," I shot back, stepping closer until we were almost face to face. "What gives you the right to restrict my freedom?" My voice wavered with anger, each word forced through clenched teeth.
Alex took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with the effort as he struggled to suppress his fury. "I'm doing this for your safety," he said, his voice low and rough, tinged with a subtle exhaustion.
"My safety?" I scoffed, straightening up and crossing my arms. "You think locking me in here will keep me safe? Do you have any idea how many people out there want me dead? And you think keeping me here is going to protect me? Maybe it's just making me an easier target."
My gaze was full of mockery as I locked eyes with him, searching for any sign of hesitation in his expression.
Alex's brow furrowed even deeper, his fist tightening until his knuckles turned white. The veins on his arm strained against his skin, a clear sign of his growing frustration.
He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I'll keep you safe as long as you listen to me." There was a trace of pleading in his voice, something I had never heard from him before.
"Listen to you?" I scoffed. "Why should I listen to you?"
My voice was sharp and cutting, echoing through the empty room. Alex's gaze turned icy in an instant as he looked at me, his words deliberate and cold. "You're still alive because of me."
'A jolt ran through me. I couldn't deny it—Alex is right. If it weren't for his protection, I'd probably be dead by now, at the mercy of those who seek to harm me.'
"I don't need your protection," I gritted through clenched teeth, my gaze unwavering as I met his. "I'm leaving now."
"No," Alex said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "You can't go out there—it's too dangerous."
"Dangerous?" I scoffed. "Do you want to protect me?"
A flicker of hesitation passed through Alex's eyes, but it quickly vanished, replaced by his usual cold detachment. He ignored my question, offering no response.
"I've made myself clear. You're not going anywhere," Alex said, his voice cold and resolute.
I glared at him, my fury growing by the second. Without hesitation, I grabbed the phone from his lap. "If you don't let me leave, then you won't be seeing anyone else either," I shot back, my tone fierce.