Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 77: Chapter 77

Kayden looked at me with a cold smile and said, "Do you really think your feelings will last forever?"
I didn't answer his question. Deep down, I knew everything has an expiration date—even feelings. But when it comes to a man who truly holds your heart, that's a different story.
To be honest, I even began to doubt if Austin had ever truly loved me. If he really did, how could he have left me drunk and alone in a room? How could he have repeatedly lied to me and hurt me?
Maybe he did love me once, but that love was fleeting, just a passing fancy.
"Laurel," Kayden said, his voice laced with mockery, "Do you know what kind of person Alex really is? You don't honestly think he truly loves you, do you? The reason I'm telling you to leave him is for your own good."
I squinted at him, my mind racing. I wanted to learn more about Alex from him, especially since I hadn't yet decided on divorcing him.
In the next six months, I needed to win his favor, to make him publicly acknowledge our relationship. Only then would I be able to reassure my mother, give her peace of mind to focus on her treatment.
After all, it's always good to have a strong tree to lean on, and for now, I had to tightly clutch onto Alex's powerful branch.
"What kind of person Alex is has nothing to do with me," I said, my voice calm but firm. "As long as he treats me well and gives me what I want, I'm satisfied. Austin said he loved me, but for six years, I lived in nothing but lies and deceit."
Seeing I wasn't swayed, Kayden sighed in exasperation. "Alex only wants to be with you to make Samantha jealous. You really think he'll protect you forever?"
At his words, my chest tightened.
After six years with Austin, I couldn't even manage him. How could I expect that crafty fox Alex to fall for me completely?
I knew the day Alex dumped me wasn't just about rumors. Who knew what kind of storms I'd face? After all, I'd seen plenty of the ugly side of the rich and powerful.
But I believed that as long as I grew strong enough, no one could hurt me.
I pushed down the rising anxiety and said with a solemn look, "The only thing that matters is the present. I don't believe in vows; I only believe in myself."
Kayden smiled faintly. "Laurel, what if one day you realize that the person you love isn't really who you thought they were? What will you do then?"
I gave a half-smile. "Even if he's the devil, as long as he treats me well, I'll choose to love him." I stood up slowly, my movements deliberate. "It's getting late, and A-Yue asked me not to wander around. If he finds out I'm not in the room, he'll be upset."
As I turned, I suddenly noticed Alex standing silently behind me, his presence so quiet that I hadn't even sensed him approach.
I froze for a moment, then quickly recovered with a smile, not bothering to look away from his face—more beautiful than any myth or legend.
His eyes were so clear that it felt like a single glance could hypnotize you.
Alex walked toward me. As I instinctively took a step back, he reached out and pulled me to his side.
His hand rested on my waist, and he tilted his head, frowning slightly. "Didn't I tell you to stay in the room? What are you doing out here?"
"Kayden asked me to come," I said softly, my face flushing with a hint of shyness.
Half-truths. After all, seeing Alex make such a public show of affection caught everyone off guard.
Alex turned toward Kayden, who was sitting motionless on the sofa. "Kayden, didn't expect to see you here."
"Alex... you're back?" Kayden's eyes widened in surprise, his face shifting ever so slightly.
I was momentarily stunned, and at that moment, Alex tightened his grip on my waist.
What was he doing?
Suddenly becoming so affectionate—was he trying to prove something? Or was he using Kayden to announce our relationship to the world?
But the next moment, I realized something was off.
The scent of Alex's cologne wasn't his usual woodsy fragrance—it was something richer, heavier.
He was trying to mask the smell of blood.
"Kayden, if you want to take Laurel out next time, please let me know first," Alex said, hesitating for a moment before squeezing my hand tighter. "You know I don't like it when people try to steal what's mine."
His words made me frown slightly.
It was an odd thing to say, uncomfortable and out of place.
Kayden almost choked on his coffee, but before he could speak, Alex raised an eyebrow and said, "Just kidding, Kayden. After all, Laurel almost became your daughter-in-law, and she did say that you've been kind to her."
"Really?" Kayden's smile became stiff.
"Let's head back to the room. I'm tired." Alex gently ruffled my hair.
I smiled, slipping my arm around his. "Okay, let's go."
"We're leaving, Kayden," Alex said, looking at me with a tender smile before we walked out.
As we entered the elevator, I tried to pull my hand away from his, but Alex held it tightly, his face pale.
Once inside the room, he released my hand and furrowed his brows, his gaze cold and distant.
"You're hurt?" I asked, staring at him, my mind flashing to the injuries on his back.
He hesitated, then smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I'm not going to die."
I didn't know who had hurt him, but it was clear his wounds were serious. I stayed by his side all night.
He burned with fever repeatedly, yet kept holding onto my hand. It wasn't until dawn that the fever broke.
"Don't you have anything to ask me?" Alex asked, still watching me with that faint smile in his eyes.
I tugged at my lips, the humor not quite reaching my eyes. "I was wondering, if you died, could I inherit all your wealth?"
"Laurel, you've got guts," Alex said, narrowing his eyes dangerously. "Tell me, what do you want?"
"I want to stay in Nifelheim City, and I need a bigger apartment."
"Don't you like the mansion at Chapney?" Alex asked, confused.
I smiled and handed him the key. "If you wanted me to move in, you wouldn't have had me stay at Bluestar Hotel."
Alex's expression shifted. "Laurel, I like your cleverness."
"Well, people who are too stupid don't last long around you," I said with a grin, watching as a faint glimmer of cold malice appeared in his beautiful eyes.