Chapter 44

Was Alex targeting the lakes for my sake? The very thought filled me with absurdity.

“That’s exactly what’s happening, Serena,” Julian leaned forward abruptly, reaching for my hand. I avoided him. “Tyler Ether has already looked into it. He’s confirmed that Alex is targeting the lakes. Other than you, I can’t think of any other reason why he’d do that. Serena, I have no other options. Please help me. I’m begging you,” he pleaded desperately.

I observed his pitiful state. Back when he’d toyed with me, he’d acted so high and mighty. Now, utterly changed, he looked pathetic. It was incredibly disgusting, both mentally and physically.

“Why would Alex target the Blakes for my sake?” I asked, looking at Julian.

“Because you’re the Hastings heiress,” he replied, seemingly puzzled by my question.

I laughed. “Alex is going out of his way to attack the Blakes for my sake? I’m just his stepsister, with no blood relation. In fact, we hate each other.”

“Please believe me, Serena,” Julian said earnestly, stammering.

His stammering only annoyed me. I rose to leave.

“Wait!” Julian grabbed my arm. “That day at the gala, Alex came to me privately and told me not to bother you anymore. Didn’t he also warn me when I was talking to you?”

I recalled it. Alex had warned Julian, but claiming Alex was targeting the Blakes for my sake was a considerable stretch.

I frowned. “Isn’t it possible that Alex is doing all this because you offended him? Alex was the biggest figure at the gala, I was his companion, but you made all those inappropriate comments.”

Julian seemed at a loss for words. “Serena, I know I was wrong. My father scolded me when I got back. I’m begging you, could you please help me talk to Alex?”

I picked up my bag. “Julian, your problems are none of my business. Alex won’t listen to me either. You’re the one who offended him, yet you’re trying to blame it on me.”

As I prepared to leave, he grabbed my hand again. “Serena, we were together for so many years. Are you really going to be so cold to me? Who knows? Maybe we’ll be family one day…”

I glared. “Stop right there! You and I are done. We’ve gone our separate ways. There’s no way we’ll ever be family.”

“Is there really no chance for us anymore?” Julian asked tearfully.

“There isn’t. Take care of yourself,” I said.

I was about to leave when Julian grabbed a knife from the table and shouted, “You won’t reconcile with me, and even my family hates me now. If that’s the case, what’s the point of living anymore?”

He sliced his wrist before I could react. Blood poured out.

After a moment, I frowned. “Julian, you’ve really gone crazy.”

I quickly called emergency services. Restaurant staff rushed over but hesitated, seeing the unabating blood flow. I grabbed a towel and lifted Julian’s arm.

His face was paling from blood loss.

“Serena, I knew you still cared about me. If you didn’t, why would you be bandaging me right now?” His smile was unsettling.

Julian’s erratic behavior was extreme and unpredictable. I didn’t know what other crazy stunt he might pull if provoked. For now, I had to keep him stable until the ambulance arrived.

I waited what felt like an eternity before the ambulance finally arrived.