Chapter 183

After entering the room, Jonathan threw Alex onto the carpet. He stopped the beating, knowing Cynthia had already done significant damage. Continuing risked killing Alex.

Jonathan sat on the sofa, his demeanor as cold as an iceberg. "Alex, who sent you?"

Alex lay on the ground, barely able to move. Every bone felt fractured; breathing was agonizing. He remained silent.

Jonathan's voice remained deep and cold. "If you don't speak, I'll bury you on this island tonight."

Finally, Alex spoke. "No one sent me. I like Nina, and I couldn't control myself."

"Was it my sister? Did she give you this task?" Jonathan asked, his tone certain, his heart aching. It felt like a dagger had been plunged into his chest.

He'd suspected Alex's attentiveness to Nina was motivated by something more, perhaps related to Whitney. He believed Whitney using Alex was similar to Cynthia's influence—a pawn to create conflict between him and Nina. After all, Nina was the woman Jonathan truly desired. However, he hadn't anticipated Whitney's ruthlessness in attempting to violate Nina.

Alex flinched at Jonathan's words, struggling to lift his head. "This has nothing to do with Ms. Bennett. It was my own choice. If you want revenge, take it out on me alone."

Jonathan's voice was icy. "I have three sisters, but I haven't specified which one, have I?"

Of his three sisters, only Whitney was a chairwoman. She owned twenty percent of the Bennett Group's shares, chaired several public companies, and founded Betrico Multimedia, another publicly traded company. Betrico was a major player in the entertainment industry, shaping public opinion. Yet, for Whitney, it was merely a tool.

His other two sisters each held ten percent of the shares; Jonathan himself held fifteen percent. He'd also established the BJ Group, publicly perceived as part of the Bennett Group, but independent. Paradise Resort belonged to BJ, not the Bennett Group. BJ wasn't his ultimate weapon yet, but it was crucial to proving his capabilities. Clifford held an additional ten percent of the shares, destined for the chosen Bennett Group heir.

Outsiders assumed Jonathan was the sole heir, but Whitney had a stronger claim. Her business acumen was comparable to his.

Alex watched Jonathan's eyes widen, realizing he'd inadvertently revealed too much. Jonathan was too shrewd.

Deep down, Alex knew Jonathan wouldn't believe him. Once Jonathan made a decision, it was final.

Alex closed his eyes and mouth, refusing to speak further. He remained silent despite Jonathan's continued questioning.

Cynthia had been watching from outside. She entered. "Need a hand? I have methods for dealing with stubborn people."

Alex trembled. Jonathan replied, "No need, I already know."

Cynthia looked at the battered Alex. "What do we do with him now?"

Jonathan calmly responded, "I'll handle it. He's still useful."

Cynthia didn't doubt Jonathan. She knew he wasn't soft-hearted. She glanced at Alex. "Come with me, I need to talk to you."

Jonathan followed Cynthia to Nina. Cynthia had already dressed Nina in fresh clothes.

Cynthia said, "Good news and bad news. Which first?"

Jonathan frowned. "The bad news."

"Alex was brutal. Nina has several bruises."

Jonathan frowned deeper. "And the good news?"

Cynthia smiled, glancing at Nina. "I arrived in time. Alex didn't succeed."

Jonathan visibly relaxed. "Thank goodness."

Cynthia was relieved. "Nina is so innocent. I can't imagine the trauma if she'd been violated." Her voice trembled.

Jonathan understood her reaction, remembering her own past trauma. He pulled her into his arms, noticing her trembling.

Cynthia didn't pull away. Though she'd made peace with her past, the memory still triggered her. She had been violated, and witnessing Nina nearly suffer the same was unbearable. Alex was lucky to be alive.

Jonathan gently rubbed her back. "Don't dwell on it—none of this is your fault. If not for you, Nina would have faced the same ordeal today. You've been her protector. You're amazing."

He spoke soothingly. Cynthia inhaled his scent, finding peace and relaxation.

After a moment, Cynthia gently pushed Jonathan away.

"Mr. Bennett…" Nina murmured.