Chapter 185

Celine couldn't figure out how Willie had recognized her, but looking at the photo, everything became clear. She gasped, staring at Carly. "Carly, did you give this photo to Willie?"

A flicker of guilt and disappointment crossed Carly's eyes. Why had Nathan taken the knife for Celine? Why hadn't Celine been hurt? Now that the photo had been discovered, Carly's expression shifted instantly.

Adam took the photo from Celine. Two seconds later, he shot a piercing gaze at Carly. His icy stare cut across her face like a blade.

Carly, feeling a surge of fear, quickly denied it. "What photo? I don't understand what you're talking about! Celine, I know you're worried about Nathan's injury, but don't make false accusations!"

Celine laughed coldly. "Carly, take a good look at this photo. You're unbelievably stupid!"

Carly glanced at the photo and was instantly alarmed. In the corner, her phone was clearly visible; she'd forgotten to crop it out. Everyone knew she had sent the photo to Willie.

She looked up at Adam. His cold, unfathomable eyes felt like bottomless pits, staring at her with chilling intensity. He had never looked at her like this before. Her fear deepened, and she stammered, "Adam, it's not what it looks like. Let me explain."

"What's there to explain?" Celine interrupted sharply, her eyes blazing with fury. Her voice rose. "Carly, I never thought you'd be this crazy. You're the real culprit!" She lunged at Carly, who, terrified, hid behind Adam.

"Adam, I'm so scared! Save me!"

Celine couldn't reach Carly; Adam stepped in front of her, shielding Carly. Celine stared at him. "Are you planning to protect Carly? She nearly killed Nathan!"

Her hands trembled; Nathan's blood stained her hands and face. He was still in surgery, fighting for his life, and Carly was responsible. Carly wanted her dead, and had almost succeeded in killing Nathan. Yet, Adam was protecting Carly. No matter what she had done, he would always protect her.

Celine's pale eyes flushed red with anger as she stared coldly at Adam. He looked back at her and said quietly, "Celine, I can't hand Carly over. She can't be dragged into this."

Behind him, Carly slowly curled her lips into a smug, triumphant smile at Celine.

Celine raised her hand and slapped Adam across the face. The sharp sound echoed through the hospital corridor, turning his handsome face to the side. She had hit him with all her strength; her palm was numb.

Carly gasped, staring at Celine in disbelief. "Celine, are you crazy? How dare you slap Adam?" He was Adam Alvarez, a man coveted by all women. How dare she touch his face?

Before Carly finished, another sharp slap rang out. Celine had turned and backhanded Carly.

Carly was dumbfounded. Not only had Celine slapped Adam, but she had also slapped her.

Adam slowly turned back to Celine, who stood tall, her back straight, her eyes resolute. Staring him down coldly, she said, "You'd better protect Carly well. Don't let her fall into my hands."