Chapter 663: Abandoned a City Because of One Person

Annabelle turned to leave when a familiar low voice stopped her. “Who’s outside?”

She froze. Reuben quickly emerged, apparently unaware of her presence. “Mrs. Annabelle? Is that you?” he exclaimed.

Annabelle wished to slip away unnoticed, but Alpha’s approach prevented her escape. Their eyes met, hers cold, his deep and narrow. A heavy silence descended.

Annabelle broke the stillness, offering a light smile. “Hi, Mr. Augustine. Long time no see.”

Alpha regarded her. Years had changed her. The woman who’d once slashed her own stomach to retrieve her baby, then attacked him with scissors, was gone. Her beauty now held a tranquility, a gentleness that belied the past.

Calmly, he remarked, “You’re not dead yet? I thought you were.”

Reuben stared, astonished. His boss had searched for Annabelle for years; his reaction was unexpected. Annabelle felt a wave of relief; his indifference was preferable.

She hadn't considered her future, hadn't wanted to see Alpha again. Yet, their son, Elvis, bound them. “I’m lucky to have escaped, but I fear I disappointed Mr. Augustine.”

“Since you’re alive, why didn’t you return?” Alpha’s question was sharp, his gaze gloomy.

Annabelle met his eyes, uncertain of his meaning.

He explained, his tone casual, “You are Elvis’s mother. He’s missed you greatly.”

At the mention of Elvis, Annabelle’s coldness softened. Olive, upon her return to Visionary, had shared much about him. Learning of his sleep disorder and near-death experience with a split personality had broken her heart.

But why hadn't she returned? Because she hadn't wanted to confront Alpha, the pain in Imperial City she'd sought to escape forever. Alpha, seeing the softening in her eyes, understood. He was the reason. She'd abandoned a city for him.

He pursed his lips. “Where are you going? I’ll see you off.”

Annabelle quickly composed herself. She glanced at the women in the luxurious room, then at him. “No need. Continue what you were doing.” He’d summoned a sex worker; why the sudden offer to take her home?

Alpha’s thin lips curled into a sarcastic smile. “Do you think I can still enjoy women? Annabelle, have you forgotten what you did to me? Don’t you think you did a good job?”

Annabelle shuddered. She hadn’t forgotten the scissors, the blood. She didn't know if he was still capable, but his tone suggested otherwise.

“Let’s go,” Alpha said, rising.

She followed his domineering figure; some things never changed. He drove, neither speaking, the silence thick between them.

The car stopped, surprising Annabelle. She hadn't mentioned her destination, nor had he asked. She looked at the villa. “Mr. Augustine, where is this?”

“My villa,” he replied, exiting the car.

“I won’t go in. I want to go back…”

He cut her off. “Come in. Elvis should be back soon. He wants to see you.” He entered the villa without waiting for her response. Alpha was the epitome of an overbearing CEO.

Inside, Alpha sat on the sofa, reading a financial newspaper. Annabelle set down her bag. Then, his low voice: “Do you still cook?”

She looked at him. He remained focused on the newspaper. “Elvis will be back soon. It’s late. He must be hungry.”

“Okay, I’ll do it now,” Annabelle replied, heading to the kitchen.

Alpha looked up. Through the kitchen window, he watched her put on a floral apron, wash her hands, preparing the meal. The dim light illuminated her gentle beauty, a domestic scene he found captivating.

Reuben watched his boss, suspecting cunning. Alpha hadn't called Elvis; how would he know his mother was there? Besides, Elvis was at the company's annual party. He pointed out the newspaper was upside down.

Annabelle's phone rang. It was in her bag. Alpha retrieved it; the caller ID read: Marcus Bennett. He hadn't forgotten Annabelle's first love.