Chapter 668: Storm Across the City

However, Marcus knew Alpha's weakness and quickly said, "Alpha, it's been so many years. You can have any woman you want. Why are you still clinging to Anabelle? She's never liked you, not even a bit. Everything you do is wishful thinking."

Butler Paulo, observing from the side, gazed coldly at Marcus, inwardly nervous. Years of service to the Augustine family had taught him that only Madam Anabelle could make his master lose control. The constant sting in his heart was Anabelle's unwavering dislike.

Cautiously, Butler Paulo watched Alpha's expression. There was no visible emotion. He stretched his long legs, sat on the living room sofa, and leisurely lit a cigar.

The crimson flame danced as Alpha inhaled deeply. Tilting his head to exhale the smoke, he pointed to Marcus's right leg with the cigar, casually asking, "Oh, I see your right leg has healed?"

Ash fell as he gestured, his masculine aura potent.

Marcus tensed, his face paling at the mention of his leg. It wasn't fully healed. Though the injury had been treated, he still limped, a stark reminder of his disability. Alpha was responsible for ruining his leg!

For over thirty years, ever since the night he'd caught Alpha and Anabelle outside the Midas residence, he'd been unable to sleep. He deeply loved Anabelle and didn't want her to marry anyone else. He understood, however, that both Alpha, the capital's most prominent businessman, and the captivating Anabelle of the Midas family, were beyond his reach.

He felt tortured, consumed by pain, resentment, and jealousy—emotions that drove him to madness.

Then, Lily appeared, with black-clad bodyguards, intending to capture him. He sensed something was wrong but, skilled as he was, broke free and escaped.

Lily then said, "Marcus, run! If you run, Anabelle will become Mrs. Augustine. If you don't and cooperate, I'll tell Anabelle I kidnapped you. I'll arrange a meeting at the pier; you can take her on a ship and elope. Isn't that wonderful?"

His escape halted.

On Alpha and Anabelle's wedding day—a magnificent affair, a phoenix crown, red bridal attire, a grand chamber promised for Anabelle—the entire capital buzzed with the romantic tale.

Bound in a pier cabin, his mood was surprisingly calm. He knew Anabelle would come.

Late that night, she arrived to rescue him. In the cabin, she quickly untied him. "Brother Marcus, how did you get caught? I told you to pretend not to know me! Leave quickly!" He grabbed her hand, urging, "Anabelle, don't be Lily's shadow anymore. Come with me. Let's leave together."

Anabelle gently withdrew her hand, shaking her head. "I won't leave."

His heart plummeted. The persistent thought in his mind burst forth. He asked, "Anabelle, why not? What's worth clinging to? You've always desired freedom, creating the 'Fly' jewelry brand, wanting wings. Lily wants you to go. We just need to get Madam out of the hospital and leave. If we miss this chance, there won't be another. Why won't you leave?"

"Anabelle, are you… falling for Alpha? Is that why you want to stay?"

He finally asked the question that had haunted him: had she fallen for Alpha?

Anabelle lowered her gaze, silent for a long time.

"Enough!" he interrupted, lacking the courage to hear her answer.

He embraced Anabelle, pulling her behind him. "Anabelle, you and Alpha are from different worlds. You won't have a future together. Don't hold onto false hopes."

A loud "bang!" The cabin door was kicked open. The cold wind stung their faces. He saw Alpha.

That night, Alpha arrived amidst a storm, his ruthlessness palpable. He hadn't expected Alpha to arrive so quickly. He recognized Alpha instantly, understanding the scheme; Anabelle and Lily were very similar.

Alpha, dressed all in black, his clothes billowing in the wind, his handsome features dark, his eyes bloodthirsty, sneered, "Heh, Madam Augustine, I didn't expect such a surprise on our wedding night!"

Anabelle quickly pushed Marcus aside, glancing at Alpha, eager to explain. "..."

"Alpha!" Marcus stepped forward, shielding Anabelle. "Anabelle has no intention of marrying you. We've been childhood friends. You're forcefully marrying her. Tonight, we're eloping!"

He challenged Alpha, unaware of the consequences. In an instant, he was kicked in the chest, falling to the ground, coughing up blood.

Anabelle blocked Alpha's next attack. "Alpha, stop! Brother Marcus, leave quickly."

Alpha repeated, "Brother Marcus?" His thin lips curled, disdain and coldness in his eyes. "She's my Lady Augustine. Do you dare harbor this idea? Which leg did you think of using to take her away? This one?"

Alpha stepped onto Marcus's right knee, a snapping sound echoing as the bone shattered.