Chapter 725: Have You Ever Loved Me?

Anabelle hastily covered her face, her cheeks flushed. "It has nothing to do with you," she said. "I'll go." She turned and left.

But Alpha's bony fingers reached out, gently pinching her face. Holding her gaze, he studied her features. "What's wrong? Why are you blushing? Anabelle, what unhealthy thoughts are you having?"

"..." Although accustomed to his abruptness, Anabelle remained speechless. "Let me go. I'll be back." She desperately wanted to leave, vowing never to return.

Before she could move, Alpha stepped forward, his chest blocking her path. "Why the panic, Anabelle? Do you miss…the smell of men?"

What? Cornered, she looked up in surprise. What was he talking about? Did she miss the smell of men?

Alpha found her confusion amusing. She hadn't changed in all these years. This talented woman, once renowned throughout the Imperial, could project an icy demeanor, like a cloud-dwelling fairy untouched by the world. Yet, here she was, blushing and evasive in a man's arms. He loved teasing her, always had.

"Did I guess wrong? Of course, you did... Visionary hasn't had a man in years. But at your age, you've blushed a few times in front of me. Tell me, are you infatuated with me?" Alpha raised an eyebrow.

Anabelle gasped. She wasn't young again! What nonsense! She didn't understand.

She wanted to retort, but the memory of last night's vivid dream flooded her mind. Her eyes darted away, her voice weak. "No, I'm not. Don't blame me!" Alpha leaned down, his handsome face close to hers, their breaths mingling. He could kiss her if he chose. "Anabelle, be honest. You can't lie. It doesn't matter; just admit it. I won't tell anyone. I won't laugh."

"This psycho!" Anabelle punched him hard. "I don't want to talk to you now. Get out!"

A nostalgic smile played on Alpha's lips. What an idiot. Even after all these years, she still couldn't swear.

"Cough, cough." He suddenly coughed.

What was wrong? She'd just hit him, and now this?

"Alpha, what's wrong? Are you unwell?" Anabelle asked anxiously.

Alpha released her and straightened, coughing incessantly. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, covering his mouth.

The immediate tension remained, though. Anabelle, her eyes filled with worry, reached for his sleeve. "Alpha, are you okay?"

He looked up, a slow smile lifting his thin lips. "I've caught you, Anabelle. You care about me."

Anabelle was stunned. Was he pretending?

"Anabelle," Alpha gazed at her intently, as if searching her soul. "Have you ever loved me?"

She was furious. His earlier coughing fit had worried her, only to reveal it was a ploy. He was as devious as ever, always scheming. And now this question.

Anabelle clenched her fist. "Alpha, this is a question you've asked for years, and my answer hasn't changed. No, I never loved you!" She turned and left the mansion.

Alpha watched her go, a storm brewing in his eyes, though outwardly it remained calm.

"Cough, cough, cough…" He coughed again, blood staining his handkerchief.

Reuben's face paled, rushing forward. "Sir, you're coughing up blood again! I'll call a doctor!"

Alpha raised a hand to stop him. "No need. I know my body. I haven't much time left."

Reuben's shock was evident. "Sir!"

Alpha, though pale and weary, maintained his composure. "Don't let anyone know about my health."

Alpha entered his office and retrieved a document. Reuben's eyes widened at the words "Property Division Document."

Alpha's deep voice filled the room. "I've made a will, dividing my assets. Elvis is most like me. I entrust the Augustine family and corporation to him. As for Marvin…"

Reuben's nerves tightened. "Sir, do you wish to know more about Young Master Marvin's background…?"

Alpha shook his head. "Though Marvin isn't my child, his eyes and eyebrows are so like his mother's. When he was young, I tried to be harsh, but I couldn't."

He recalled Marvin's childhood, his awareness of Alpha's dislike, a time when the boy fell, hiding his injured hand from his father, then seeking comfort from his aunt. Alpha had seen it all, and Marvin’s resemblance to Anabelle only deepened over the years, culminating in his unique medical talent and chillingly handsome presence.