Chapter 2

Alexander didn’t glance at Alice. “You heard me.”

Alice nervously tugged at the frayed edges of her stained clothes. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Sir, this isn’t funny.”

Alexander’s lips curled into a mocking smirk. “Wasn’t marrying me your goal all along?”

His piercing gaze raked over her gaunt face, sharp as a blade. Alice shivered and turned away, but he seized her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.

For the first time, she noticed the striking angles of his face beneath the shadows. He was unfairly handsome—chiseled jawline dusted with dark stubble, exuding raw masculinity. His tailored suit screamed wealth and power.

Meanwhile, she was a mess—filthy clothes, tangled hair, grime-streaked face, reeking of sweat and despair.

And this man wanted to marry her?

Alice lowered her lashes. “Sir, just because I’ve been locked up for two years doesn’t mean I’d throw myself at the first stranger who offers.”

Alexander studied her. Young, but sharp-tongued. Unnervingly composed. His disgust deepened. “Is this your tactic? Provoke me to grab my attention?”

Without waiting for an answer, he barked at the driver, “City hall. Now.”

“Let me go! I don’t even know you!” Alice clawed at the door.

In one swift motion, Alexander pinned her with his elbow, his glare icy. “Listen carefully. If you prefer death, I can arrange that.”

Alice’s breath hitched. Tears welled. “I… don’t want to die.”

“City hall,” he repeated.

“Mr. Knight,” the assistant interjected cautiously, “shouldn’t we… address Miss Carter’s appearance first?”

Alexander’s jaw tightened. He took in her disheveled state. “Knight Manor. Now.”

An hour later, the car halted before a sprawling estate perched on the mountainside.

Alice gaped. This wasn’t just a house—it was a palace. A far cry from the crumbling ruin where she’d lost her innocence to a faceless stranger.

Before she could dwell, Alexander yanked her forward. His strides were long, forcing her to stumble behind like a stray dog.

Maids bowed as they passed. “Welcome home, Mr. Knight.”

He dragged her to a servants’ quarters and shoved her at a group of maids. “Clean her up.”

The maids whisked her to a bathroom.

She had to escape.

This man wanted her dead—yet insisted on marrying her the moment she left prison.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed the maids stripping her until their gasps snapped her back.

“Those marks… love bites?”

Alice flushed crimson. “I—I can bathe myself. Please leave.”

One maid arched a brow. “You’re Mr. Knight’s…?”

“Maid,” Alice blurted.

The maids exchanged glances before filing out. Outside, one muttered, “Thought she was his woman. Just a maid. And acting so high and mighty.”

Then she froze—Alexander stood there, expression unreadable.

Inside, Alice stared at her reflection, humiliation burning her cheeks. Her first time—stolen by a stranger she’d never see again.

Tears spilled.

“Filthy.”

She whirled. Alexander loomed in the doorway, disgust etched on his face.

Alice scrambled to cover herself. “I just got out of prison! You kidnapped me! Who I am—what I’ve done—is none of your business! Get out!”

His gaze lingered, searching for deceit. But she wasn’t acting.

This woman was trouble.

“Clean up. We’re getting married. In three months, I’ll divorce you with a payout. After that, don’t expect another second of my time.” He slammed the door.

The maids outside held their breath.

Four days ago, they’d witnessed Alexander’s ruthlessness firsthand.

The illegitimate son, exiled as a teen, clawed his way back—only to find his mother framed and imprisoned. Now, after faking his death to dismantle his enemies, he ruled the Knight empire.

And his dying mother’s last wish? Marry her cellmate, Alice Carter.

Alexander had dug into Alice’s past. Every sign pointed to her manipulating his mother.

“Mr. Knight!” A maid’s panicked voice shattered his thoughts.

“What?”

“She—she jumped out the window!”