"If you''re incapable of handling the task, perhaps you should resign."


    With these words, Alexander ended the call, his attention shifting towards Quinn. He allowed her the first move in their silent chess game.


    After a moment of internal struggle, Quinn raised her hands, her fingers dancing in the air as she signed, "Can Juliet stay?"


    "Is this your reason for seeking me out?" Alexander questioned, his gaze narrowing as Quinn''s eyes fell, her hair acting as a veil to hide her emotions.


    She continued her silent plea, her hands signing with a sense of urgency, "Don''t you remember her?"


    His gaze remained impassive, his tone equally indifferent, "What does it matter if I remember? What changes if I don''t? Am I expected to care for every Kennedy servant until their dying day?"


    His words struck Quinn like a dagger to the heart. She slowly raised her eyes to meet his icy stare, doubting for the first time if this man had any capacity forpassion.


    Alexander closed the distance between them, leaning in closer, "She may stay, but only if you sever your ties with Abigail.


    "Quinn''s reaction was subtle, but not unnoticed.


    A thin smile graced his lips, his eyes reflecting a chilling detachment, "Choose between her and Abigail.


    "So, this is why he was silent on our journey here. He didn''t explode in anger because he was waiting for me to solve this puzzle. Choosing is impossible because there is no correct answer.'' Quinn''s realization dawned. Alexander''s gaze bore into her clear eyes, silently awaiting her decision. The silence stretched on, time slipping away in the quiet tension.


    Quinn slowly raised her hand and signed, "Would you do the same to Getty?


    "His eyes darkened momentarily at her gesture before returning to her face, "Are you questioning me?"


    Quinn''s lips tightened, her fair face taking on an uncharacteristic resolve. She gestured, "I''ve never asked you for anything. Can''t you grant me this one request?"


    Alexander caught her gesturing fingers in his grip, halting her movement. He whispered, "No," then added after a pause, "Not this time."


    A bitter smile pulled at Quinn''s dry lips. She thought, ''This one time is all I asked for.


    "You can''t be too greedy," he said, his voice as deep as before, holding her hands to prevent furthermunication. "Since you can''t make a choice, allow me to choose for you.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    "Panic red in Quinn''s eyes as she tried to pull away from Alexander. Her struggles only caused him to tighten his grip, her wrists aching under the pressure. Desperate, she opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came out. Alexander''s gaze turned icy as he forced her hands onto the edge of the desk. The hard edge dug into her waist. She straightened her body, a familiar pain radiating from her abdomen.


    Her only option was to bite him, but before she could, he secured her jaw and forced her down onto the desk. One hand holding her wrists, the other lifting her leg, he leaned in, his entire weight pressing down on her. "So, I can''t touch you now?" Their faces were mere inches apart, his breath washing over her.


    Pain twisted in Quinn''s abdomen as if her insides were being stretched to the breaking point. Sweat beads formed on her forehead, her lips parting in a silent plea.


    She mouthed, "Stop."


    But it was as if he couldn''t understand.