Quinn leapt to her feet, her eyes riveted on the man who was making his entrance through the door. Alexander, with a confident stride, moved to stand beside Quinn. He nonchntly shrugged off his coat, tossing it onto the nearby couch. With a subtle gesture over his shoulder, he dismissed his bodyguard. The man understood the silentmand and discreetly exited the room. Alexander''s gaze, calm and tranquil, settled on Quinn''s face. It was a serenity that felt ominously like the calm before a storm.


    Instinctively, Quinn retreated a step. However, Alexander closed the gap, pressing forward until Quinn found herself sinking onto the couch. He leaned in, his eyes piercing into hers, and posed a question, "Do you remember what I told you?" Quinn''s fingers twisted together nervously as she stared into his deep-set eyes, fear beginning to creep into her heart. Alexander''s voice was steady as he reminded her, "Did I not warn you that if you disobeyed, I would break your legs and confine you?"


    Her pupils dted in fear, and beyond the panic reflected in her eyes, there was a silent plea. She bit her lip, shaking her head ever so slightly. Alexander''s slender fingers gently grasped her chin, his tone surprisingly soft as he mused, "But how could I bring myself to break your legs? What should I do now?"


    Quinn had the audacity to defy him when he was in a rage. However, his quiet demeanor terrified her. She trembled slightly, overwhelmed by fear, and felt an uncontroble urge to escape.


    After holding her gaze for what seemed like an eternity, Alexander straightened up, tilted his head thoughtfully, and made his decision, "Then you''ll just have to be confined for now."


    Quinn gestured frantically, but Alexander had already turned his back on her, no longer acknowledging her presence. "Kyle," he called out.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Kyle, who had been waiting outside, hurried in at the sound of his name. "Alexander," he responded.


    "The matter is in your hands now," Alexander instructed. Quinn reached out to tug at his sleeve, but Alexander nced back at her coldly. Tears welled up in Quinn''s eyes as she shook her head, pleading with him not to imprison her. Alexander lifted his hand, reiming his sleeve, and looked down at her with a chilling gaze. "You need to learn your lesson," he stated coldly. With that, he walked out without a backward nce.


    Quinn watched his retreating figure, her mouth opening to speak, but no sound came out. All she could do was watch as he disappeared from her sight. Her gaze then turned to Kyle. Even though he might not understand her silent pleas, she implored him, "Please, don''t lock me up.''


    Kyle''s expression was aplex mix of emotions. He might not understand her gestures, but he could read the desperation in her eyes. He averted his gaze, his voice filled with regret, "Quinn, I''m just following orders. Please don''t make this harder for me."


    Quinn''s hand froze mid-air. She stared at Kyle, tears streaming uncontrobly down her cheeks. She clutched the edge of the sofa, the darkness and panic gnawing at her resurfacing relentlessly. The mere thought was suffocating. Alexander knew her deepest fears. That''s why he had chosen this punishment, the one he knew would terrify her the most. She realized that all her pleading was futile.


    Kyle spoke again, "Quinn, don''t waste time. If you anger Alexander again, even thewyer you hired might not be spared."


    Quinn flinched at the mention of Nichs.


    Kyle didn''t want to force her, but he knew her vulnerabilities. He knew she wouldn''t want to involve the innocent. Despite her fear and reluctance, she wouldply. After a tense moment on the sofa, Quinn clenched her fingers and then slowly released them.