Chapter 12: Don't Mistake My Kindness

“Get away from her, Sebastian.”

Alexander's voice cut through the sitting room like a knife.

His brother turned slowly, an amused smile spreading across his face.

“Good morning to you too, little brother.”

Alexander ignored the greeting and moved closer to me.

“Amelia, go upstairs.”

I frowned.

“I'm standing right here. I can speak for myself.”

Sebastian chuckled.

“Oh, I like her.”

Alexander's expression darkened.

“You weren't invited.”

“Must I make an appointment to visit my own family?”

“This isn't your home.”

Sebastian glanced around the elegant sitting room.

“Still pretending you don't share anything with me?”

His eyes returned to mine.

“It's good to see you again, Amelia.”

I stiffened.

“Again?”

He smiled.

“Don't look so surprised. We met at the office.”

I remembered his earlier visit to Alexander's office, the expensive suit, and that unsettling smile.

But Daniel's description of the strange man outside his school made my stomach tighten.

“You were outside my brother's school,” I said.

Sebastian's smile remained, but something changed in his eyes.

“Your brother? Daniel, isn't it?”

I looked at Alexander.

He had gone completely still.

“Why were you speaking to Daniel?” I asked.

Sebastian placed his briefcase on a nearby table.

“I was asking a few questions. Nothing serious.”

“About what?”

“About you, actually.”

My fingers curled.

“Why?”

“Curiosity.”

Alexander stepped between us.

“That's enough.”

Sebastian sighed.

“You always did have a problem with people asking questions.”

“And you always had a problem understanding when you're not welcome.”

For a moment, the brothers stared at each other.

They looked alike in some ways. Both were tall, well dressed, and carried themselves with confidence. But Alexander's face was controlled and hard, while Sebastian's smile made him seem friendly even when his words were cruel.

Sebastian picked up his briefcase.

“I'm sure we'll speak again, Amelia.”

“I hope not.”

His smile widened.

“Straightforward. I like that.”

Alexander moved towards the entrance.

“Victoria will show you out.”

Sebastian paused beside him.

“You should be careful, Alexander. People might start wondering why you're keeping secrets in your own house.”

Then he walked away.

The sound of the front door closing echoed through the mansion.

I turned towards Alexander.

“What was that?”

“Nothing you need to worry about.”

I stared at him.

“Your brother knew my name. He knew Daniel's name. And he admitted speaking to him outside school. How is that nothing?”

Alexander looked towards Victoria.

“Leave us.”

She nodded and disappeared down the hallway.

When we were alone, he turned back to me.

“Did he say anything else?”

“He asked why I was living here.”

“And what did you tell him?”

“Nothing. You ordered him to get away from me before I could answer.”

“Good.”

I let out a frustrated breath.

“Do you hear yourself? You keep telling me what to do as if I don't have a mind of my own.”

“Sebastian is dangerous.”

“So you've said. But I'm still waiting for you to explain why.”

“You don't need to understand every part of my family history.”

“Then stop bringing my family into it!”

My voice echoed through the room.

Alexander's jaw tightened.

“I'm trying to keep you out of this.”

“By keeping me in the dark?”

He walked towards the window, then turned back.

“Sebastian knows how to manipulate people. He approaches them with a smile, makes them feel important, and gets them to tell him things they shouldn't.”

“Then perhaps you should warn me instead of treating me like I'm incapable of recognising a liar.”

His eyes narrowed.

“You think you know him?”

“No. But I know what it feels like when someone talks down to me.”

For a moment, his expression softened.

Then he looked away.

“Don't make the mistake of thinking my kindness means we're friends.”

I went still.

He continued, his voice calm and cold.

“The arrangements between us are business. I provide money, accommodation, and protection. You cooperate with my investigation and keep the agreed information confidential. That's all.”

I stared at him.

“Did I say something that made you think I was confused?”

His eyebrows drew together.

“I'm making myself clear.”

“Then allow me to do the same.”

I stepped closer.

“I appreciate the medical bills being paid. I appreciate Daniel being protected. I appreciate the room and the security. But none of those things mean I'm waiting for you to fall in love with me.”

His expression hardened.

“I never suggested that.”

“Good. Because I have no intention of falling for a man who believes money gives him control over every part of another person's life.”

The words landed between us.

He looked at me for several seconds.

Something flickered across his face, but he quickly hid it.

“You seem very certain of yourself.”

“I have to be. Someone in this house certainly isn't going to encourage it.”

He looked away.

I turned to leave.

“Amelia.”

I stopped but didn't face him.

“Don't let Sebastian get close to you.”

I turned back.

“Then tell me why he wants to.”

“I don't know what he wants.”

“That's a lie.”

His eyes met mine.

For a second, I thought he might tell me something.

Instead, he said, “Go upstairs.”

I shook my head and walked out.

I spent the next hour in my bedroom, trying to forget the conversation.

I opened my suitcase and rearranged a few clothes, even though there was no reason to do so. I checked my phone and sent Daniel a message asking how his day was going.

He replied almost immediately.

School is fine. Don't worry about me. Are you okay?

I smiled sadly.

I'm fine. Just getting used to the new place.

His reply came a moment later.

Tell Alexander I said thanks for helping Mum.

I stared at the message.

Daniel trusted Alexander more than I did.

That bothered me.

I placed my phone on the bedside table and walked towards the window.

Below, two security guards were speaking near the garden entrance. A black car sat beside the fountain.

I wondered whether Sebastian had left.

Then I heard a knock.

“Come in.”

Alexander entered.

He had removed his tie, and the top button of his shirt was open. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms.

“I spoke to security,” he said. “Sebastian has been added to the restricted visitor list.”

I crossed my arms.

“You can do that?”

“Yes.”

“And if he comes again?”

“He won't get past the gate.”

I nodded.

“Thank you.”

He studied my face.

“Are you angry with me?”

I almost laughed.

“Do you really need to ask?”

“I prefer knowing where I stand.”

“Then perhaps you should try telling me where you stand.”

He looked at me.

I looked back.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then he noticed the framed photograph of my mother and Daniel on the bedside table.

“Your brother seems to be adjusting.”

“He's trying to be brave.”

“That's good.”

I glanced at him.

“You were worried about him.”

“His safety is part of the agreement.”

“Everything is part of the agreement with you.”

He gave a small, tired sigh.

“It's easier that way.”

“Easier for whom?”

He didn't answer.

I turned towards the window.

“You don't have to pretend to be kind, Alexander. I won't misunderstand it.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

He stepped closer, stopping a few feet away.

“Believe me, Amelia. The last thing I need is another complication.”

I turned.

“Then stop creating them.”

Our eyes met.

He was close enough for me to notice a faint line of tiredness beneath his eyes. For the first time, he didn't look like the untouchable billionaire who controlled everything around him.

He looked like a man who hadn't slept enough.

My gaze dropped briefly to his open collar before I forced myself to look away.

He noticed.

A strange silence followed.

Then his phone rang.

He checked the screen.

Whatever he saw changed his expression immediately.

“What's happened?” I asked.

He answered the call.

“Talk.”

A man's voice came through the phone, too low for me to understand.

Alexander's face became tense.

“When?”

Another pause.

“Where is he now?”

He turned towards the door.

“Don't let anyone leave. I'm coming.”

He ended the call and grabbed his jacket.

“What's wrong?” I asked.

“Something has happened.”

“Is it connected to Sebastian?”

“I don't know yet.”

He moved quickly towards the door.

“Alexander, wait.”

He stopped.

“Tell me what's happening.”

His eyes met mine.

For a moment, I saw the same fear I had noticed when he heard Evelyn's recording.

Then he said, “Someone has been watching the house.”

My stomach tightened.

“What?”

“Security found a vehicle parked near the eastern wall. It disappeared before they could identify the driver.”

“Could it be Sebastian?”

“Possibly. Or someone working with him.”

He walked out, then turned back.

“Stay inside the mansion. Don't go into the garden, don't open the gates, and don't leave with anyone unless Victoria confirms it with me.”

I stared at him.

“You're leaving me here without telling me what's happening?”

“I'll explain when I return.”

“That's what you always say.”

His expression tightened.

“Amelia, this isn't an argument. Someone may be looking for you.”

Then he left.

I heard his footsteps hurry down the stairs, followed by the sound of the front door opening.

A few seconds later, an engine roared outside.

I moved towards the window and watched his black car disappear through the gates.

My phone vibrated.

An unknown number.

I opened the message.

You should be careful when Alexander leaves you alone.

My fingers went cold.

Another message appeared.

He can't protect you from everyone.

Then a photograph arrived.

It showed Alexander standing outside the mansion moments earlier, speaking to a man beside his car.

The man's face was partly visible.

I zoomed in.

It was Sebastian.

And beneath the photograph were six words that made my heart stop.

Ask Alexander what happened to Evelyn.