Semua Bab Billionaire’s V1rgin Ex-Wife: Bab 471 - Bab 480

“I’ve thought it through carefully.”Ava slowly swirled the wine in her glass, watching the crimson liquid circle lazily along the rim. Her gaze remained lowered, as though the answer she sought might somehow be hiding there.“You really shouldn’t acknowledge Cello.”Alexander’s expression did not change.“Reason.”She lifted her eyes at last.“You want children,” she said quietly. “There are plenty of women who can give them to you.”Her tone was calm—too calm.“We can’t be together.”Alexander leaned back slightly in his chair.“Reason.”Ava looked directly at him now. The warm lamplight reflected in her dark eyes, making them shimmer with a sincerity she rarely allowed him to see.“I’m not suitable for you,” she said softly. “And you’re not suitable for me.”Silence lingered between them for a moment.Then Alexander spoke.“I don’t accept that.”Ava exhaled slowly and turned her face aside. When she looked back at him again, a hint of frustration had crept into her voice.“Then wha

One week earlier...The office was silent except for the faint hum of the city beyond the glass walls. Night had already settled over Manhattan, the skyline glittering like scattered diamonds beneath the dark sky. Yet Alexander Vanderbilt had not moved from his desk for nearly twenty minutes.A file lay open before him. Inside were photographs. Not business documents. Not contracts. People.Alexander lifted one between his fingers.The man in the photograph stood outside a modern glass building, speaking with several employees. His posture was relaxed, his expression professional.The name beneath the image read:John Walker. Alexander’s assistant. Or rather—his former assistant.Alexander leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.“Send him in,” he said quietly.Finn, who stood near the door, nodded once and left.A few minutes later, the door opened. John Walker stepped inside. He was a man in his mid-thirties—well-dressed, composed, the sort of person who had always perf

Alexander released her wrists at last and drew her into his arms, holding her firmly against his chest.“Ava,” he murmured, his voice rough but resolute, “this time… you won’t escape again.”She did not resist.For the moment, she simply allowed it.Allowed him to gather her close. Allowed his fingers to push the damp strands of hair away from her face. Allowed him to reach for the towel nearby and carefully wipe the sheen of sweat from her forehead, his movements unexpectedly gentle for a man who had moments ago been nearly feral with desire.Propping himself up on one arm, Alexander took her left hand.He lifted it slowly to his lips.A soft kiss brushed across her knuckles.“Marry me.”The words fell between them like a stone dropped into still water.Ava lay back against the pillow, breathing unevenly, her chest rising and falling.“I will never marry you.”Her tone was calm.Flat.Absolute.“You don’t have a choice,” Alexander replied.That did it.A laugh burst from her lips—shar

It took nine neat stitches to close the wound.After cutting the final thread, the doctor carefully dressed Ava’s leg, wrapping it in clean bandages with practiced efficiency. He then straightened and began listing the necessary precautions in a measured tone.“Try not to put strain on the wound. Keep it dry. Return immediately if there is any sign of infection—swelling, redness, fever…”“Does she need to be hospitalized?” Alexander interrupted, his brows still drawn tight.The doctor shook his head with a reassuring smile. “It’s only a superficial injury. There’s no need for admission. I’ll prescribe some anti-inflammatory medication.”Alexander did not look entirely satisfied.“What about anything else?”“Anything else?” The doctor paused, running quickly through his mental checklist. Finding nothing lacking, he added, “Diet-wise, she should keep things light. More vitamins, more protein—it will help the wound heal faster.”Alexander gave a short nod. “Add an extra box of ointment.”

“Sir.”Finn stood outside the door, a large paper bag in hand. “Everything you requested is inside—including your phone.”Alexander took the bag, his expression already returned to its usual cold composure. “Go back and find out who that man was. I want a full report. Contact me the moment you learn anything.”“Yes, sir.”Finn hesitated.His gaze flicked—just briefly—towards the interior of the apartment, then back to Alexander. “This place… may not be entirely safe.”“It’s fine,” Alexander replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.Finn exhaled quietly. “Very well.”He took a step back, then paused again, clearly wrestling with himself.“Sir… if I may—”Alexander’s brows drew together. “You may not.”Finn pressed on anyway, lowering his voice. “Women are not won over by force. They respond to patience… to gentleness.”A beat.“Try treating her kindly.”Alexander’s expression darkened immediately. “I don’t require your advice.”Finn raised both hands in surrender. “Of course not.