Chapter 223
Chapter 223
Aaron lay in bed, a bandage covering his forehead, clearly freshly dressed.
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Ellie stood guard outside his hospital room, her eyes fixed on the door. When Alex approached, she moved to block his way. “Why are you here?”
Seeing Ellie’s guarded expression, Alex felt his chest tighten with frustration, his face darkening. “Aaron’s a grown man. Broad daylight, crowded hospital–what could I possibly do to him?”
He stepped forward, his tone firm. “Move aside. I need to talk to Aaron.”
Ellie glanced at the door behind her before turning back to Alex. “If you’ve got something to say, say it to me. Aaron doesn’t want to see you.”
Alex stared at Ellie, his gaze intense but silent. Finally, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her to the stairwell, releasing her only when they were alone.
Neither spoke, their silence heavy with tension as they locked eyes.
After a long moment, Alex let out a resigned sigh. “Ellie, I’m not here to fight with you. Aaron’s injured now; this is the perfect time for him to hand off Ethan’s case to someone else.
“Let him stay here, focus on recovering, and I swear nothing else will happen to him.”
Ellie couldn’t help but feel a surge of bitterness.
If Aaron dropped the case and passed it to someone else, Alex would undoubtedly find a way to exploit the loophole and save Ethan’s neck. And sure, Aaron might come out of it unscathed.
The real reason Alex had come was that Haley wanted him to pressure Aaron into giving up the case.
When Aaron had first taken on the case, Ellie had tried to dissuade him. But Aaron’s response had been unequivocal. “I’d rather lose my job than compromise my principles.”
Ellie held Alex’s gaze, her eyes unwavering. “You’d throw anyone under the bus for Haley. Meanwhile, Aaron is willing to sacrifice everything for his work and his beliefs. Go ahead; use whatever dirty tricks you want.”
Alex clenched his jaw, staring at Ellie for a long, heated moment without saying a word.
Finally, he thumped his chest in frustration and snapped at her. “You’re accusing me of being behind this? Where’s your proof?”
Ellie’s voice was steady, cutting. “I don’t need proof. I know it was you.”
Alex spun in place, pacing a tight circle in front of her as he tried to rein in his temper. His fists clenched and unclenched, his breathing heavy.
He stopped abruptly and grabbed Ellie’s shoulders, leaning down so their eyes were level. “Ellie, is that how it works with you? The moment you suspect me, I’m automatically guilty?”
“Right back at you.” Ellie shot back, her tone cold.
Alex took a deep breath, then another.
10:27 Son, 9 Feb A
Chapter 223
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Ellie could see the rage simmering beneath the surface. Watching him struggle to stay composed, she quickly pushed him away, putting some space between them.
For several moments, Alex said nothing, his chest rising and falling as he fought to calm himself. Finally, he spoke, his voice tight with barely restrained anger. “Ellie, I know you’re convinced it was me. If you don’t believe me, fine. I’m done explaining myself.
“But hear this,” he continued, his voice sharp. “If you can’t handle something, you shouldn’t take it on in the first place. Did Aaron even stop to think if he was capable of handling this case before he took it?
“Did he weigh the risks? Probably not. Everyone needs to know their limits. If something’s beyond your ability, it’s bound to end in disaster. Aaron getting attacked? He brought that on himself.”
Ellie’s expression hardened, her patience wearing thin. “If that’s what you believe, then we have nothing more to talk about.” She pushed past him and began to walk away.
After a few steps, she stopped and turned back to him. “Follow me. There’s something I need to show you.
