When My Ex's Worst Enemy Became My Sanctuary novel Chapter 22

Albert called his assistant. "Where’s Harper staying?"

A minute later, his phone buzzed with the address. He stared at the hospital logo, frowning. Was Dorothea really at the hospital taking care of Harper? Somehow, he doubted it.

Albert headed out, determined to see Dorothea today, no matter what.

Meanwhile, Harper was living it up in his private hospital suite. A woman sat beside him, grinning playfully. "Mr. Stevens, open up. I’ll feed you a grape."

Harper opened his mouth, lazy and indulgent. Honestly, the guy who put him in here hadn’t held back. The doctor said he’d broken several ribs. Every time he tried to roll over, pain shot through his body. All he could move comfortably was his mouth.

The worst part? When Harper sent someone to check the surveillance cameras from the club, they claimed the cameras were broken. He’d had people digging for days, but came up with nothing. The only person who knew who’d beaten him was Albert’s lover. Harper swore he’d deal with her once he was back on his feet.

His friend lounged on the sofa, grinning like an idiot. "Mr. Stevens, I heard you’re about to marry Layton’s adopted daughter?"

Harper sighed. "What choice do I have? My dad wants answers."

His friend laughed. "So, have you met your fiancée yet?"

"Of course." Harper’s smile turned sly. "Not only have I met her, I’ve slept with her. She acts all proper in public, but in bed, she’s wild..."

Both men burst out laughing, smug and crude. What they didn’t know was that Albert was outside the door, his jaw clenched and veins popping on his forehead.

Suddenly, the door crashed open. Albert strode in, eyes blazing with fury.

Harper froze, swallowing hard. "Albert? What are you doing here?"

Albert loosened his tie and stood up, the scent of blood thick in the air. He glared down at Harper. "If you want to live, call off the engagement. She’s not someone you can mess with."

He picked up his jacket from the floor and walked out, cool and unhurried.

***

The next day, Elise got a call from the Stevens family. They wanted to break off the engagement.

"I thought everything was settled. Why are you suddenly backing out?"

"Elise, you know the real reason. Don’t ask me to explain. Harper’s too scared to marry your daughter. If he actually went through with it, who knows if he’d survive."