Thorned Rose

Intrigue and Betrayal

Jasper was adept at reading expressions and immediately directed the workers to leave the villa. As people passed by one after another, Alice finally recognized the man as the crazy intruder from three years ago, Zane Hudson's brother. Rumors had it that their relationship was strained.

"You again! You..." Alice exclaimed.

Evan Hunter, with a tight embrace around Ruby Ann, stood closely beside her, smiling without a word.

"You two have actually gotten together!" Alice pointed at them, shocked. "I will tell Zane Hudson!"

Evan Hunter's gaze was sharp as Alice, trembling, pointed at Ruby Ann. "I never expected you to be not only unfaithful but also a little harlot! You've already chosen the older brother, can't even tell him apart from the younger one!"

Embarrassed, Ruby Ann lowered her head. Evan Hunter sneered, "Where is your family tomb? I'll take you there and compensate you with a few antiques, how about that?"

Evan Hunter exuded a dominating presence. Alice, eyes wide with fear, darted towards the door to find Zane Hudson and report the incident.

The family had reached this dire situation due to offending Zane Hudson three years ago, causing Alice to face endless misfortune ever since. It seemed like she was being deliberately trapped within the confines of this small building.

Discovering Ruby Ann's relationship with Evan Hunter today, if brought to Zane Hudson's attention, could both earn Alice credit and implicate Ruby Ann and Evan Hunter. It was a move that would harm others while benefiting oneself, a thought that brought a sense of relief.

Without looking back, Evan Hunter effortlessly grabbed Alice, instructing Ruby Ann to check on her brother.

Ruby Ann hurried upstairs, embracing Carl in her arms, startling him.

In the next moment, a fierce roar echoed through the room, causing furniture of all sizes to tremble. The half-dismantled door finally collapsed.

Despite covering Carl's ears in her embrace, he still heard the terrifying sound. He clutched Ruby Ann's waist tightly, asking loudly, "Sister, what's that sound? Is it a monster? Will the house collapse?"

Ruby Ann reassured him that the brick house wouldn't collapse. "Don't be afraid."

As the newly installed window glass shattered one after another, Carl clung to her in fear.

Evan Hunter's true nature was now fully revealed. Fearing his loss of control, Ruby Ann hid Carl in the closet and grabbed a thin blanket before running downstairs.

The living room was in chaos, with the once elegant crystal chandelier from the ball now shattered. Alice sat on the ground, eyes wide and lips trembling, while Evan Hunter stood casually by, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar.

Ruby Ann tossed the blanket aside and approached him, noticing his shirt buttons undone to his chest.

Blushing, Ruby Ann asked, "Why are you here?"

"Why were you running around?" Evan Hunter countered.

"You allowed it."

"When did I allow that?" Evan Hunter raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "I looked it up online, the rose variety you gave is called 'Freedom'."

Evan Hunter smirked, "I hope you like it."

Unfamiliar with him, Ruby Ann felt awkward with the conversation. She gestured upstairs, "...I'll go check on Carl."

Evan Hunter held her back. "Come up later, let him be however he wants."

Realizing his implication, Ruby Ann was struck by a sudden understanding. With Alice in a state of shock, Olivia underage, and Adam incarcerated, the custody of Carl would likely be transferred to his elder sister.

Touching her chest, Ruby Ann looked at Evan Hunter excitedly. "Zane Hudson, thank you!"

Evan Hunter gazed at her deeply but remained silent, leading her outside. They got into a car, and Evan Hunter instructed Jasper at the driver's seat, "Take her back first."

Not entirely certain, Ruby Ann hesitated but thanked him again, "Zane Hudson, thank you for helping me fight for Carl's custody. I am truly grateful to you!"

Evan Hunter seemed to smile, "Did I help?"

With a seemingly neutral attitude, Evan Hunter's intentions were clear to Ruby Ann, even if not to outsiders like Alice. While Zane Hudson remained the nominal head of the family, the real power now rested in Evan Hunter's hands.

Thus, his attitude dictated the course of events. If he was displeased, without any direct interference, a mere change in his expression would be enough to derail any plans.

Regarding her brother's situation, Ruby Ann couldn't back down. Boldly, she touched Evan Hunter's hand. "Zane Hudson, can I ask you for a favor?"

Evan Hunter glanced at her hand, then back at her. "What were you doing with the blanket just now?"

Ruby Ann answered truthfully, "I was afraid you might lose control."

Withdrawing his hand, Evan Hunter looked out the window and chuckled coldly. "I've had enough lessons from three years ago."

Ruby Ann was familiar with the scene outside the window. Three years ago, Evan Hunter had lost control here. That day, she had come out of the villa, dragging a suitcase to this bend in the road. Suddenly, a red car came charging towards her. It was broad daylight, yet the car had its high beams on, speeding directly at her. She stood frozen, unsure where to run. Just as the car was about to hit her, a black car swerved out from behind the red one, crashing into its side. Despite the roadside barrier, the red car broke through it, careening down the mountainside. The black car veered to the side, scraping against the hill before coming to a stop, shrouded in smoke and sparks. A person emerged from the car—it was Jasper. Soon after, several other cars arrived, with Adam and five or six others coming to assess the situation. Even a blind person could see what had happened. Jasper, furious, approached Adam, demanding, "Adam! What are you up to? You dare to touch Zane Hudson's woman?" Ruby Ann remembered it vividly. Adam had replied, "Zane Hudson has done something unsightly, and I've taken care of it for him. What's wrong with that?" The black car then began to shake, as if a wild beast was breaking out through the roof...