Chapter 18:The Weight of Choices

(Alexander's POV) "Did you orchestrate Hazel's sudden departure to Europe?" I repeated, my voice dropping to a dangerous growl as I stared at Scarlett. Her emerald eyes met mine with perfect composure, the sunlight catching the diamond necklace at her throat. The family heirloom my mother had just placed there looked mockingly perfect against her skin. "I don't control Hazel's schedule, Alexander," she replied coolly, crossing one leg over the other as she leaned back in the deck chair. "Don't play games with me," I snapped, taking a step closer. "Hazel is your closest friend. She suddenly leaves when Grace needs her most? Right after you publicly reject our mating? That's quite the coincidence." Scarlett didn't say anything, just looked at me quietly, but I could see the provocation in her eyes, she did it, what could I do to her? "You did this," I hissed, fury building with each passing second. "You deliberately sent away the one healer who could help Grace." She finally stood