Chapter 14

Alexander didn't spare another glance at the man on the floor or the stunned guests around him. He threw out a single cold warning. "Watch your mouth." Then, he grabbed a still-shaken Amelia by the wrist and strode out into the heavy, suffocating silence. It was the first time in his life he had ever lost control so completely, and it happened at one of the most important public occasions of his career—all because someone had dared to mention Eleanor with a trace of disrespect. The ride home was tense and silent. The air in the car felt stifling. Amelia seemed frightened, and it took her a long while before she finally said, "Alexander, your mother called again today. She wanted to know when we're planning to get married. Maybe we should start thinking about it…" Alexander kept his eyes on the blur of city lights streaking past the window. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he answered in a low voice that carried a trace of exhaustion and disinterest. "The company's in the middle of