#Chapter 172: Fiery Side

Alexander POV I hadn’t expected Ella to still be awake when I returned to the apartment. I’d been gone less than an hour, but as upset as she’d been—and as late as it was—I figured she’d have given up waiting and gone to bed. Instead, she was standing in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with wide, startled eyes fixed on the door as I walked in. I must have surprised her. “Are you all right?” I asked, stepping toward her. She nodded emphatically and shrugged one shoulder—a response so unconvincing it was almost comical. It was clear she was still upset, and I couldn’t blame her. This situation was unnerving, to say the least. To me, it seemed obvious the messages were coming from Dr. McIntyre. August’s quick search had turned up enough evidence to confirm it. That didn’t rule out a connection to David, but I was doubtful. Ella, however, seemed convinced David was somehow involved. I felt a pang of guilt as I remembered how I’d handled her