Oliver poured me a cup of tea. "Serena, you were really impressive back there."


    "Really?" I took a big gulp of tea before looking up at him. "Honestly, I''m freaking out on the inside."


    "If Mr. Hastings had seen you today, he would''ve been proud."


    At the mention of Alex, my heart clenched with worry and sorrow.


    "What''s our next move?" Oliver asked.


    "We''re going to the hospital to see Julian." I grabbed my bag and stood up. "Whoever started the trouble should end it."


    At the hospital, I ran into Elena in the hallway. The moment she saw me, she charged at me while shouting. Oliver reacted quickly, stepping in front of me to block her.


    "Serena, you actually dare to show up?" Her voice was half warning, half gloating. I looked at her, puzzled. "Why wouldn''t I?"


    "You had the audacity to do something like this! Let me tell you, the ke family won''t let this slide. Alex is done for this time." Her eyes sparkled with anticipation and excitement.


    I studied her expression for a moment before suddenlyughing.


    "What are youughing at?" Elena snapped.


    "I''mughing at you for being delusional." I shook my head. "The investigation isn''t even over yet. Are you a police officer? How can you be so sure this has anything to do with Alex?"


    "You-" She refused to ept it, but before she could argue, a voice came from inside the ward.


    "Serena? Is that you? Did youe to see me?"


    Ignoring Elena and the furious re she shot at me, I walked into the hospital ward.


    "Serena, did you hear I was hurt ande to see me on purpose?" Julian''s eyes lit up as he looked at me, making me ufortable. But for Alex''s sake, I knew I had to endure it.


    I set my bag aside and sat down next to his bed. "I''m here to ask about what happened the day you were kidnapped. What did you hear over the past few days?"


    "I was walking when I was suddenly grabbed. They barely spoke and just beat me


    up. The only thing I heard was them telling me to stay away from you."


    I already knew that much. I sighed. "Julian, nothing you heard points to Alex. So, why are you using him?"


    Julian frowned. "Who else could it be?"


    "Did you see Alex? Did you hear his


    voice? You didn''t even hear his


    name you heard mine. You should have told the police it was me.'' My voice grew agitated.


    "They blindfolded me, so I couldn''t see anything." Julian faltered under my questioning.


    "But they said I offended someone. Hastings Group''s share price dropped recently. Wasn''t that because of me? Who else but Alex would have a reason?"


    He was so confident in his ridiculous logic that I felt both helpless and frustrated. But I couldn''t show any weakness-I had to stand my ground.


    "Serena... There might still be a way to turn this around." Julian hesitated, testing the waters.


    I lowered my gaze, waiting for him to continue.


    "If you get back together with me, I'' go to the police and withdraw my statement. I''ll even publicly dere


    therstood Alex and issue


    an apology."


    "Ms. Ashford, you can''t." Oliver immediately warned me.


    "What did you just say?" Elena''s voice was shrill with disbelief and fury.