?Chapter 795:


    “We need to talk,” Malcolm said.


    Louis gave a small nod. “Lead the way.”


    At the entrance downstairs, the mood was heavy. Malcolm lit a cigarette, the flick of the lighter slicing through the silence.


    “Do you have feelings for Kiera?”


    Louis didn’t miss a beat. “Yes. I do.”


    Something shifted in Malcolm’s eyes. How could Louis admit that after everything his sister had already endured? Kiera wasn’t built for this world. She wouldn’t raise her voice, let alone her fists. Even if someone handed her a weapon, she’d freeze before using it.


    Louis, on the other hand, lived in the spotlight. Paparazzi tracked his every move. If Kiera stayed close to him, she’d be a target—just like today.


    No matter how well-meaning Louis was, he couldn’t protect her from that kind of life. But the Johnson family could. They had the means to protect her and the name to ensure no one dared touch her.


    With one final drag, Malcolm flicked his cigarette to the ground and crushed it underfoot.


    “I don’t support this. You and Kiera—it’s not a good match. From now on, stay away from her.”


    “I’m not giving up on Kiera.” Determined and unshaken, Louis locked eyes with Malcolm. “Rest assured, this won’t happen again. And you don’t get to decide what’s best for Kiera.”


    Malcolm sneered, “Really? How exactly will you make sure today’s event won’t repeat? If I hadn’t stepped in, who knows what would have happened to her?”


    He wasn’t about to let anyone who had already proven dangerous near Kiera again.


    Louis’s expression turned grim, self-reproach settling over his features. It was his fault—he knew that much. He hadn’t protected Kiera well enough. Those haters had followed him, and she’d gotten hurt in the chaos. Every time he pictured her pale in that hospital bed, something twisted painfully inside him.


    “I’m asking for one more chance,” Louis said quietly, jaw clenched, eyes cast down.


    Find what’s next on g al no ve ls


    Malcolm scoffed. “Spare me your empty talk. The only reason you’re still here is because of the Harper name. Don’t push it.”


    Knowing Louis was involved in Kiera’s injury made Malcolm want to pummel him into the ground. Kiera had always been gentle and well-behaved. The whole Johnson family couldn’t even stand the thought of her catching a cold—now she was fragile and pale in a hospital bed. Malcolm struggled to keep his rage in check.


    Louis clenched his fists, lips hardening into a line. “If letting out your anger on me helps, then do it. But no matter what, I’m not walking away from Kiera.”


    Malcolm gave a dry, humorlessugh. Without another word, he tore off his sses, flung his jacket aside, rolled up his sleeves, and threw a punch.


    Louis staggered back, blood trickling from his lips.


    Malcolm didn’t let up. He mmed punch after punch into Louis’s gut with merciless force.


    At first, Louis didn’t fight back. He only shielded his face, bracing for each blow. But Malcolm wasn’t pulling punches. If he kept going, Louis’s face wouldn’t just bruise—it would be unrecognizable.


    Louis knew Kiera adored his face most, and he was determined to protect it. When another punch came flying toward him, Louis finally fought back. The two men traded blows, raw and furious, locked in a fierce fight on the hospital’s lower floor.


    After half an hour, both were a mess. Louis’s lip was split clean through, one eye nearly swollen shut, and every movement was slow and strained. Malcolm looked no better—his hair was tousled, shirt untucked, sleeves rumpled, with a few visible scratches.


    .


    .


    .