Chapter 3 Encountering an Impossible Person Again

Katherine's POV

I sat in the detention center's sterile office, my fingers clutching my purse so tightly my knuckles turned white.

"Ms. Thompson," the case officer began. "The charges against Kevin Jordan are serious-attempted rape of Sophie Porter."

Of all people, it had to be Sophie Porter - Sarah's sister. The one who'd forced me into exile, and now she was trying to destroy my brother too!

Memories came flooding back. I was eight years old, watching helplessly as Sarah and Sophie tormented me after my father's new marriage. He was so besotted with their mother that he didn't notice a thing.

How can I let go of this hatred inside me?

"That's impossible," I stated. "He would never—"

"Regardless of whether Kevin is guilty or not, the victim's family is quite influential," the officer continued, not looking up from his papers. "Mr. Hudson himself has personally requested that bail be denied."

I asked, "Alexander Hudson?"

The officer nodded.

I let out a scornful laugh. Even five years later, Alexander was still pulling strings to hurt my family.

Suppressing the bitterness welling up inside me, I leaned forward and demanded, "I want to see the evidence and Kevin."

"I'm afraid that's not possible at this stage." The officer finally met my eyes. "Ms. Thompson, I advise you to maintain your distance for real."

Seeing the police officer's attitude, I knew it was pointless to linger and argue here.

I could only stand, smoothing my skirt nervously. "Thank you for your time, Officer."

"One more thing," I paused at the door. "When did this alleged incident occur?"

"Last night, at the Four Seasons Hotel."

The Four Seasons Hotel? That's the very place where Alexander's wedding is taking place, isn't it? How incredibly ridiculous!

I strode toward the detention center's exit. I needed to get to Kevin's apartment and the Four Seasons, find evidence of his whereabouts last night, anything to prove—

At this moment, a familiar voice rang out, "Katherine?"

Seriously? I can't be this unfortunate!

The moment those heavy footsteps reverberated behind me, a cold shiver shot down my spine. My heart began pounding erratically, and a wave of unease swept over me.

Please, let it be someone else. I'm in no state to deal with this right now. Before I could gather my thoughts, a vice - like hand clamped down on my arm, sending a jolt of panic coursing through my veins.

In an instant, I was forcefully spun around, and there, standing right in front of me, was none other than Alexander Hudson!

"Sir," I said, struggling to stay calm and thankful my sunglasses concealed my eyes, "you've got the wrong person."

His grip tightened. "Drop the act, Katherine!"

I replied, "Sir, your actions are very strange. I really don't know you. Please stay away from me."

His other hand came up, fingers brushing my cheekbone where my signature teardrop mole used to be. "Makeup can hide a lot, Kitty, but not everything. Shall I check your shoulder for that birthmark?"

The old pet name sparked my fury. I wrenched away, but he was faster, stronger. His hand slid beneath my blazer's collar. The moment I saw Alexander's face and heard his words, something inside me snapped.

Unable to contain my rage any longer, I lashed out. The slap echoed across the detention center entrance. His head snapped to the side, genuine shock crossing his features. Before he could recover, I slapped him again, harder.

"How dare you! Fuck off!" I spat.

But Alexander was just looking at my exposed shoulder, at the phoenix tattoo covering the skin where my birthmark used to be. His eyes darkened with rage.

"You little—" His movements were a blur, and in the blink of an eye, I was swept off my feet. He held me tightly in a princess carry, his grip unyielding as if he was afraid I'd slip away.

"Help!" I screamed, struggling as he carried me toward a waiting black Bentley. "Someone help! This man is trying to kidnap me!"

"Mr. Hudson!" His assistant–Jack Lawrence, hurried forward. "Sir, there are cameras—"

"Get the car door," Alexander ordered.

Even as I fought, I noticed how the security guards looked away, how passing visitors suddenly found their phones fascinating.

"You fucking bastard. Fuck off! I don't even know you!" I spat venomously as he shoved me into the backseat.

He climbed in after me, his presence filling the confined space. "Well, you're running away instead of facing consequences. Your body will know whether you recognize me or not, Kitty."

The door slammed shut. At his words, an involuntary shudder ran through me and a knot of nervousness formed in the pit of my stomach.

But as the scent of Alexander surrounded me, evoking memories of passion and betrayal, I forced myself to remain focused.

"Five years," Alexander's voice cut through the tense silence. "Five years of thinking you were dead. Do you have any idea what that did to me?"

I let out a harsh, mocking laugh. "What it did to you? Are you fucking kidding me? You self - centered asshole!"

His voice rose sharply. "You're the one who faked your own death and ran away!"

I slapped his hand away with all my might. "I don't know what are you talking about!"

With his control rapidly slipping away, his eyes blazed with a dangerous mixture of fury and raw hurt, jaw clenched desperately against the storm of emotions threatening to break free.

All of a sudden, he said in a sinister tone, "The girl who made a scene at my wedding, she's your daughter, right?"

My heart skipped a beat, and a swirl of confusion welled up inside me. What on earth was he talking about? My kids are living in Sweden.

"I don't have any kids" I said icily, but my eyes betrayed me.

Alexander caught the movement. His eyes widened, then narrowed dangerously.

"Katherine," his voice dropped to a deadly whisper, "you're hiding something, aren't you?"