Chapter 4 Alexander let Sarah stay at the estate that night . But sometime after midnight , he quietly returned to the master bedroom . Allison stirred as the bed dipped under his weight . Before she could react , his arms wrapped around her from behind . She instinctively tried to move away , inching toward the edge of the bed , when his deep voice murmured in her ear . "Sorry , Allison . You've been through so much … just to help me fulfill my dying wish . I know it hasn't been easy . " Her body froze . She slowly opened her eyes , stunned by what he was saying . Was he … feeling guilty ? " I know I'm marrying Sarah , " he said gently . " But no matter what , you'll always be Mrs. Rockwood . No one's replacing you . " His voice softened even more . "Everything I promised you - you'll still get . " Allison didn't speak Then came the real reason for this late - night visit . " So , about your " Infinity ' program . Let's give that to Sarah . I can't leave her any part of my estate directly , but she needs something to fall back on when I'm gone. " Her heart clenched so hard she could barely breathe . This wasn't about love . It wasn't about gratitude . He had come here … to take from her . For Sarah . Infinity wasn't just a project - it was her life's work . A breakthrough energy algorithm with massive implications for renewable development . The model had passed every review . It was ready to be patented and licensed . Infinity would make her wealthy beyond imagination . And more than that - it would give her real standing in a male - dominated industry . She'd finally earned her own place . And Alexander knew all of that . " Absolutely not , " Allison said , shaking her head . She pushed his arms away and sat up , her voice firm . " Infinity is anyone . " " Infinity is mine . I built it from scratch . It's like my child - I won't hand it over to Alexander straightened beside her , his gaze lingering on Allison longer than usual . Something in her eyes - sharp , unyielding - made his breath catch for a second . She wasn't the girl who used to worship him anymore , and for the first time , he didn't know how to read her " Alexander , " she whispered , her voice catching as she looked him in the eye , " I'm begging you … don't take this from me . " " You can give Sarah everything else . I'll walk away with the Winters Group shares - that's all I ask " Something in that plea must've struck a nerve , because his face twisted with anger . " You really think my money means nothing to you , huh ? " She shook her head quickly . " That's not what I meant- " Ask Al Install Al Chat App powered by Good an an But he pulled his arm away , face like stone now , " I'm not asking , " he said coldly . " Everything you've done - all your research , all your funding - it was backed by the Rockwood family . You don't get to say no . Then he got up and stormed out , slamming the door so hard it rattled the walls . Less than half an hour later , headlines began to appear . Sarah had just done a live - streamed interview , proudly announcing she was the lead designer and developer of the Infinity algorithm . She claimed the official patent documents would be filed by sunrise . Allison stood there , staring at her phone in disbelief . Without hesitation , she rushed and threw open Sarah's bedroom door - only to be grabbed by the security guards Alexander had stationed nearby . " I know it's late , but I just couldn't wait to share this with you guys , " Sarah beamed into the camera . " This is the heart of Infinity , the design I've been pouring my soul into . Hope you love it as much as I do . Sweet dreams ! " She blew a kiss.to the screen like she was some rising tech star instead of a fraud . " Don't believe her ! It's not hers ! " Allison shouted , struggling against the grip on her arms . One of the guards immediately clamped a hand over her mouth . They only let her go after the live stream ended . Panting , she stumbled down the hall and found Alexander . Her eyes burned red with fury as she confronted him . " Why , Alexander ? Why would you let her steal this from me ? " " I told you , " he said , refusing to meet her gaze . " She needs something to rely on after I'm gone . " * I've let so much go . But not this . I'll fight to take Infinity back , " she snapped , wiping the tears from her face . She turned to leave . Something about the way she walked away - so decisive , so done unsettled him . For the first time , he didn't want her to go . But just as that flicker of doubt crossed his mind , Sarah burst in sobbing . " Alex … she designed it , didn't she ? " she cried , clinging to his arm . " What if she exposes me tomorrow ? Everyone will call me a liar ! I never should've done the interview . I don't want to be ruined ! " Her voice cracked as she dissolved into tears . Alexander flinched , torn for a second - then reached out and stroked her hair . His voice dropped to a cold command . " Take Mrs. Rockwood to the basement . She's not to leave without my permission . " " What ?! Let me go ! You can't do this ! " Allison screamed as the guards grabbed her again . " Alex ! Don't do this ! Please ! " But he didn't turn back . Not once The steel door slammed shut behind her , and she was swallowed whole by darkness . The walls were cold . The air stale .