Page 78 of Bought By the Ruthless Pakhan

I watched the rapidly retreating street scenes outside the window, didn't say a word.

Gary's appearance shattered all my calm. The dear grandchild he mentioned—couldn't be anyone but Alex.

Would he hurt Alex?

I couldn't be sure.

That animal would do anything for money.

Ivan sensed something wrong, freed one hand, and covered the back of mine. "Don't worry. I'll protect you and Alex."

I managed to pull my mouth into something resembling a smile for him—probably looked worse than crying, but I really couldn't squeeze out anything better.

Finally, we made it to my building. The car barely stopped before I pushed open the door.

Under the streetlight outside the apartment building, Chris stood straight. He held Alex's hand, a light gray knit sweater pressed against his body in the night breeze, his posture carrying the quiet calm of patient waiting.

He saw me emerge from the car and was about to speak, but his gaze traveled past my shoulder to Ivan, who was pushing open his door and stepping out behind me.

The air froze instantly.

Late autumn wind funneled through the gaps between buildings, carrying dead leaves and cold air, scraping through that silent space between us.

Alex reacted first. His eyes lit up; he immediately broke free of Chris's hand and ran excitedly toward Ivan.

"Ivan! How come you're here?" His voice brimmed with delight. "When are you coming back to substitute for us? All the students really like you!"

Before Ivan could answer, I cut him off. "Alex, come here."

My voice came out harder than I intended, like a rock thrown into still water.

Alex froze, stopped in his tracks, turned back to look at me. The smile hadn't completely left his face, confusion floating in his eyes.

"Don't bother your teacher," I walked over, taking my son's hand. "We should go home."

Alex's small hand struggled once in my palm, then went quiet. He looked at me, then back at Ivan, lips moving like he wanted to say something, but finally swallowed it back.

I didn't look at him, didn't look at Ivan. My gaze landed on Chris, carrying an unclear mix of guilt and gratitude.

He'd been through this morning's scene, yet still came to pick up my child for me.

I held Alex's hand, walking back to Chris step by step.

I knew this was abrupt, like deliberately manufactured distance.

But I had to do this.

Gary was an absolute scoundrel. If he knew Alex's identity, he'd definitely extort Ivan.

Then Alex would be in danger.

I had to use this method to tell Ivan, and tell myself, that things between us ended long ago.

He shouldn't become Gary's wallet because of my life.

Chapter Twenty

Ivan