Page 77 of Bought By the Ruthless Pakhan

I started shaking. Starting from my fingers, trembling all the way to my shoulders.

Ivan immediately sensed something wrong and crossed back to me in a few strides.

He cupped my face, palms against my icy cheeks, completely blocking that revolting gaze behind him.

"Anna, look at me. Snap out of it."

I stiffly shifted my gaze to him, had to refocus several times before I could see his face clearly.

I sucked in breath after breath, like a drowning person thrashing at the surface, finally learning to swim.

Right, don't be afraid, don't cower.

He's just scum. He can't hurt me!

Gary pushed his luck, walking inside. "Oh, my little baby, haven't seen Daddy in so long—did you miss me?"

His voice was disgusting.

He even spread his arms, like welcoming a puppy running toward him.

"Get out!"

I squeezed the words from my throat, voice hoarse. "Get the hell out! If you come near me again, I'll kill you!"

Gary stopped, shrugged, still wearing that shameless expression. "Anna, you break my heart."

"She said get out." Ivan's voice came from above my head, cold without a trace of warmth, like a freshly unsheathed blade. "Don't you understand?"

Gary pasted on a smile, wrinkles bunching on his face. "Fine, fine, I'll go. Anna, you really hurt me, but even if you don't claim me, my dear grandchild will."

Dear grandchild?

All my blood rushed to my head at once. Who was he talking about? Alex?

My heart started racing out of control again, like it would burst from my chest. How did he know about Alex?

But before I could demand answers, Gary had already turned and walked out.

My whole body felt like someone pulled out my bones. My knees went weak, nearly collapsing.

I grabbed Ivan's arm, gasping for air in huge gulps. My back was soaked with cold sweat, ears ringing.

Home. I had to get home.

I rushed toward the door in a panic, steps unsteady like walking on cotton.

Ivan caught up, steadied my shoulder. The warmth from his palm seeped through the thin fabric, barely stabilizing my near-collapse.

"Ivan, let go."

I didn't have time to waste here with him. I had to get home.

"I'll take you," he said.

I paused a moment, didn't refuse. Just silently walked toward the door. Ivan followed behind me. The whole way, no words.

The car drove smoothly along the road.