Chapter 468

Edward stared in surprise. Brandon lay sprawled on the ground, arms and legs outstretched, fingers curled, lips twitching—clearly unable to speak. Glancing at the garden wall, Edward understood immediately. Besides Imperial Hills' built-in security system, Alexander had added his own, modifying the wall to deliver a mild electric shock to intruders. The shock wasn't lethal, but enough to temporarily paralyze anyone attempting to scale it.

Brandon, the intruder, had triggered the alarm, prompting Alexander to call Edward. Through his Bluetooth earphones, Edward heard Alexander's voice: "Edward, bring him in." Alexander had already witnessed the event via security camera footage.

"Yes, sir!" Edward replied, surveying Brandon's still-paralyzed form. He was incapable of standing, let alone walking. Edward lifted Brandon and carried him inside.

Brandon felt utterly hopeless, tears welling in his eyes.

The warm, cozy interior contrasted sharply with the frigid weather outside. Edward started toward the sofa, preparing to lower Brandon, when Alexander interrupted, "No, not the sofa. He'll dirty it!"

"Just place him on the floor," Alexander instructed, showing no concern for Brandon's condition.

Brandon was speechless at Edward's immediate obedience. He glared hatefully at Alexander as he lay on the floor, attempting to regain feeling in his limbs. His fingers twitched, sending a horrible numbness through him. He could only blink repeatedly until he could feel his tongue again. "Alex, you heartless person!"

Alexander smirked coldly. "Heartless? Edward, throw him out!"

Brandon immediately conceded. "D-Don't! It's all my fault! Y-You shouldn't be angry at someone like me. Just t-treat what I-I've just said as b*llshit!"

His stammering stemmed from the lingering effects of the shock, yet he struggled to finish his sentence. He'd endured so much to gain entry; being thrown back into the cold was unthinkable.

Alexander gestured for Edward to leave, then turned to Brandon. "It's late. Shouldn't you be home, or at a pub? What are you doing here? And how did you even get in?"

'Don't get me started!' Brandon thought, glaring, but reconsidered. Alexander could easily eject him again. "Hehe, I asked James for a favor. He told the security guards to let me in! Now I owe him one, all thanks to you!"