The Villains Must Win-Chapter 74: Alexander Vale 24

Ethan wasn’t just messing around. He wasn’t just playing some mind game. He meant it.

Riley felt something inside her crack.

He realized he likes her more?

Riley’s breath came out in short, ragged bursts. A sharp, bitter laugh bubbled up in her throat, but it came out strangled.

Is he kidding me?

Then what was she?

Throughout college, she had been by his side. And now she had come for him. She had supported him, worked for him, sacrificed for him. She had told herself she didn’t need a label, that it was fine as long as they were together in some way.

But now?

Now, it was Celeste he wanted?

Now, after everything, she wasn’t even in the running?

The realization sank in slowly—deep, gut-wrenching, and unbearable.

First, Alexander had been stolen from her.

And now Ethan.

Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms so hard it hurt.

Something inside her broke completely.

She turned on her heel and stormed back to her car. Her vision blurred with rage, betrayal, and something she refused to name—desperation.

The moment she slammed the driver’s side door shut, a scream tore from her throat.

She banged her fists against the steering wheel, her entire body shaking with fury.

Celeste Hart.

What the hell was so special about her?

Why was it always her?

Ethan. Alexander. They were supposed to be hers.

But now?

Now, all she had left was the madness clawing at her insides. It burned like wildfire, consuming every last shred of reason.

As Riley sat gripping the steering wheel, her knuckles turning white, her breath came in short, ragged bursts. Her vision blurred—not with tears, but with sheer fury.

And then, she saw her. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

Celeste stepped out of the café, oblivious to the storm brewing just a few feet away. She looked calm, almost carefree, and that was the final straw. Something inside Riley snapped.

This is my chance.

Without another thought, Riley slammed her foot on the gas pedal. The engine roared to life as the car lurched forward, tires screeching against the pavement. Her hands trembled, but she didn’t stop. The only thing she saw was Celeste—standing there like she owned the world, like she hadn’t stolen everything from her.

Celeste turned at the sound, her eyes widening as the blinding headlights bore down on her. She froze, her breath caught in her throat. No . . .

Time slowed.

She wanted to move, to run, but her body wouldn’t respond. Every muscle locked in place as the car hurtled toward her like a beast ready to kill its prey.

But then—

A deafening crash split the day.

Out of nowhere, another car slammed into Riley’s vehicle from the left, sending it spinning out of control. Metal twisted and crunched, glass shattered into the air like deadly confetti. The impact was violent, the force knocking Riley’s head against the window.

Celeste barely had time to shield herself as the scene unraveled before her eyes.

Then—darkness.

When she opened her eyes again, the first thing she saw was a white ceiling. The steady beeping of a heart monitor echoed in the distance. A dull pain throbbed in her skull as she turned her head slightly, trying to piece together what had happened.

A hospital.

She was in a hospital.

Her mind raced. The café. The car. The lights. Riley—

Celeste’s fingers clenched around the blanket covering her. What the hell just happened?

Her heart pounded in her chest as fragmented memories rushed back—the blinding headlights, the screech of tires, the overwhelming sense of doom. And then . . . the crash. The impact. The darkness.

A shiver ran down her spine. Was Riley trying to kill her?

She swallowed hard, her mind reeling. Both the male and female leads had completely lost it.

The door creaked open, and a nurse stepped in, her face calm and attentive.

"Miss Hart, you’re awake," the nurse said, checking the machines beside her bed. "Are you feeling alright?"

Celeste blinked, still trying to gather her thoughts. "What . . . happened?"

"There was an accident," the nurse explained gently, adjusting the IV drip. "You passed out from shock and hit your head on the pavement. We ran several scans, and fortunately, there’s no serious injury. Just a minor concussion, but nothing to worry about."

Celeste exhaled in relief. "That’s good news . . . What about the others involved in the crash?"

"The impact wasn’t too severe," the nurse reassured her. "Both individuals in the car survived. Aside from some bruises, cuts, and a few broken bones, they’ll recover with time."

Celeste closed her eyes briefly, releasing a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. "Thank God . . ."

She had no desire for Riley to die. She remembered what happened to Rui Hua—the moment she was gone, the entire story had spiraled out of control.

She didn’t want that to happen here the second time around.

Before she could dwell on it further, the door burst open.

"Celeste!"

Celeste groaned at the familiar voice.

Ethan Carter stormed into the room, his face twisted with panic and anger. His eyes darted to the nurse. "Is she alright? Tell me she’ll be fine! Or—"

"Stop being so dramatic, Mr. Carter," Celeste cut in, rolling her eyes. "And stop harassing the poor nurse. I’m fine." She paused, tilting her head. "You should be more worried about Riley."

Ethan frowned, clearly confused. "What are you talking about?"

He turned to the nurse, his expression darkening. "That damn driver—I swear I’ll sue him for reckless driving! You could have been killed, Celeste!"

Celeste let out a short, dry laugh. "Then you better start filing a lawsuit against Riley Evans."

Ethan’s brows knitted together. "What does Riley have to do with anything?"

Celeste raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Oh, don’t you know? She’s the one who almost ran me over with her car. If it weren’t for another vehicle coming out of nowhere and crashing into hers at the last second, I’d probably be a pancake on the road right now."