I Need To Get Back To Work

Alexander saw the anxiety written clearly on Evelyn's face.

A fierce, protective instinct surged within him.

He took her hand in his, his touch gentle. His voice was a soft, steady anchor. "Don't be afraid. Protecting you is my responsibility. Your only job is to get better. Leave everything else to me."

Evelyn looked up at him.

Her heart fluttered at the certainty in his eyes.

She gave a small, trusting nod. A fragile smile touched her lips. "Okay. I believe you."

Alexander held her gaze for a long moment.

Then he looked away, the weight of her trust feeling heavy.

Her faith was absolute, but his secrets were a wall between them.

He wanted to tell her everything. But danger always loomed, making honesty impossible.

The threat of Theodore Vance was a constant shadow.

Telling Evelyn the truth would only pull her deeper into that darkness.

He couldn't risk it. Not now.

He squeezed her hand tighter, a silent promise.

He would keep her safe, no matter the cost.

That was all that mattered.

Two days later, Evelyn had reached her limit.

"Alexander, I need to leave the hospital," she stated.

His response was immediate. "No. You're not healed."

"My recovery is fine," she insisted. "I have to return to work."

She was still on probation. Any more absences could cost her the job.

Her manager, Nathanial, had been understanding after she secured the important order.

But she couldn't push his patience further.

The project for Beatrice Sterling was waiting.

Alexander admired her dedication but felt a wave of frustration. "Is your company so fragile it collapses without one employee? That sounds like a poor business model."

Evelyn hesitated, biting her lip.

She couldn't tell him she worked for Aethelgard Industries, the very company he was indebted to.

She feared the truth would wound his pride.

So she kept it hidden.

"I really must go back," she pressed, her voice firm.

Alexander let out a slow breath. "What is this urgent work? Perhaps I can assist."

Evelyn considered her words carefully.

Mentioning the client seemed safe, as long as she avoided naming her employer.

"It's a crucial client," she finally said.

A memory surfaced then.

She recalled seeing Alexander's distinctive car leaving Beatrice Sterling's estate during her first visit.

"Actually, Alexander," she began, "how do you know Beatrice Sterling? She's my client. I think I saw your car at her home."

Alexander was visibly startled by the connection.

He recovered quickly, his expression neutral. "My late mother and Beatrice were close friends. I was merely visiting that day."

Evelyn was surprised.

She knew Alexander's biological mother had died years ago. She decided not to pry, not wanting to open old wounds.

As she was about to change the subject, Alexander studied her intently.

A new thought seemed to occur to him. "They say Beatrice is very close to the founder of Aethelgard Industries. Are you trying to use her to get information about him?"