A flicker of competitive fire ignited in Charlotte's gaze.

She couldn't comprehend it. Was Alexander truly this perceptive? Did he know Evelyn's preferences better than she did, her own best friend?

After a moment of silent deliberation, Charlotte abruptly reached for the pitcher of mango juice.

She adored all things mango. This particular batch had been specially prepared by the kitchen staff at Evelyn's request for the evening.

"Evelyn, this mango juice is exquisite. You must try some," Charlotte declared, pushing a full glass toward her friend.

Evelyn froze, momentarily speechless.

Before she could form a word, Alexander smoothly intercepted the glass, moving it away. "Evelyn can't have that," he stated calmly. "She has a slight allergy to mangoes."

He turned his attention to Evelyn, his voice softening. "Are you thirsty? I can have fresh orange juice made for you. I know you like that."

Without waiting for her answer, he immediately signaled a staff member to prepare the orange juice.

Charlotte was stunned. She hadn't expected Alexander to be aware of the allergy.

Was there any detail about Evelyn he didn't know?

Evelyn herself was equally surprised, staring at Alexander with a dazed expression. A strange, warm feeling stirred inside her.

Noticing her look, Alexander assumed she was unaware of the allergy. "The hospital ran a full allergen panel during your check-up," he explained gently. "The reports clearly indicated a mango allergy. You saw those reports. I thought you knew."

Evelyn answered instinctively. "There were so many pages... I didn't read every single one..."

The stack of medical documents had been overwhelming. She had relied on Benjamin's summary, which assured her nothing was seriously wrong.

But Alexander had read them all?

Evelyn's eyes darted to Charlotte, seated across the table.

Of course, Evelyn was fully aware of her own allergy. And Charlotte knew it better than anyone.

Back at the orphanage, Evelyn had once ended up in the hospital after eating just a small piece of mango.

The memory was seared into Charlotte's mind. She had been terrified, nearly in tears, fearing Evelyn wouldn't pull through.

It wasn't an experience Charlotte could ever forget.

Evelyn quickly understood. Charlotte had set up this little test for Alexander.

Both women were now profoundly impressed by his attentiveness and thoroughness.

Alexander chuckled softly at Evelyn's admission. "It's alright," he said gently. "I've committed it all to memory. I'll remind you in the future."

Dinner concluded not long after.

Evelyn walked Charlotte out to her car, parked in the driveway of Serenity Oaks.

Unlike her arrival, Charlotte's earlier suspicion seemed to have completely vanished.

"Evelyn, you've really married an extraordinary man," Charlotte confessed with genuine admiration. "I've never met anyone as considerate as Alexander. If this is an act... well, it's a masterful one."

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh. "Don't worry. Alexander wouldn't bother putting on an act for me. That would be far too much effort. Even I'm surprised by the things he does."

Seeing the genuine happiness on Evelyn's face, Charlotte felt a wave of relief. She reached out and gently patted Evelyn's cheek. "Promise me," she pleaded. "If anything happens, you'll tell me immediately, alright?"

"Alright," Evelyn responded dutifully.

Satisfied, Charlotte finally got into her car and drove away.

Turning back toward the grand vi, Evelyn saw Alexander waiting at the doorway. She hurried over to him.

"It's cold out here," she said with concern. "You should go inside before you catch a chill."