We Owe It All To Evelyn!

Fortunately, Genevieve appeared to have finally grasped the extent of her public humiliation. She made no further attempts to bother Evelyn in the days that followed.

This unexpected peace was a welcome relief for Evelyn. Her focus on the design project intensified, and progress became remarkably smooth.

That afternoon, Nathanial strode into the office with a broad smile. "Team dinner tonight!" he announced. "Everyone who's free should come. We're celebrating Evelyn's successful completion of the Beatrice Sterling order!"

"Brilliant!"

"It's been too long since our last proper team outing!"

"We owe this celebration to Evelyn!"

"Evelyn, you're incredible! If you land another major project like this, you have to take me with you!"

A faint blush touched Evelyn's cheeks. "Of course," she replied modestly. "If I need assistance, I'll definitely ask the team. We achieve more together."

After work, the group made their way to the restaurant.

Once settled in the private room, a sudden realization struck Evelyn.

She had forgotten to inform Alexander about the dinner plans.

A colleague eagerly handed her the menu. "Evelyn, take a look and see what you'd like," she said warmly.

Evelyn retrieved her phone. "Please, go ahead and order," she said. "I just need to step out to make a quick call."

Her colleague grinned knowingly. "Calling the husband to check in?" she teased. "We'll wait for you to return before ordering."

Evelyn offered a grateful smile, stood up, and left the private room. She found a quiet corner in the hallway and dialed Alexander's number.

He answered on the first ring. "Evelyn? Is everything alright? Are you finished at the office? I can come and collect you now," he offered immediately.

"No, there's no need to pick me up," Evelyn said quickly. "I just wanted to let you know I'll be home a little later tonight. We're having a team dinner. I'm already at the restaurant."

"Understood," Alexander replied. Then, his tone shifted, remembering something important. "Don't forget your promise to me. No alcohol tonight."

Evelyn was momentarily taken aback. A flicker of defiance ignited in her eyes. "Are you seriously suggesting I can't hold my drink? My tolerance isn't that poor. This dinner is to celebrate finishing Beatrice's order. The mood will be festive. A small drink is hardly a problem."

Alexander's mind, however, was flooded with the memory of the last time Evelyn had indulged a little too much at home.

The image of her, delightfully uninhibited and vulnerable, stirred a fierce sense of possession within him. That version of her was for his eyes only.

Hearing her dismissive tone, he let out a low scoff. "You may have forgotten your behavior after one too many glasses, but I haven't," he stated firmly. "My position is clear. Not a single drop of alcohol tonight. Disobey, and you will face the consequences."

Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief before narrowing with irritation. "Alexander, what is that supposed to mean?" she demanded. "Are you threatening me like you do your business rivals? Because if you are, this conversation is over."

She folded her arms and sulked, completely oblivious to how petulant she sounded.

Alexander couldn't suppress a soft chuckle. "Alright, alright," he relented, his voice softening. "You know I would never hurt you. I'm simply concerned. I don't want you vulnerable and in a compromising situation."

Evelyn knew his worry was genuine.

After a brief pause, a smile touched her lips. "How about you come and pick me up later?" she suggested, giving him the restaurant's name. "Don't worry, I'll be careful. But if someone insists I drink, it might be difficult to refuse politely."

A dangerous glint flashed in Alexander's eyes. "Anyone foolish enough to pressure my wife into drinking will profoundly regret their actions."