A flash of irritation touched Cassandra's mouth.

She paused, collecting herself.

Then, she plastered on a strained smile.

"Oh, I understand. You really are Alexander's wife? My deepest apologies. I wrongly thought you were being dishonest before. That led to some unfortunate misunderstandings. I hope you won't hold my earlier words against me."

Evelyn watched her calmly.

She remained quiet for a second.

A moment later, Cassandra beamed a brilliant smile.

She stretched her hand out toward Evelyn.

"Let's begin again. I'm Cassandra Sterling. Alexander and I grew up together."

Evelyn's opinion of Cassandra was not positive.

But, acknowledging Cassandra was Alexander's guest, Evelyn politely accepted the hand.

"Evelyn," she replied.

Their hands touched briefly.

Then they separated.

Just then, the sound of Alexander's car arrived.

Recognizing the noise, Evelyn moved forward to greet him.

Cassandra, however, was faster.

Gathering her dress, she rushed out.

She shoved past Evelyn with significant force.

The sudden impact made Evelyn stagger.

She almost lost her balance.

By the time she steadied herself, Cassandra was already at the entrance of Serenity Oaks.

Alexander was being helped from the car into his wheelchair.

He noticed a figure he hadn't seen in a long time.

"Alexander! You're finally back. I've been waiting for you at home," Cassandra exclaimed with deep affection.

Her eyes glistened with emotion as she looked at him.

A trace of surprise showed in Alexander's eyes.

"What are you doing back in the country?" he asked.

His attendants, seeing Cassandra, greeted her respectfully.

"Miss Sterling."

"I missed you, obviously," Cassandra replied, feigning shyness.

Her gaze locked on Alexander, she frowned with worry.

"Alexander, it hasn't been that long since we last met, but you've lost so much weight. Haven't you been eating properly while I was gone?"

Pouting, she stepped closer, trying to take his arm.

He subtly shifted away, avoiding her touch.

Cassandra halted for a second.

She didn't insist.

"Alexander, if you don't start looking after yourself better, I'm going to be very angry with you," she said playfully.

"I'm perfectly fine, Cassandra," Alexander answered, his tone cool and composed.

"There's no need for you to worry about me."

As if remembering something, he spoke.

"I heard you got injured during your film shoot overseas. Are you alright?"

Cassandra's mood brightened at his concern.

A bashful smile appeared on her face.

"Oh, it's nothing major. You know me, Alexander; I'm not delicate. It's just a small scratch. Don't trouble yourself over it."

Alexander gave a short nod.

His expression didn't alter.

To Evelyn, their easy conversation looked like a scene from a film.

A handsome man and a beautiful woman, completely absorbed in each other's company.

For a heartbeat, Evelyn hesitated.

She felt uncertain about interrupting their private moment.

A sharp sense of awkwardness hit her.

She felt like an intruder.

Even though she had been married to Alexander for a considerable time, he had never once spoken of Cassandra.

Judging by Cassandra's familiar manner, it was clear they shared a profound connection.

Probably from childhood...

Evelyn watched from a distance.

A wave of intense jealousy swept through her.

She silently balled her hands into fists.

A feeling of powerlessness seeped into her heart.

She turned, intending to leave.

She couldn't stand to watch any more.

But Alexander had seen her.

"Evelyn!" he called out.