Alexander Blackwood never imagined the massive debt he had so casually invented would become such a heavy burden for Evelyn.

What stunned him more was her apparent sincerity. She genuinely seemed ready to face this challenge by his side.

His eyes remained fixed on Evelyn, seated opposite him. He tried to see past her bright, cheerful smile, searching for any hint of hesitation hidden beneath.

Maybe it was all just an act.

Could any woman truly be this selfless, offering such help without expecting anything in return?

Under the restaurant's soft, dim lighting, Evelyn was completely oblivious to the change in his expression.

She was still riding the high from successfully securing her new position at Aethelgard Industries. Her excitement overshadowed any perception of his internal turmoil.

She reached for the red wine on the table, mirroring his earlier gesture, and drained her glass in one go.

But unlike Alexander's composed demeanor, she immediately started coughing. A flush of embarrassment spread across her cheeks, turning them a delicate shade of pink.

"This wine is so strong!" She stuck her tongue out, making a comical face.

"Not much of a drinker?" Alexander asked, his gaze cool as he watched her discomfort.

Evelyn gave a light shrug, a small, embarrassed laugh escaping her. "I don't usually drink. But tonight is special. We're celebrating, aren't we?"

A mischievous smile played on her lips as she tried to pour herself another glass.

After a brief pause, Alexander gently took the bottle from her unsteady hand. His tone was calm and measured. "That's enough. Don't force yourself if you don't enjoy it."

Evelyn blinked, surprised by this rare show of concern. She quickly shook her head. "I'm not forcing it. I'm just so happy today. I wanted to have a drink with you to celebrate."

Alexander glanced at her, his gaze softening slightly. For a moment, he was captivated.

Her face was glowing, warmed by the alcohol. Her eyes held a hazy, intoxicated shimmer.

Her lips looked full and inviting, like ripe strawberries. They promised a sweetness he could almost taste.

He had a sudden, vivid thought of how they might feel under the slightest pressure.

His throat felt tight. He unconsciously licked his suddenly dry lips. His voice dropped to a low, almost rough tone. "There are many ways to celebrate. Drinking isn't necessary."

The words came from a place of concern, but deeper down, a primal instinct warned him. If she drank any more, the evening might spiral into territory he wasn't prepared to navigate.

Evelyn, however, shook her head stubbornly. Her laugh was soft but firm. "No. This wine was expensive! We can't let it go to waste."

She pouted, her lips forming an adorable frown, ready to argue further. But then her eyes widened in a drunken daze.

She raised a slender finger, pointing at him while swaying slightly. "Hey... why are there two of you?"

Alexander suppressed the urge to correct her and simply moved to take her glass away.

"My glass! Give it back!" Evelyn protested loudly, standing up to snatch it from his grasp.

The moment she was on her feet, her legs buckled. She stumbled forward with a surprised gasp, falling straight into Alexander's arms.

Instinctively, his arms tightened around her to steady her fall. His hands gripped her waist firmly.

Before he could speak, he felt the soft pressure of her hand against his thigh.

"Alexander," her voice was a dazed whisper, her hazy eyes trying to look down. "What's in your pants?"

Alexander's heart jolted. A wave of acute discomfort washed over him, his expression instantly hardening.

What the hell was happening?