Honey, I Was Wrong.

Before, Evelyn might have hesitated.

She would have worried about hurting Alexander's feelings.

But not anymore.

She knew Alexander could take a little playful teasing now.

Evelyn gave him a mischievous look. "Obviously. Who told you to be so mischievous?"

Her light tone reassured him. The online gossip clearly wasn't bothering her anymore.

He laughed softly and shook his head. "You think I'm bad just because of how I act with you?" he teased. "Darling, you haven't seen the half of it."

Evelyn blinked, stepping out of the bathroom to stand in front of him. Disbelief was clear on her face.

"How much worse could you possibly be?" she challenged.

Alexander's eyes sparkled with mischief. His gaze slowly traveled over her, lingering on her neck. He raised an eyebrow. "You might not know all my sides, but you're not exactly innocent, are you?"

Her heart gave a little jump at the suggestive look in his eyes.

Instinctively, her hand flew to her neck. Her mind flashed back to their passionate moment at Serenity Oaks, on the private island...

Was that what he meant?

Understanding dawned, and she glared at him. "Alexander!" she scolded, her cheeks turning pink.

Seeing the real annoyance in her eyes, he felt a pang of panic. Had he gone too far?

If this resulted in him being kicked out of the bedroom tonight, it would be a disaster.

Desperate to avoid that outcome, Alexander immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Honey, I was wrong," he said quickly. "I apologize."

Evelyn lifted her chin, crossing her arms with a slight smile. "Since you apologized so nicely, I'll forgive you."

She smiled and moved behind him, taking hold of the wheelchair handles.

"So, Evelyn," Alexander said, swiftly changing the subject. "What are your plans regarding Julian Thorne?"

Her irritation vanished as quickly as it had appeared. After a moment's thought, she replied with determination, "I'm absolutely going to confront him. But there's something I don't understand."

Alexander turned to look at Evelyn, who had now sat down on the bed. "What is it?" he asked.

"I don't get it. Julian Thorne and I have no history. No bad blood. Why would he try to frame me like that?" Evelyn frowned. "He was an established, respected designer. He had no reason to target a newcomer like me."

She concluded, "So, I think someone else must be behind it. Pulling his strings."

"You're very sharp," Alexander praised, a warm smile touching his lips. "I had the same suspicion."

He reached out and took her hand in his. "That's precisely why I went out today. To find Julian and get some answers."

Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise. "That was fast! You actually found him? What did he say?"

Alexander's voice was low and calm. "Initially, he was reluctant to talk. So I had to... encourage him."

His long fingers gently stroked the back of her hand. "It won't be long now before we uncover who is truly responsible. And when we do, they will pay for what they did to you."

A hard, steely glint entered Alexander's eyes as he spoke.

He had already warned Cassandra Sterling to stay away from Evelyn.

But she had not only ignored his warning.

She had dared to plot against Evelyn.

She had tried to ruin her reputation.

That was unacceptable.

He would show no mercy. Anyone who dared harm his wife would face his full wrath.