"What are you implying?" Alexander responded, his expression one of genuine bewilderment.

Benjamin studied him closely, searching for any hint of deception. The confusion seemed authentic. If Alexander was acting, he was a master. Benjamin raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Cassandra was attacked last night. Someone slashed her face. She was rushed to the hospital. The doctors stopped the bleeding, but the cut was deep. It will leave a scar."

Alexander showed almost no reaction. "That has nothing to do with me." His voice was calm, detached. He had only just learned of the incident himself.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Benjamin, a flicker of suspicion appearing. "Why would you immediately assume I was involved?"

He never needed to get his own hands dirty. That wasn't his style.

Benjamin leaned back against the desk, crossing his arms. "Because Cassandra targeted Evelyn." A faint, almost amused smirk played on his lips. "Sebastian and I both know how you are when it comes to your wife. It's not a stretch to think you might have taken matters into your own hands."

Alexander's expression remained unreadable. "I have no reason to go to such extremes. Cassandra brought this upon herself."

If she hadn't tried to frame Evelyn, she wouldn't have faced public humiliation for days.

Benjamin gave a slight nod, seemingly accepting the answer. There was no point in pushing further.

Then, Alexander seemed to recall something. "I have something for you."

He reached into his suit jacket's inner pocket and retrieved a small, elegant card.

Benjamin eyed him warily. "You're being unusually formal... This isn't bad news, is it?"

Alexander gave him a flat look before handing over the invitation. "My birthday is the day after tomorrow. Evelyn insists you attend the party."

Benjamin blinked, momentarily wondering if he had heard correctly.

He took the invitation, his eyes quickly scanning the details. It was genuine—a formal birthday party invitation.

His head snapped up in disbelief. "Are you seriously the same Alexander Blackwood I've known for years? Or have you been replaced by an imposter? You've never celebrated your birthday. What's changed this year? This is so unlike you!"

He flipped the invitation open, and his gaze immediately fell on the neat, graceful handwriting inside—definitely not Alexander's.

Benjamin smirked in understanding. "Ah... This was Evelyn's idea, wasn't it?"

"Precisely." At the mere mention of Evelyn's name, Alexander's usual stern expression softened into a rare, effortless smile. "She enjoys celebrations. So you will be there."

"Of course," Benjamin agreed without a moment's hesitation.

Alexander produced another invitation and held it out. "This one is for Sebastian. Deliver it to him."

"Understood," Benjamin said, taking the second card.

It felt surreal. Alexander, of all people, was hosting a birthday party.

Then again, since it was Evelyn's wish, it made perfect sense.

She had him completely wrapped around her finger.

Sebastian took the invitation from Benjamin and stared at it, utterly astonished.

"Good heavens, Alexander is becoming a complete stranger to me!" he exclaimed dramatically.

"This is entirely Evelyn's influence! If she weren't fond of birthdays, do you think he would even consider celebrating?"

Benjamin smirked. "Absolutely not."

"In that case, I need to pick out an exceptional gift." Sebastian nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin.

He glanced at Benjamin. "So, what are you planning to get him?"

They had been friends for years but rarely exchanged gifts.

Even as close friends, they honestly had little idea what Alexander personally enjoyed.

But now, the answer was obvious. Alexander's world revolved entirely around Evelyn.

A knowing grin spread across Sebastian's face. "Naturally. I'll make sure to get them something truly memorable."