How Much Did You Hear

Could Alexander be linked to Aethelgard Industries?

Evelyn was still reeling from the shock when the study door swung open.

Alexander's subordinate stood in the doorway, visibly startled to see her. "Mrs. Blackwood?"

Seated at his desk, Alexander noticed her immediately. His expression shifted subtly, his deep voice slicing through the quiet. "What are you doing here?"

Evelyn's pulse quickened. She hadn't caught the entirety of their discussion, but she couldn't pretend she hadn't been listening.

Alexander's subordinate glanced at him, then wisely stepped aside and slipped out without another word.

Evelyn lifted the shopping bag in her hand, forcing a light tone. "I bought you something at the mall. Did you forget?"

Alexander frowned. How could he refuse when she had gone shopping specifically for him? After a brief pause, he sighed. "Come in. Close the door."

Evelyn shut the door and approached him.

Just as she extended the bag, he asked, "How long have you been standing there?"

Evelyn hesitated, caught off guard. Meeting his intense gaze, she stammered, "Not long..."

Alexander studied her face. "How much did you hear?"

He had been discussing matters related to Aethelgard Industries with his subordinate. If she had heard everything, she would discover he was the secret founder.

Evelyn recalled the fragments of conversation. Curiosity flickered in her eyes.

"I heard you mention Aethelgard Industries, but not the specifics." She tilted her head. "Alexander, do you have business with them?"

Alexander didn't answer directly. Instead, he countered, "What do you think?"

Evelyn blinked. Her first thought had been to connect him to the enigmatic founder of Aethelgard Industries.

But then, logic intervened. Aethelgard Industries had been expanding aggressively in Crestwood. If Alexander possessed the capability to build such an empire from scratch, how could he have been abandoned at the altar?

If he wielded that kind of influence, the Blackwood family would never have cast him out or sent him to live here in seclusion.

The idea seemed far-fetched. She dismissed it and considered another possibility.

"You mentioned owing a hundred million dollars. Is it related to Aethelgard Industries?" she guessed, watching him intently.

Alexander's expression remained neutral, but internally, he felt a wave of relief.

It appeared she hadn't heard much.

"More or less," he replied casually.

Hearing his response, Evelyn offered a bitter smile.

So, in the end, they were both working for Aethelgard Industries. How ironic.

The thought that all the money she earned from Aethelgard Industries would eventually flow back to it felt disheartening.

But she quickly shook off the gloom and focused on Alexander.

She wanted to ask why he owed such a colossal sum to Aethelgard Industries but decided against it. The last thing she wanted was to upset him.

Instead, she forced a smile and changed the subject. "Alexander, let's not dwell on that now. Why don't you try on what I bought for you?"

She placed the bag on his lap.

Alexander's expression softened slightly. He opened the bag and pulled out a set of men's clothing, his eyebrow arching in mild surprise.

Evelyn nudged him encouragingly. "Go on. Try it on."

But Alexander remained seated in his wheelchair, unmoving.

Puzzled, Evelyn frowned. "What's wrong? Why aren't you changing? Don't you like it?"

Alexander let out a low chuckle, his tone amused. "Are you just going to stand there and watch me change?"