Sebastian's face fell instantly. "What? You mean I made this trip for nothing? Alexander, I have to ask—how could you possibly let Eleanor live by herself in a retirement home at her age? That's simply unacceptable!"

His voice grew louder, tinged with accusation. "Serenity Oaks is enormous. You could easily have given her a suite. If you're going to be like this, I'll just take her to live with me!"

Alexander barely suppressed the urge to roll his eyes at his friend. "Grandmother chose to move into Crestwood Manor herself." He paused, remembering her words clearly. "She said she didn't want to intrude on my new life with Evelyn. Honestly, she's far from pitiful. I inspected the facility thoroughly. It's quite luxurious, and I intend to make a significant investment to ensure her comfort is unparalleled."

Sebastian was silent for a long moment, his eyes wide with shock.

"Eleanor actually said she didn't want to disrupt your marriage to Evelyn?" Sebastian let out a soft, incredulous laugh. "So, she met Evelyn last night. How did it go? She must adore your wife, right? I mean, Evelyn is the first woman you've allowed close to you in years."

Ignoring the teasing lilt in Sebastian's voice, Alexander answered with complete sincerity. "Grandmother is genuinely fond of Evelyn. And Evelyn feels the same way about her. Since their meeting, the connection between Evelyn and me has deepened considerably. Grandmother is essentially the only family I acknowledge now."

The rest of the Blackwood family held no significance for him.

Sebastian gave a slow, understanding nod. A real smile spread across his face, happy for his friend.

Then, a new thought seemed to strike Sebastian. He shot Alexander a mischievous look. "Speaking of which, Eleanor used to constantly nag you about settling down. Now that you're married, don't you think she'll start pressuring you for a great-grandchild?"

Alexander didn't even blink. "She already has."

"See? I knew it." Sebastian chuckled. "Eleanor would absolutely be on that."

He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "But it is a bit odd, don't you think? You and Evelyn have been married for months now. Both of you are in peak physical condition. Yet, there's no pregnancy news. What's the hold-up?"

Sebastian scrutinized Alexander's face, a wicked glimmer in his eyes. "Hold on a second... Could it be that you're... impotent?"

Alexander's expression turned thunderous in a heartbeat. His voice dropped to a dangerous, icy tone. "Sebastian. Are you actively trying to get yourself hurt? Did you come here today with the sole purpose of provoking me?"

No man appreciated having his virility questioned, and Alexander Blackwood was certainly no exception. Sebastian had crossed a line.

But when he saw the cold, murderous intent flashing in Alexander's eyes—a look that promised dismemberment—Sebastian quickly backtracked, realizing his blunder.

"I was only joking!" Sebastian said, forcing a wide grin. "Seriously, Benjamin gave you both a clean bill of health. With your robust constitutions, conceiving should be effortless. You'll probably have a whole football team of kids."

Sebastian wasn't entirely wrong. Doctor Benjamin Carter had confirmed both Alexander and Evelyn were perfectly healthy. There were no physiological barriers.

The couple was deeply in love, inseparable.

By all logic, there should have been an announcement by now...

As Sebastian spoke, Alexander couldn't help but recall the faint, wistful shadow that had passed over Evelyn's face the previous night. His own mood soured, growing heavy.

"We will let nature take its course," Alexander stated quietly, his tone firm. "I refuse to let Evelyn feel any additional pressure about this."