Alexander’s chest tightened at Evelyn’s words.

“You attended the Sterling banquet just to catch a glimpse of Aethelgard Industries’ founder?” he asked, his voice low.

Evelyn blinked, feigning innocence. “I’m curious! Aren’t you? The whole city is talking about him.”

A sliver of suspicion entered Alexander’s gaze. “They say he’s young and handsome. The most eligible bachelor in Crestwood. Are you one of those admirers hoping to meet him?”

She had no idea it was him.

Even as the man himself, a sharp pang of jealousy shot through him.

Still, he wasn’t ready to tell her the truth.

Noticing his shift in mood, Evelyn laughed softly. “Alexander, you’re jealous. I only mentioned his appearance, and you’re already building scenarios.”

His expression darkened. “You didn’t deny it, Evelyn. So you do think that way!”

“I absolutely do not!” she retorted quickly. “Who said I believe the founder is young and handsome? With what he’s achieved, building Aethelgard so rapidly, he’s probably in his late thirties. It’s highly unlikely he’s a young man.”

Her unexpected reasoning left him momentarily speechless.

She was denying the attraction, technically.

But why did her denial feel so… wrong?

Evelyn seemed genuinely convinced the founder was a middle-aged man pushing forty.

“Besides,” Evelyn added, a thoughtful pause hanging in the air, “he’s always been so secretive. Maybe he’s just not very confident about his looks. That could be why he hides.”

Alexander was utterly lost for words.

If she had expressed admiration for a dashing, young founder, his jealousy would have been straightforward.

But her painting him as some aging, insecure businessman caused a completely different, and profoundly strange, discomfort.

Regardless, the feeling was deeply unpleasant.

He swiftly changed the subject, glancing toward the hallway. “What’s taking the doctor so long?”

Evelyn paused, realizing her comments about the Aethelgard founder had truly dampened his spirits.

Seeing no alternative, she decided to drop the matter and follow his lead.

What else could she do? She adored this possessive, complicated man.

Soon after, they collected the medication and left the doctor’s office.

They settled into the car, the route taking them toward Serenity Oaks.

As the city lights began to blur past, Alexander pulled Evelyn closer. “It’s getting late. If you’re tired, lean on me and rest.”

He remembered how exhausted she had looked that morning and worried she was still pushing herself.

His words brought back the memory of her earlier discomfort.

Yet, the nausea and fatigue had vanished after work.

She shook her head. “No, I’m fine. I’m not tired at all.”

Perhaps it had just been stress and lack of sleep.

Nestled comfortably in Alexander’s arms, a sudden, crucial thought flashed into Evelyn’s mind.