Alexander’s thoughts were completely opaque to Evelyn.

He let out a quiet breath of relief after hanging up the phone.

It was fortunate Evelyn hadn't suspected anything. If she had, the entire surprise he was planning would have been ruined.

He was deep in the middle of preparations.

Beside him, Josephine Beaumont, the celebrated jewelry designer, offered a gentle smile. "Was that your wife, Mr. Blackwood?"

Alexander nodded slightly, his own smile softening his features. "Yes, it was."

A touch of apology colored Josephine's expression. "I do hope I didn't cause an interruption."

"Not at all," Alexander assured her with a light chuckle. "My wife has an excellent eye for design. I was concerned she might recognize your voice, so I cut the conversation short."

Given Josephine's standing in the design world, it was entirely plausible that Evelyn, being a fashion designer herself, would know of her.

To safeguard the secret he had been carefully orchestrating, Alexander knew extreme caution was necessary.

Hearing this, Josephine's curiosity was instantly piqued. "Your wife is a designer as well? How marvelous! I should very much like to meet her one day."

"Of course," Alexander replied with genuine warmth. "Her name is Evelyn. She's a tremendously talented fashion designer."

Reassured by Charlotte’s supportive words, Evelyn managed to suppress her lingering doubts over the next few days.

She resolved to wait patiently for Alexander's return before confronting him directly.

Only then would she finally share the wonderful news of her pregnancy.

It was an ordinary workday, and Evelyn was in her office.

A gentle knock sounded on her door. Her colleague peeked in. "Hey Evelyn, we're placing a coffee order. Would you like your usual?"

Battling a wave of fatigue, Evelyn almost automatically requested her favorite brew.

"I think—" she began, then stopped herself abruptly. "Actually, my stomach is a bit unsettled today. Could you bring me a hot milk instead?"

"Evelyn, are you feeling unwell? I have some antacids if you need them," her colleague offered kindly.

Evelyn quickly shook her head. "No, thank you. I'll be fine."

"Alright then," her colleague said, withdrawing and closing the door softly behind her.

Silence reclaimed the office.

Evelyn exhaled slowly in the quiet room.

She lowered her head, placing a tender hand on her abdomen.

The day's exhaustion had nearly made her forget her condition.

Avoiding caffeine and limiting medication were crucial during this time.

She reminded herself to stay vigilant.

About half an hour later, another knock came. Her colleague returned, this time holding a cup of hot milk and a thick envelope.

"Evelyn, while I was at the cafe, someone was there to deliver this for you, so I brought it up."

Evelyn accepted the envelope with a curious glance. "Thank you."

Her colleague grinned. "I couldn't help but take a peek. It's an invitation to Miss Sterling's birthday party! She must hold your work in very high regard to send you one."

Evelyn extracted the heavy cardstock invitation. It was indeed for Amelia Sterling's twenty-sixth birthday celebration.

It appeared Amelia had been serious about sending the invitation.

Evelyn pressed her lips together. The prospect of attending held little appeal for her, but she kept that sentiment to herself.

"It's likely just a courtesy," Evelyn remarked casually.

Her colleague immediately disagreed. "I wouldn't be so sure. The Sterling family is notoriously selective about their guest lists. Their parties are always incredibly exclusive, with details never leaked to the press. It sounds like it will be a truly spectacular event."