Who Would Even Notice?

Alexander’s eyebrow lifted in surprise.

This was, he realized, the first time he had ever seen Evelyn genuinely angry.

For a moment, he was speechless.

Her voice cut through his thoughts, sharp with worry.

"I know about the debt. I see you pushing yourself, day and night."

"You work until you collapse. You skip meals. It's destroying you."

"You were in the study all night before. Last night was the same."

"If you don't stop, your body will break."

Her words settled over him.

Understanding began to dawn.

He slowly placed the velvet box he was holding onto the table.

He looked away, his voice low and controlled.

"I'm fine, Evelyn. I know what I'm doing."

His calm dismissal only fueled her anxiety.

"Alexander, you might think you're fine."

"But what about the people who care about you? Can't you see what this is doing to them?"

He paused, a bitter smile touching his lips.

"Who would even notice?"

"I would!" The words burst from her before she could stop them.

Silence filled the room, heavy and thick.

He turned to look at her fully.

His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were wide.

Shock warred with a dawning, deeper comprehension.

Suddenly, she became aware of what she had said.

A hot blush spread across her cheeks.

Mortification washed over her.

Why had she said that out loud?

Yet, in her heart, she knew it was true.

She wouldn't be here, pleading with him, if she didn't care.

The silence stretched, becoming unbearable.

"I... I didn't mean it like that," she stammered, flustered. "Just... please listen to me."

Watching her struggle, Alexander felt an unexpected warmth bloom in his chest.

It was a feeling he hadn't known in a long time.

Concern for him was a rare commodity.

The staff at Serenity Oaks were cautious, their worry always tempered by his imposing presence.

They never crossed the line.

But Evelyn was different.

Despite his disability and his debts, she never looked down on him.

She was fearless. Direct.

She was genuinely here for him.

A tightness formed in his throat, catching him off guard.

It took all his control to keep his voice steady.

"I understand. I'll be more careful."

Only he knew the emotion he was hiding beneath those simple words.

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Evelyn felt a wave of relief.

She knew he meant his promise.

A small smile touched her lips.

"You've been working all night. You must be hungry."

"Tell me what you want to eat. I'll make it for you."

"Wait." His voice was firm, stopping her.

He still held the necklace, the piece that had occupied his thoughts.

"Come here," he said softly.

She glanced at his wheelchair, assuming he needed help with something.

She moved to stand beside him. "What is it?"

In a swift motion, his hand closed around her wrist.

A jolt of surprise shot through her.

Her eyes widened.

His touch was like a brand, warm and firm.

She instinctively tried to pull back, but his grip was steady.

Her heart began to pound wildly in her chest.

A mix of confusion and anticipation swirled inside her.

"I have something for you," he said, his gaze locking with hers.

She blinked, trying to compose herself. "What is it?"

Slowly, deliberately, he pressed the velvet box into her palm.

Despite his usual composure in multi-million dollar deals, Alexander felt a strange nervousness.

Holding fortunes had never made his pulse race like this.