Perhaps I Misjudged Alexander

Charlotte's words echoed, causing Evelyn's heart to lurch.

Her hand trembled, the pendant swinging dangerously from her fingers.

"What did you say? A billion?" Evelyn whispered, her voice thick with disbelief.

She nearly laughed. A billion-dollar necklace? It was absurd.

Doubt flooded her mind, but Charlotte's serious expression showed she wasn't joking.

Charlotte looked equally confused, quickly searching her phone. "Look, it's from last night's charity auction," she insisted, handing the device to Evelyn.

Evelyn grabbed the phone and studied the article.

She discovered that at the prestigious auction, the secretive founder of Aethelgard Industries had paid a staggering one billion dollars for a single pendant.

The necklace in the photograph shimmered with a fierce light, its appearance hauntingly similar to the one resting against her collarbone.

"This makes no sense. How did you end up with it?" Charlotte leaned closer, her expression thoughtful.

Evelyn frowned, confusion and suspicion warring inside her. "It's weird, right? They say the Aethelgard founder is a ghost. Yet, this necklace was auctioned by him last night, and now Alexander gives it to me..."

Her voice faded as she exchanged a look with Charlotte, their thoughts converging on one shocking possibility.

Could Alexander Blackwood be the elusive head of Aethelgard Industries?

Just as the thought solidified, Charlotte's eyes widened in shock. "Wait! Are you saying Alexander gave you a fake?" Her tone was incredulous.

Evelyn froze for a second, surprised by the suggestion. She shook her head firmly after a moment.

"No. Alexander wouldn't do that," she stated with conviction, her trust in him solid.

Charlotte remained skeptical, tilting her head. "But Evelyn, think logically. Are you seriously suggesting Alexander is that man? That's insane! I saw the Aethelgard founder at a business event recently. It was just a glimpse of his profile, but his presence was powerful. His legs were fine. He wasn't a man in a wheelchair."

She paused, studying the gem at Evelyn's throat again. "But judging by the color and the cut... this stone looks incredibly real."

Evelyn felt foolish. Why did she keep linking Alexander to that powerful, mysterious figure?

She ran her fingers over the cool gem. "I'm no expert, but this feels genuine to me."

Their eyes met before they both leaned in, comparing the necklace Evelyn wore to the auction photo.

"Evelyn, look here. The facets are cut differently," Charlotte pointed out, her voice a mix of curiosity and analysis.

Evelyn examined it closely, and a wave of relief washed over her. "You're right. It's just a resemblance. They're not the same."

After all, with Alexander's massive debt, the idea of him spending a billion dollars on a gift for her was impossible.

Besides, he had almost thrown it away this morning if she hadn't stopped him.

Charlotte pursed her lips, a frustrated sigh escaping. "Alright, maybe I was wrong about Alexander," she conceded, though concern still lined her face.

She fixed Evelyn with a stern gaze. "But your trust can be a weakness. I just don't want you hurt because of it."

Evelyn gave a small, helpless smile.

She understood Charlotte's fear; her friend's protective nature was a constant comfort. They had been each other's family since they were young.

Charlotte had the wrong impression of Alexander, and Evelyn needed to change that.

An idea sparked in her mind.

"How about we all have dinner? Once you meet him properly, you'll see how good he is," she suggested hopefully, her eyes bright. "He's not the person you think he is."