We Must Be Cautious

Alexander had completely forgotten Evelyn's sharp retort during his earlier argument with Sebastian.

"Stay close to me and avoid any confrontations. Your only responsibility tonight is to manage my wheelchair," he instructed calmly.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow in surprise. "After I went to all this trouble to look stunning tonight, that's all you want me to do?"

His composure faltered for a second, a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. "Do you find that task unworthy of you?"

"Not at all!" She quickly stood and moved behind his chair. "Your wish is my command."

Seeing her comply so readily made Alexander feel uneasy. He suspected she might still spring some unexpected surprise on him.

His sole intention for this evening was to formally present Evelyn at the Sterling family banquet. He had no desire to involve her in his complicated dealings with them.

The Grand Crestwood, the city's most luxurious hotel, buzzed with energy. Distinguished guests from every sector arrived in a steady stream, filling the grand hall with lively conversation.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Sterling!"

"Mrs. Sterling, your son is exceptionally handsome. He has a brilliant future ahead of him."

Dressed in an elegant gown, Margaret responded with a practiced, warm smile. "Thank you. We regret we couldn't share a proper toast at the recent wedding celebration. Let's make up for that tonight."

Meanwhile, Harrison, the guest of honor, leaned lazily against a back wall, his impatience plain to see.

Noticing this, Margaret's mood darkened. She signaled an assistant to entertain the guests momentarily before pulling Harrison aside, her expression stern.

"Mom! What is it now?" Harrison whined irritably.

"Quiet!" Margaret snapped, her face severe. "What did you promise me? This is your birthday! Maintain this careless attitude, and I will personally ensure you are sent far away from Crestwood!"

Harrison scowled and tugged at her arm, his voice full of frustration. "Mom, I'm exhausted. When does this thing actually start? I'm starving."

Though annoyed, a thread of sympathy softened her tone. "Just a little longer. These people are here out of respect for our family name. You must show them respect in return. If word gets out about your rudeness, your reputation will be ruined."

Harrison looked utterly unmoved, a hint of arrogance in his posture. "So what? I have no interest in mingling with these people. I'm taking over the family business. Father would never hand control to Alexander, that cripple."

Margaret's expression softened momentarily. "You're not wrong about that."

She frowned again after a pause. "But don't underestimate Alexander. Despite his condition, he's dangerously cunning. I thought I had dealt with Sophia, yet he still managed to marry first. If he produces an heir before you, it could complicate everything."

Harrison scoffed. "Alexander? That invalid? What respectable woman in this town would want his child? Even if he does have one, it changes nothing. I'm not worried."

"Still, we must be cautious," Margaret insisted, her brows knitting together.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Harrison replied dismissively. "Later, I'll meet this wife of his. I'll find a way to win her over. Perhaps she can be turned into an informant for us."

As he spoke, Harrison glanced toward the hotel entrance, puzzled. "Where is Alexander? He hasn't shown up yet. He isn't too scared to come, is he?"

At that precise moment, a staff member hurried over. "Mr. Alexander Blackwood and his wife have just arrived."