My Wife Can Protect Me Too!

Evelyn was still processing the scene when Harrison, clutching his arm, let out a piercing shriek. "Mother! The pain is excruciating! Is it broken? Will I be disabled? Help me!"

A ripple of shock went through the gathered guests. Was it possible? Had Harrison's arm truly been broken?

"This has gone too far," someone muttered.

Margaret's voice cut through the rising buzz, sharp with panic. "A doctor! Fetch a doctor immediately!"

The elegant birthday celebration descended into absolute bedlam. Guests scrambled, their movements clumsy and hurried, amplifying the sense of disorder.

In the midst of the confusion, Alexander took Evelyn's hand, his touch firm yet gentle. He pulled her closer, his voice a low murmur near her ear. "It's time for us to leave."

Evelyn hesitated, her surprise clear. Leave now? The event had barely started.

Noting her reluctance, Alexander gave a soft, knowing laugh. "It's quite obvious neither Harrison nor Margaret desires our presence. Their curiosity about you has been satisfied. There's no further purpose in staying."

A faint, cynical smile touched his lips. "Unless you're eager for more conversation with them? But I suspect they are rather preoccupied at the moment."

Seeing Margaret completely absorbed in Harrison's dramatic distress, Evelyn nodded. "You're right. Let's go." They slipped away unnoticed from the chaotic ballroom.

Settled in the privacy of their car, the evening's events replayed in Evelyn's mind. She recalled the moment Alexander had stepped in front of her, a protective shield. A shiver, part fear and part something else, ran down her spine.

"That was incredibly risky," she said, her voice laced with genuine concern. "You shouldn't have put yourself in danger for me."

Despite Harrison's blatant provocation, she didn't want Alexander facing consequences on her account.

Everyone knew Margaret was fiercely, blindly protective of her son. Her inaction now was solely due to the commotion over Harrison's injury.

Evelyn was certain retaliation would come later.

Personally, she thought Harrison was grossly exaggerating. She had seen the entire exchange. Alexander's grip had been forceful, certainly, but not bone-shattering.

Yet there Harrison was, wailing about being crippled, feigning unbearable agony while still managing to hurl insults at Alexander. It was utterly infuriating.

Alexander chuckled softly, noticing her troubled expression. "If I cannot protect my own wife, what sort of man would that make me?"

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze teasing. "And besides, did you not leap to my defense without a second thought for the danger?"

Evelyn paused, meeting his meaningful look.

His laughter was warm. "Who would have imagined it? My wife can protect me too!"

He shook his head in mock admiration. "I clearly underestimated you, Evelyn. You are far braver than I knew."

Flustered, Evelyn found she couldn't hold his gaze. "I... I didn't really think," she admitted softly. "I knew of your family's... reputation, but experiencing their behavior firsthand tonight... I just couldn't stand by and do nothing."

She took a steadying breath and added under her breath, "If I had known we could get away with it, I would have slapped that wretched Harrison twice while I had the chance!"