Chapter 246

"You really are Critter!" Evelyn's cheeks were flushed with alcohol, her smile radiant under the dim lighting.

The man's lips curved into a faint, indulgent smile. The usual coldness in his gaze melted away as he studied her. His left arm remained securely around her slender waist while his right hand adjusted his glasses.

It had been years since anyone called him by that childhood nickname.

Even his father had stopped using it. Yet here was Evelyn, as bold and unrestrained as she'd been when they were kids.

"Fifteen years, and you're still as stunning as ever," he murmured.

She giggled, her eyes crinkling with mischief. "Look who's talking!"

Evelyn reached up, patting his cheek playfully. The gesture was teasing, almost irreverent—but it didn’t bother him in the slightest.

If she were prim and proper all the time, she wouldn’t be the Evelyn Carter he adored.

She hiccuped, swaying dangerously. Her balance was completely shot.

Without hesitation, he scooped her up into his arms, bridal-style.

"Mm—put me down!"

Her face burned as she squirmed, her movements uncoordinated and kittenish.

The burgundy skirt rode up slightly, revealing slender, porcelain legs that gleamed under the ambient light. His gaze darkened, a playful edge creeping into his voice. "I’ll set you down if you say my name."

"Your name is... Critter?"

Evelyn was too far gone, her thoughts muddled by alcohol. She barely remembered her own name, let alone his.

"Alexander Whitmore," he corrected, his breath warm against her ear. "But you can keep calling me Critter." His lashes lowered, voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Only you get that privilege."

Unfortunately, his words were lost on her. She blinked up at him, utterly clueless.

Alexander carefully settled her onto the plush sofa, handling her as if she were made of glass.

Just then, his phone buzzed. His secretary’s name flashed on the screen.

"Mr. Whitmore, everyone’s waiting for you."

"Send them home." His lips curled into a fond smile, his gaze never leaving Evelyn’s flushed face.

"Pardon?" The secretary sounded stunned.

"Cancel the meeting. And don’t disturb me."

"Y-yes, sir." The secretary didn’t dare question him further.

"Oh, and pick up some hangover medicine on your way here."

Hanging up, Alexander sank onto the sofa beside Evelyn. He gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his touch featherlight.

"What a twist of fate, running into you like this."

Meanwhile, Julian Montgomery slumped onto the couch after belting out Break My Heart Again, completely passed out.

Nathan Blackwood’s frown deepened, his mood equally grim.

He drained the last of his wine in one go, then snatched Julian’s cigarette box. Plucking one out, he clamped it between his lips, the sharp inhale filling his lungs with nicotine.

His striking features looked rougher in the dim light, shadows accentuating the hollows of his cheeks.

Evelyn always left him tangled in conflicting emotions. He exhaled a slow stream of smoke.

Since the divorce, his habits had spiraled. Smoking, drinking—no one was around to scold him anymore.

"Evelyn... Evelyn..." Julian groaned, clawing at his collar in his drunken stupor.

Nathan snapped back to reality. With a sharp flick of his cigarette, he nudged Julian’s limp arm with the toe of his polished shoe.

"Shut up. She’s not coming, no matter how much you whine."

A bitter edge crept into his voice as he added, "And who the hell are you to call her name like that?"

Suddenly, the door burst open. Oliver Sinclair stood there, panting, his grip white-knuckled on the doorframe.

"Ever heard of knocking?" Nathan crushed his cigarette, irritation flaring.

"Mr. Blackwood! I—I just saw Mrs. Carter!" Oliver’s face was slick with sweat, his eyes wide.

Nathan shot to his feet. "Where?!"