Chapter 321

Evelyn stared at him in disbelief, her voice barely above a whisper. "How...how did you get here?"

Theodore Winslow, standing behind her, watched Alexander Whitmore's sudden reappearance with growing unease. His fingers curled into tight fists at his sides.

"They told me this elevator was exclusively for your use," Alexander replied smoothly, his lips curving into a practiced smile that didn't reach his eyes. "So I waited."

"That's not what I meant." Evelyn's delicate brows drew together. "Why did you come looking for me? Shouldn't you be preparing for tonight's dinner at Willow Creek Estate with your father?"

Alexander adjusted his cufflinks with deliberate calm. "That's precisely why I'm here - to escort you home. We'll go together."

Evelyn's full lips pressed into a thin line. His explanation was flawless, yet something felt off. "That's very kind of you, Mr. Whitmore, but Sebastian already made arrangements. He'll be here shortly to take me home." She forced a polite smile. "I'll see you at the estate tonight."

"I've already spoken with Harrison Kingsley about changing the plans. He agreed, so Sebastian won't be coming." Alexander's voice remained unshaken.

"What?" Evelyn's eyes widened, her carefully maintained composure slipping for just a second.

"Our families have been close for generations," Alexander continued smoothly. "Chairman Kingsley and my father are like brothers. We practically grew up together. Surely you don't think I'd let anything happen to you?"

Internally, Alexander thought, Though I'd love nothing more than to steal you away to Serenia, to keep you as my most precious treasure. But aloud he simply said, "Shall we?"

Evelyn hesitated. This was completely unlike Sebastian, who usually guarded her like a prized possession. Had her brother really agreed to this? Was he trying to push her toward Alexander like their father might?

"Very well," she finally conceded, though suspicion still lingered in her gaze. "Thank you for going out of your way."

"Ms. Carter," Alexander's voice dropped to that intimate timbre she'd grown accustomed to, "I always have time for you."

As they turned to leave, Theodore suddenly called out, "Ms. Evelyn!"

Both paused. Evelyn turned with a questioning look. "Yes, Theo?"

At that moment, Alexander adjusted his glasses, his hawk-like gaze slicing toward Theodore with chilling precision. The secretary froze under that look, his words dying in his throat.

"Oh, Theo," Evelyn said brightly, oblivious to the silent exchange. "You don't need to accompany me tonight. Go home and rest - you've been working so hard lately."

Theodore's shoulders slumped as he watched them walk away. That cold, calculating stare from Alexander left him feeling like he'd been plunged into icy darkness.

Their exit through the hotel lobby drew immediate attention from staff members.

"Look! Ms. Carter has a new escort!" one whispered excitedly.

"And he's absolutely gorgeous!" another added. "Mr. Winslow doesn't stand a chance!"

"They're completely different types," a third observed. "This one's like a sleek panther, all dangerous elegance, while Theo's more like a loyal golden retriever."

"I'll take both!" someone giggled.

Outside, Alexander's chauffeured car waited. His assistant held the door open, but as Evelyn moved to enter, Alexander caught her wrist gently.

"Ms. Carter."

Evelyn turned, surprised. "Yes?"

Alexander's gaze softened as he produced a crisp white handkerchief from his pocket. "Your lipstick," he murmured, reaching toward her face.

This time, Evelyn was quicker. She snatched the handkerchief from his hand with a playful glint in her almond-shaped eyes. "I can manage, thank you."

Alexander's lips twitched in amusement but he said nothing. Moments later, the luxury sedan pulled away from the hotel, leaving Theodore standing alone in the gathering twilight.