Chapter 325

The grand hall plunged into abrupt silence, tension thickening the air like an approaching storm. Evelyn turned her head in surprise, her gaze colliding with Alexander's tender expression.

The way Alexander murmured "Evelyn" made Nathaniel's scowl deepen. Harrison studied his beloved daughter before appraising Alexander with an inscrutable look, though his lips curled into a faint smile. "Alex, you went out of your way to escort Evelyn home? That's too much trouble."

"Uncle Harrison, the pleasure was entirely mine."

Dominic nudged Sebastian with his elbow, whispering sharply, "Seb, when did Evelyn get so close to Alexander? I had no clue!"

"Do I need to report every detail of Evelyn's life to you?" Sebastian replied with deliberate nonchalance.

"So you knew about their relationship?"

"Naturally."

"Damn it! Are you flaunting your special bond with our sister now?"

"I specifically asked Alexander to bring Evelyn home."

Dominic sucked in a breath. "Seb, how could you casually throw our baby sister at some man? People's true colors are hard to discern. What if Alexander has ulterior motives? What if he makes inappropriate advances during the ride?"

"Ulterior motives are inevitable," Sebastian smirked lightly. "In this world, no man could remain immune to Evelyn's charm. As for the latter scenario..." His eyes glinted dangerously. "If Alexander were that kind of man, do you think he'd still be standing here with all his limbs intact?"

"...Point taken."

As the heiress of Monarch Group, Evelyn had been trained by Maxwell and Sebastian in swordsmanship and firearms since childhood while her peers were still playing with dolls.

Truthfully, Sebastian's actions weren't entirely selfless. Nathan had been entrenched in Evelyn's life for thirteen long years. Though she'd uprooted that man from her heart, the deep, agonizing wound remained.

She needed someone new to fill that void. While her brothers couldn't fulfill that role, Sebastian believed Alexander might.

While the men conversed in the parlor, Evelyn found herself cornered by her three stepmothers in the sunroom.

"Evelyn, darling, be honest. What's really going on between you and Alexander?" Sophia, ever the blunt one, wrapped an arm around Evelyn's slender waist with a mischievous grin.

"We're friends," Evelyn answered calmly.

"Boyfriend material?" Sophia pressed eagerly.

"Male friend!" Evelyn corrected, exasperated.

"Oh please, there's no such thing as platonic friendship between attractive singles. So he's your boyfriend. Even if you're not official yet, it's inevitable!" Sophia pinched Evelyn's waist playfully. "When I saved your father from that assassination attempt, he wanted to be sworn siblings. Look at us now! We just haven't had children yet."

Evelyn gaped, utterly defeated by Sophia's lack of filter.

Lillian and Camille exchanged amused glances. After all, if not for Sophia's bravery years ago, Harrison might not be alive today. Two bullet scars still marked Sophia's lower back and left shoulder from shielding Harrison.

"Evelyn, Alexander would be a wonderful match," Camille sighed dreamily. "It's not just about social status. Victor Whitmore and your father are close friends. Marrying into the Whitmore family would guarantee your happiness. Plus," she added with a wink, "Alexander is devastatingly handsome. Your children would be absolutely breathtaking."

"Wait—how did we jump to children?! He means nothing to me! Where is this conversation even going?" Evelyn felt the discussion spiraling into absurdity.

"Camille, I think we shouldn't judge a life partner solely by looks," Lillian interjected rationally, narrowing her eyes slightly. "From what I know, Alexander just returned from Serenia. He holds minimal shares in Whitmore Enterprises, and his position isn't stable. His mother was exiled abroad under the guise of medical treatment and is rarely heard from. While their union might seem equal, in reality, Evelyn might be marrying beneath her station."

She continued gravely, "Who's to say Alexander isn't eyeing Evelyn's fortune? He could be using her substantial background to gain power within the Whitmore family."

"Oh dear! That makes perfect sense. We shouldn't rush into this!" Sophia, ever the weathervane, immediately switched sides.

"Evelyn, even when shopping we compare three stores. Marriage is far more serious. Either remain single, or marry someone truly exceptional. Perhaps consider Nathaniel?" Camille suggested.

Overwhelmed, Evelyn covered her face with both hands. With so many mothers, their chatter felt like eight hundred mosquitoes buzzing in her ears.

Her head throbbed mercilessly.