Chapter 330

Harrison's voice took on an interrogative edge, sharp as a prosecutor's cross-examination. "Evelyn has only ever allowed you and me to peel shrimp for her. Since when does she accept affection from other men? Tonight, Alexander was practically feeding her by hand at dinner. And she didn't even reject his advances. Out with it - what's really going on between them? Is Evelyn actually interested in him?"

"Father," Sebastian observed with quiet precision, "your tone suggests you're not particularly fond of Alexander Whitmore."

Harrison pressed his lips into a thin line, leaving the accusation unanswered.

"Alexander and Evelyn share childhood history. Their reunion seems to have rekindled that connection." Sebastian adjusted his cufflinks thoughtfully. "Evelyn rarely connects with men so effortlessly, and our families have maintained good relations with the Whitmores for years. If their relationship progresses, it might not be an unfavorable development."

Dominic leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. "When Victor arrived tonight with both his unmarried sons in tow, his intentions were transparent. He's clearly seeking a marital alliance with our family. His sights are set on Evelyn!" Harrison's gaze dropped, his head shaking slowly. "But let me be unequivocal - I will not sanction this marriage."

The Kingsley brothers exchanged subtle glances. Their father's vehement opposition to the Whitmore family came as an unexpected revelation.

"Dad," Dominic couldn't resist teasing, "did you and Uncle Victor have some secret falling out? Blocked each other's numbers perhaps?" His lips quirked. "Though I must say, you both played the gracious hosts remarkably well tonight. If it were me, I'd have made the tension painfully obvious."

"With that deductive ability, I'm astonished you passed the bar," Harrison shot back, eyes narrowing. "Did you use my influence to get special treatment during your bar exams?" His expression sobered. "Evelyn is my most precious daughter. She just escaped the vipers' nest of the Blackwood family. I'll be damned before I deliver her into another den of wolves - the Whitmore household!" His fist clenched unconsciously. "Do you think their family is some idyllic paradise? They're embroiled in vicious internal power struggles. None of Victor's four children are simple characters. If Evelyn marries into that family, she'll be constantly navigating treacherous political waters." His voice dropped. "Moreover, Alexander is Victor's least favored son. While his overseas ventures appear successful, his business origins are... questionable at best. A man with such a past might see marriage into our family as an opportunity to legitimize himself in Crestview society."

Dominic's eyebrows shot up in surprise, while Sebastian's long lashes cast shadows over his suddenly pensive expression, lips pressing together in silent self-reproach.

In his determination to provide his sister with a fresh start, he'd overlooked these critical considerations. The oversight stung.

"As my daughter," Harrison declared, voice thick with emotion, "Evelyn deserves to illuminate someone's life, not immolate herself to brighten another's path. I won't allow it!"

Meanwhile, a sleek Bentley glided through Crestview's moonlit streets.

Nathaniel had departed in his own luxury vehicle, while Victor had broken protocol by summoning Alexander to ride with him. The father and son sat in strained silence, the air between them crackling with unspoken tensions that spoke volumes about their fractured relationship.

"Alexander," Victor broke the silence with icy precision, "explain your behavior with Evelyn tonight."

Alexander's lips curved in a humorless smile. "Since when do you take interest in my romantic pursuits? For fifteen years in Serenia, you never once inquired about Mother or me. Now that I'm back in Crestview, suddenly my every move warrants your scrutiny."

"Don't deflect," Victor snapped, his aristocratic features hardening. "I'm asking about your relationship with Evelyn Kingsley!"

"As you witnessed tonight," Alexander adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, the lenses catching the passing streetlights, "Evelyn and I share an... intimate connection." His smirk held an edge of challenge.

Victor exhaled sharply, a vein pulsing at his temple. "Effective immediately, you will cease all contact with Evelyn. Maintain absolute distance from her."

"Why?" Alexander's question dripped with false curiosity.

"Evelyn is the match I've selected for Nathaniel. Your interference jeopardizes carefully laid plans."

Alexander's chuckle held no warmth. "Nathaniel is your son, and I'm not? If Evelyn were with me, she'd still become your daughter-in-law. What's the problem?"

"My decision is final. Nathaniel will marry Evelyn." Victor's jaw tightened. "If you seek alliance with the Kingsleys, Harrison has a younger daughter - Arabella. She remains unmarried."

Alexander's fingers stilled on his glasses. "So the disfavored son only merits the illegitimate daughter?" His voice turned lethally soft. "How... predictable."

"Alexander! Mind your tongue!"

Victor's face flushed with barely contained rage. "You won't compete with Nathaniel. I'll provide what you're due, but don't overreach for what isn't yours."

"I've heard that refrain since childhood," Alexander murmured, leaning back against the supple leather seats. "Yet to date, I've received nothing that was ever truly mine." His eyes closed, the picture of relaxation belying his next words. "Keep your empty promises. Deliver this message to Nathaniel - he should rein in his aspirations. Evelyn belongs to me alone. He wouldn't survive the competition."