Chapter 455

The delicate scent of Evelyn's perfume lingered in the sterile hospital room. Alexander remained seated beside her bed, his gaze never leaving her face.

She stirred slightly, a soft sigh escaping her lips. The sound sent a jolt through Alexander, his fingers twitching with the urge to reach for her.

Over the years, countless stunning women had thrown themselves at him—whether in Serenia or Crestview. Yet the more they pursued him, the more indifferent he became. To him, women were like stubborn barnacles clinging to a ship's hull—more trouble than they were worth.

But Evelyn was different.

Only she dared to challenge him, to act without restraint around him. Even if it meant diving into murky waters, he would follow without hesitation, so long as he could keep spoiling her.

His dark eyes deepened as he watched her. His hand lifted instinctively, fingers hovering just above her cheek—so close, yet not daring to touch.

Then, his phone buzzed.

A message from his secretary.

[Mr. Whitmore, the Kingsleys are here. They're at the entrance.]

Adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses, Alexander stood and opened the door.

Sebastian, Dominic, and Theodore stood in the hallway like three immovable glaciers, their expressions unreadable.

"Allow me to apologize sincerely, Mr. Kingsley," Alexander said smoothly, taking the initiative. "Evelyn was in severe pain—she couldn't even walk. I had no choice but to bring her here immediately. I regret not informing you sooner."

Theodore's jaw tightened, his knuckles whitening. "Mr. Whitmore, you—"

Sebastian raised a hand, silencing him. His cold smile didn't reach his eyes. "We appreciate you bringing Evelyn to the hospital, Mr. Whitmore. But given that we were actively searching for our sister, and you chose to ignore our calls—even turning off your phone—what exactly were you thinking?"

Dominic's frown deepened, displeasure radiating from him. This man had the audacity to take their sister without permission? Did he think they wouldn’t retaliate?

Alexander merely smiled, his tone deferential. "My apologies. My only concern was Evelyn’s well-being. I wanted her to rest undisturbed. Nothing else crossed my mind."

Dominic scoffed. "And you think we weren’t concerned about her?"

"Of course you were," Alexander replied calmly. "As her brothers, your love for her is natural. And given how deeply you care for her, surely you wouldn’t object to another man in this world who adores her just as much?"

Theodore and Dominic were stunned.

This man was shockingly direct—openly declaring his feelings for Evelyn right in front of them. The Kingsleys were a family of restraint; even Evelyn, despite being doted on by everyone, had always been composed. She had never expressed emotions so recklessly.

If only she had been this bold before—if she had dared to speak her heart—she wouldn’t have suffered so much at Nathan’s hands.

Sebastian’s gaze darkened. He had to admit, his father had been right to oppose Evelyn’s association with Alexander.

This man, for all his gentle devotion, unsettled him. There was something unnerving about the way he looked at Evelyn—as if he already considered her his.

"Wait here," Sebastian said coldly. "I’ll get Evelyn."

As he moved past Alexander, he paused. "Mr. Whitmore, our family has plenty of people who care for her. Your assistance is no longer required. You may leave."

Alexander walked away without protest, his expression unreadable.

His secretary, trailing behind, couldn’t hide his frustration. "Mr. Whitmore, those Kingsley brothers clearly have an issue with you. They were practically glaring daggers."

Alexander smirked. "In-laws rarely get along. Evelyn is their precious sister—of course they wouldn’t just hand her over to another man."

"But still!" the secretary huffed. "You used to wield immense power in Serenia. You were practically royalty there. Why subject yourself to their scrutiny?"

Alexander adjusted his glasses, the lenses catching the light. "I had everything in Serenia—but what does that matter?" His voice dropped, icy. "I was born with a silver spoon, yet I spent years alone in that city. People only see the glamour, not the agony. If not for the Whitmores and Victor’s betrayal, the entire Whitmore Enterprises would have been mine."

His eyes burned with quiet fury.

"And Evelyn…" His fingers curled into fists. "She should have been mine long ago. She never should have married that beast Nathan."

The secretary bowed his head, sensing the storm beneath his employer’s calm exterior.

Alexander exhaled slowly, his voice a whisper.

"I will reclaim everything. Whitmore Enterprises. And Evelyn. Both will be mine."