Chapter 146

This was utterly incomprehensible.

At the family dinner, Alexander had offered no explanation for why he married her.

"Was it because Grandfather pressured you into marriage?" Ethan turned the question over in his mind repeatedly. It was the only logical conclusion he could reach.

"So, you simply grew tired of resisting, and when Evelyn pursued you to spite me, you decided to marry her just to settle the matter?"

Evelyn's gaze flickered to Alexander. Truthfully, Ethan's confusion mirrored her own.

She had sought protection in him—but what had he gained from this arrangement?

Alexander's lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile as he lowered his eyes. "She saved my life. Isn't it only natural that I dedicate myself to repaying her?"

"Saved your life?" Ethan's brow furrowed.

Alexander's gaze lingered on Evelyn's delicate features. "Ten years ago. She was the one who pulled me from death's grasp."

A wave of realization washed over Ethan. "So that's why..."

"Repaying a life-saving debt."

Alexander only saw Evelyn as someone he owed—nothing more.

"But—" His fingers absently traced the faint bite mark on his throat, barely visible beneath his loosened collar.

The dark red mark stood out starkly against his skin, impossible for Ethan to miss.

Ethan froze, his breath hitching, before Alexander's voice dropped low beside his ear. "That's not all."

Alexander tilted his chin toward Evelyn, his expression unreadable. "She kissed me first. In public. As a man, I have obligations."

A ghost of a smirk played at his lips. "And there's another reason. I like her. Since the feeling is mutual, marriage is the logical next step."

"That's impossible." Ethan stumbled back, his face draining of color.

Alexander Whitmore—interested in Evelyn? The thought was absurd.

"Why impossible?" Alexander remained relaxed, one hand tucked in his pocket as he studied Ethan with detached amusement.

"I've been single for twenty-nine years." His voice was smooth, deliberate. "Don't I deserve to choose?"

The words hung in the air like an unshakable truth.

Alexander Whitmore, the man who had never shown interest in anyone, had just declared his feelings for Evelyn Carter.

Ethan Caldwell stood frozen, his mind reeling.

His mouth opened, but no sound came out.

Shock. Disbelief. A creeping dread settled in his chest.

Then his gaze landed on the faint bite mark on Alexander’s throat.

His blood ran cold.

Evelyn had done that.

The realization hit him like a physical blow.

Alexander—cold, untouchable Alexander—had allowed her to leave her mark on him.

How far had things gone between them?

Vanessa Hart, standing nearby, barely suppressed a scoff.

She knew better.

Alexander wasn’t some lovestruck fool.

This was calculated.

A year ago, he had taken control of Titan Capital Group with ruthless precision.

Now, he was playing a different game.

And Evelyn was at the center of it.

Ethan finally found his voice.

"You—you can’t be serious."

Alexander arched a brow.

"Why not? Do you think I’m incapable of falling for someone?"

His tone was light, almost amused.

But his eyes were sharp.

Evelyn exhaled sharply, shooting him a sideways glance.

He was too good at this.

Too convincing.

If she didn’t know better, she might have believed him herself.

Ethan’s hands clenched at his sides.

He had lost.

Not just Evelyn.

But to him.

Alexander Whitmore.

The man who never lost.

And now, he had taken the one thing Ethan thought was still his.

The silence stretched, thick with tension.

Then Alexander reached out, his fingers brushing Evelyn’s wrist.

A silent claim.

Ethan’s jaw tightened.

He had no words left.

Only regret.

Ethan Caldwell's chest tightened as if an invisible boulder was crushing him.

Alexander Whitmore casually twined his fingers with Evelyn Carter's, hesitating briefly before speaking. "Leave Evelyn alone," he warned, his voice deceptively calm. "Touch her again, and I might just relieve you of those hands permanently."

With that, Alexander guided Evelyn away, leaving Ethan rooted in place. His vision blurred as he watched them disappear, his eyes burning with unshed emotion.

Vanessa Hart stood frozen on the staircase.

Her knuckles whitened around the railing. Every word exchanged between the three had reached her ears with painful clarity.

"Evelyn's luck is sickening," she muttered under her breath. "But Ethan—why does he look like that? Those red eyes... Is he actually regretting his choices?"

She wouldn’t allow it.

Ethan would not slip back into old feelings for Evelyn. Not while she was still breathing.