Chapter 166

The coffee machine hummed softly as Victoria placed her cup beneath it. "My cousin married into one of Cresthaven's elite families," she said casually. "We had dinner last night, and she mentioned something interesting."

Cassandra's eyes lit up with curiosity. "What did she say? Who's Alexander Whitmore's wife?"

Victoria's lips curled into a sly smile. "Apparently, it was a whirlwind wedding. The entire Whitmore family knows, and even high society is buzzing about it. As for who the lucky woman is..."

Her gaze slid pointedly toward Evelyn, laced with mocking amusement. "Definitely not someone from our world. Probably some socialite with old money and connections."

Natalie and Cassandra both turned to look at Evelyn.

Leaning closer, Natalie lowered her voice. "Evelyn, if Mr. Whitmore is already married, maybe it's time to... let go. Chasing a taken man isn’t exactly respectable."

If Alexander were single, pursuing him would be one thing. But now? It would just look desperate.

Evelyn felt like she had walked straight into a trap of her own making.

A sharp realization struck Evelyn like lightning—the news of Alexander's impromptu wedding had already electrified the entire office.

She couldn't keep up this charade anymore, chasing after a man who was now undeniably taken.

It wasn’t just about pride—it was about self-respect.

Evelyn straightened her shoulders, her voice steady as she addressed her colleagues. "I took some time off to clear my head. And I’ve realized… my feelings for Mr. Whitmore were nothing more than professional admiration. Like a devoted fan idolizing a star."

She paused, gauging their reactions. Seeing their skeptical expressions soften, she added, "So, no more misunderstandings. I’ll maintain a strictly professional relationship from now on."

At that exact moment, Alexander strode past the break room, catching every word.

His steps faltered. His jaw clenched, and his usually composed expression darkened into something unreadable—yet undeniably icy.

Simon, trailing behind him, nearly stumbled in surprise.

No wonder Mr. Whitmore’s been in such a foul mood lately. Did he and Mrs. Whitmore have a fight?

"Evelyn." Alexander’s voice cut through the room like a blade, cold and authoritative. "My office. Now."

Every head turned. The air thickened as he walked away, leaving behind a trail of tension so palpable it sent shivers down their spines.

He had the aura of a man who commanded respect—and fear.

The entire office seemed to shrink back, remembering how Alexander Whitmore had been particularly ruthless these past few days.

Natalie Brooks shot Evelyn Carter a sympathetic glance, thinking, She’s about to face the storm.

In his office, Alexander sat behind his desk, his focus entirely on the documents in front of him. When Evelyn entered, he didn’t so much as glance up, as if she were nothing more than a shadow.

Three days without seeing him had sharpened his features, his jawline more pronounced, his presence even more imposing.

His grip on the pen was tight, the strokes deliberate and heavy against the paper.

Remembering Natalie’s warning about Alexander’s recent temper, Evelyn approached with caution.

“Mr. Whitmore, you asked to see me?”

Finally, his gaze lifted, locking onto hers with an intensity that made her pulse stutter. “Come closer.”

Evelyn took a step forward, stopping just before his desk.

His brow furrowed, and he gestured impatiently. “Closer.”

Swallowing her unease, she rounded the desk until she stood directly in front of him.

Before Evelyn could regain her balance, Alexander yanked her onto his lap.

His strong arms locked around her waist like steel bands. The warmth of his breath sent shivers down her neck as he leaned in close.

Alexander's voice was laced with dark amusement as he whispered, "So you're just admiring me like some starstruck fan?"

His grip tightened. "You don't like me?"

"Is that why you want to keep your distance from now on?"

A dangerous edge crept into his tone. "Mrs. Whitmore, don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

Evelyn's pulse skyrocketed. He'd heard everything—every careless word she'd said in the break room.

This wasn't a business meeting. It was an ambush. A reckoning for their so-called personal issues.

"Alexander, please—let me explain!" she gasped, desperation clawing at her throat.