Chapter 214

The evening before their trip to Cresthaven, Evelyn Carter meticulously packed her belongings at home.

This would be a multi-day business trip, so she filled her suitcase to the brim—even tossing in her favorite swimsuit, just in case.

At dawn on the day of departure, Alexander Whitmore helped her load the luggage into the car.

But something nagged at Evelyn.

She tilted her head. "Wait, you're flying to Cresthaven, right?"

Alexander nodded.

Evelyn frowned. "But I'm just a regular employee. I'm supposed to take the high-speed train with the rest of the team!"

Only executives were flying for this trip due to the sheer number of staff, while everyone else traveled by rail.

Alexander smirked. "I booked you a first-class ticket. And you'd rather squeeze into a train?"

For the past two evenings, Evelyn had been practicing the cello at home after work—determined not to embarrass the president's office during the upcoming corporate event.

She bit her lip. "But what will the others think?"

Alexander shrugged. "Let them think whatever they want."

Evelyn exhaled, shaking her head.

She wasn't used to special treatment, even now.

Still, she couldn't deny the thrill of flying first-class.

As they drove toward the airport, she glanced at her reflection in the window.

This trip would be different.

She could feel it.

They lived in a charming garden cottage, where Evelyn could play her cello without worrying about disturbing the neighbors. Yet, she still insisted on kicking Alexander out.

She crossed her arms stubbornly. "It's cruel to subject your poor ears to my practice sessions. The scales and drills are unbearable."

Alexander frowned. "Your playing is beautiful. I don’t mind listening."

Evelyn shook her head. "No, you don’t understand. I need to repeat the same exercises for hours. It’s not music—it’s torture."

Despite his protests, she was adamant. Within minutes, Alexander found himself standing outside their front door, suitcase in hand.

Now, he was stuck in a luxury hotel suite, scowling at the city skyline.

It made no sense to him. They were married. Why did she keep pushing him away?

Work had been chaotic lately, with year-end reports piling up at Titan Capital Group. Even at the office, they barely had a moment alone.

The annual gala was this weekend—a rare chance for them to escape the corporate frenzy.

But Evelyn hesitated. "If we arrive together, people will start asking questions."

Alexander smirked. "Let them."

She bit her lip. "You know we agreed to keep this quiet."

He stepped closer, his voice low. "I’m tired of pretending, Evelyn."

Her breath hitched.

The tension between them crackled like static in the air.

Alexander was being deliberately reckless. "So what if they find out? We'll just announce it to the world. Did you really think we could hide our marriage forever?"

Evelyn bit her lip, still uneasy about the situation.

"Then tell them you're here to discuss work with me!" Alexander suddenly pulled her close, his arm snaking around her waist. "Stop overthinking it. Or should I just carry you upstairs instead?"

His teasing words sent an immediate flush across Evelyn's cheeks.

Simon, standing nearby, pretended not to notice and turned away pointedly.

But Evelyn caught his reaction anyway, mortified. Without another word, she quickly slipped into the car.

Only then did Alexander smirk, satisfied.

The car door closed automatically, and Simon took his place in the driver's seat.

His expression remained stoic, his gaze fixed ahead as he started the engine, driving toward the airport like an emotionless chauffeur.

An hour later, they arrived.

Alexander motioned for Evelyn to check in her cello, but she clutched it tighter, refusing to let go.

Alexander's lips curved in amusement. "What's the matter?"

Evelyn's expression turned solemn. "It's too precious. What if something happens to it during the flight? I can't just check it in—I need to keep it with me!"

Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "You seriously want to carry a full-sized cello onto the plane?"

She nodded without hesitation.

The instrument was worth twenty million dollars—a masterpiece, a treasure. The thought of it being tossed into the cargo hold made her stomach twist.

Alexander fell silent for a moment before turning to Simon. He murmured something under his breath.

Simon blinked, his face a mix of disbelief and resignation. Then, with a slow nod, he strode toward the check-in counter.

Evelyn frowned. "What did you just say to him?"

The look Simon had given her was loaded—like he had a thousand thoughts trapped behind his clenched jaw. It lingered in her mind, unsettling.

Alexander arched a brow, though his tone remained deadpan. "Told him to book another seat. Once we board, he’ll sit with the cello and keep an eye on it for you."

Evelyn opened her mouth, then closed it.

Speechless.