Chapter 216

The Horizon Enterprises annual gala was scheduled for tomorrow night, granting everyone a free day to unwind today.

The ocean air carried its distinctive salty tang, invigorating Evelyn the moment she stepped onto the resort grounds. Without wasting time, she changed out of her travel attire into a flowing sundress the instant she checked into her suite.

The rest of the team was arriving via the afternoon express train, leaving the beach blissfully uncrowded for now. Evelyn seized the opportunity to explore the shoreline in peaceful solitude.

But as she reached for the door handle, it swung open to reveal Alexander standing there.

Gone was his usual sharp business attire. Instead, he wore a simple white tee that clung to his frame, radiating effortless charm. His hand was raised mid-knock when their eyes met.

Evelyn's gaze darted down the hallway instinctively, relieved to find it empty.

She grabbed his wrist to pull him inside, but he resisted.

A frown creased his brow as he murmured, "Are we husband and wife or secret lovers sneaking around?"

The low timbre of his voice sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.

Evelyn released his wrist with a huff. "You know why we have to be careful," she countered, crossing her arms.

Alexander stepped closer, the warmth of his body radiating against her. "I'm tired of pretending," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Especially when no one's watching."

Before she could protest, his fingers brushed against hers, sending sparks through her veins.

The distant sound of laughter from the beach snapped her back to reality. She stepped back, putting space between them.

"Later," she promised, her voice barely audible.

Alexander's lips curved into that infuriatingly knowing smile. "I'll hold you to that, Mrs. Whitmore."

With that, he turned and strolled down the hallway, leaving Evelyn clutching the doorframe, her heart racing.

The ocean breeze suddenly felt much warmer than before.

To maintain professional appearances, they'd reserved separate suites for this business trip—a decision Alexander had protested with relentless complaints.

Noticing his frustration, Evelyn quickly clarified, "I just thought it'd be better if our coworkers didn't know we're married yet. It could create unnecessary complications at Titan Capital..."

Alexander drew her near, intertwining their fingers with possessive warmth. "How long do you intend to keep us hidden, darling?"

His thumb brushed her temple affectionately. "Everyone at Cresthaven already knows Alexander Whitmore married Evelyn Carter. The truth will surface eventually."

He wasn't wrong.

Evelyn hesitated only momentarily before conceding with a soft exhale. "Fine. We'll let it unfold organically."

A victorious smirk played on Alexander's lips as he pulled her flush against him. "So tell me, sweetheart—shall I visit your suite tonight, or will you grace mine?"

The heat behind his words sent tremors through Evelyn's fingers, painting her cheeks rose-gold.

The crisp aroma of his shower gel clung to him—cool peppermint with underlying warmth.

Evelyn inhaled deeply, committing the scent to memory.

"I'll... come to your room," Evelyn murmured, her voice barely audible.

Alexander's grin deepened, making her feel like a doe wandering into a hunter's trap.

His gaze never wavered. "When?"

"Ten?"

"Fine. If you're late, I'm coming to get you."

Evelyn's face burned crimson, the heat creeping all the way to the edges of her ears.

When the elevator doors slid open in the lobby, Alexander pulled her close, guiding her toward the beach.

As they passed a floor-to-ceiling window, Ethan Caldwell froze, his fork hovering mid-air.

His eyes tracked them until they disappeared from view.

Beside him, Vanessa Hart noticed his distraction, her fingers tightening around her wineglass.

She tugged at his sleeve. "Ethan, look—Alexander and Evelyn seem... close. Maybe we should take a walk later too?"

Ethan's jaw clenched.

He shoved the last bite of pasta into his mouth and slammed his fork down.

The golden afternoon light filtered through the curtains, but Ethan Caldwell felt none of its warmth.

Work had been relentless, and sleepless nights had left him drained.

"I need to lie down," he murmured, rubbing his tired eyes.

Vanessa Hart followed him into their bedroom, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she pressed herself against his back.

"Ethan…"

Her voice was soft, pleading.

He knew what she wanted. But exhaustion weighed too heavily on him tonight.

Gently, he untangled her arms and turned to face her. "Not now, Vanessa. I just need to sleep."

Her lips trembled. "Do you even want me anymore?"

His brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

Tears welled in her eyes. "The other night—you said her name. You called out for Evelyn in your sleep."

The accusation hung between them, sharp as a blade.

Ethan froze.

He hadn’t realized.

Hadn’t meant to.

But the truth was undeniable.

Somewhere in the dark, between dreams and waking, Evelyn Carter’s name had slipped past his lips.

And Vanessa had heard it.