Chapter 241

Evelyn hesitated.

If I admit that Alexander is my husband and confess he orchestrated those beach fireworks, wouldn't that shatter his carefully cultivated image?

Alexander had always been perceived as stoic, unyielding—not the type for grand romantic gestures.

Just then, Victoria Sloan emerged from Alexander’s office, arms laden with files.

"Enough gossip," she announced coolly. "Back to work unless you want your bonuses revoked."

Natalie and Cassandra scattered instantly.

Victoria’s sharp gaze landed on Daniel. "Mr. Pierce, control your team. The president’s office values discretion. We can’t have attention-seekers disrupting our professionalism."

Daniel’s jaw tightened. The insinuation was obvious—and aimed squarely at Evelyn.

He shot Evelyn a reassuring glance before countering, "Attention-seeking? From what I heard, everyone adored the fireworks that night. Hardly a crime."

Victoria smirked. "Funny, though. Evelyn was with Mr. Caldwell that evening. A married man. Her persistence around him… well, we can all guess her motives."

Her words weren’t baseless.

The air thickened with tension.

Evelyn’s fingers curled into her palms.

This isn’t over.

Someone had snapped pictures of Evelyn and Alexander together that evening and anonymously sent them to Victoria's phone.

Victoria immediately jumped to conclusions - she was convinced Evelyn was playing games, stringing along some wealthy admirer while secretly involved with married Alexander.

Evelyn nearly choked on her coffee when she heard the rumors. "So now I'm the other woman?" she muttered under her breath.

She'd kept her relationship with Alexander private primarily to avoid workplace bias, never imagining it would backfire like this.

Just then, Alexander and Simon emerged from the executive office.

The lively office chatter died instantly.

Simon carried a sleek laptop case and leather portfolio, clearly preparing to accompany Alexander to an important client meeting.

Nobody dared gossip within earshot of Alexander Whitmore - not even bold Victoria.

When Evelyn's eyes met Alexander's, her gaze involuntarily dropped to his neck, heat rising in her cheeks.

Last night had been... intense. Alexander had lost all restraint, begging her to leave marks during their most intimate moment.

She'd refused, of course. But that only made Alexander more creative in his persuasion techniques.

The memory alone made her pulse quicken.

Simon cleared his throat pointedly, breaking the tension. "The car's waiting downstairs, sir."

Alexander's lips quirked in that infuriatingly knowing smile as he adjusted his tie, deliberately drawing attention to the faint love bite peeking above his collar.

Evelyn's face burned hotter. That arrogant, impossible man.

Victoria's eyes darted between them, suspicion darkening her expression.

This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

She was pushed beyond her limits.

As Alexander claimed her completely, Evelyn raked her nails down his back and sank her teeth into the base of his throat.

The mark stood out vividly. Even with Alexander's high-collared shirt, half of it remained visible.

When his dark gaze locked onto hers, Evelyn realized he'd caught her staring.

The others kept their heads bowed awkwardly, too intimidated to meet Alexander's eyes. None noticed the charged tension between them.

Amusement glinted in Alexander's eyes as Evelyn's phone buzzed.

Alexander: [Mrs. Whitmore, if you're feeling neglected, you need only say so. No need to tempt me with that look—I might not be able to control myself.]

Evelyn fought back both exasperation and laughter.