Chapter 372

The sun had long set when Evelyn realized her predicament. Having arrived at Whitmore Manor in Alexander's car earlier, she now found herself stranded—taxis were nearly impossible to find in the gated estate at this hour.

She sank into the plush mattress, the sheets still carrying the faint warmth and lingering scent of their earlier intimacy.

Alexander's face flashed in her mind.

After all this time together, Evelyn couldn't deny it anymore—she had fallen hopelessly in love with him.

Whatever fleeting connection she once had with Ethan Caldwell was dead and buried. That was why she hadn't hesitated to help Alexander earlier.

But clearly, he didn't see it that way.

A dull ache pulsed behind her temples. How could she possibly regain his trust?

The holidays were over, and tomorrow she'd be returning to Titan Capital Group.

Evelyn arrived at the office before dawn, hoping to catch Alexander before the workday began.

His office stood empty.

She settled into his chair, waiting.

Sleep had evaded her last night, her mind racing with unanswered questions—

After days of contemplation, Evelyn finally resolved to confess her feelings to Alexander.

He made her feel alive.

She adored his commanding presence, the way his strong arms made her feel protected. Every second in his company anchored her soul.

Their time together had cemented one undeniable truth—Alexander Whitmore now held the most sacred place in her heart.

The memory of him charging into danger to save her during the kidnapping still sent shivers down her spine. That single act had deepened her devotion beyond measure.

If what she once felt for Ethan had been youthful infatuation, what she harbored for Alexander now was something far more potent—reverence, passion, and an unshakable trust.

But when she waited in his office for over an hour, well past his usual punctual arrival, there was no sign of him.

Alexander, who prided himself on never being late, was conspicuously absent.

Natalie entered to retrieve some files, pausing when she noticed Evelyn.

"You've been here this whole time? I assumed you'd be running late. Are you waiting for Mr. Whitmore?" She tilted her head. "He left for a business trip early this morning. Didn’t he tell you?"

Evelyn’s breath caught.

No. He hadn’t.

The question lingered in Evelyn's mind like an unwelcome guest. "Did Alexander truly leave for a business trip, or was this just his way of avoiding me after our argument?"

She bit her lip, the uncertainty gnawing at her.

Unable to focus, she slipped into the break room and dialed Alexander’s number.

Silence.

No answer.

Her shoulders slumped slightly as she scrolled through last night’s group chat, her fingers pausing over the message confirming Alexander had flown to Cresthaven.

Maybe he’s still in the air, she reasoned, forcing herself to push the doubts aside.

Just then, her phone buzzed—Margaret’s name flashed across the screen.

"Evelyn, why don’t you bring Alexander over for dinner tonight?"

Before Evelyn could respond, Margaret quickly added, "Your father won’t be there. Richard made sure of that."

The implication was clear—without Richard’s presence, there’d be no pressure for Alexander to discuss Titan Capital Group or Horizon Enterprises.

Evelyn exhaled softly. "Alexander’s away on business."

"Then come by yourself," Margaret insisted. "I’ll have Oliver pick you up after work."

Evelyn hesitated only a moment before agreeing.

The sun was dipping below the skyscrapers as the workday ended.

A sleek, limited-edition Lamborghini pulled up in front of Titan Capital Group, its engine purring like a contented beast.

Oliver Hayes leaned against the hood, his black hoodie casting shadows over his sharp features. The hood was drawn low, but it did nothing to hide the magnetic energy radiating from him.

This was the financial district—full of suits and polished shoes.

A guy like Oliver, young, effortlessly cool, and leaning against a car worth more than most annual salaries?

He was impossible to ignore.

Whispers followed him like a trail of smoke.

But Oliver didn’t care.

A lollipop dangled from his lips, the cherry-red candy clicking against his teeth as he kept his gaze locked on the glass doors of Titan Capital.

He was waiting.

And the entire street knew it.