Chapter 429

Alexander had been standing there for quite some time, unnoticed at the edge of the gathering.

Evelyn tensed under the weight of so many accusing stares. She didn’t want Alexander dragged into this mess, but just knowing he was there eased the tightness in her chest.

The thought that he had heard everything made her heart ache for him even more.

Harold, however, seemed determined to dismiss the entire situation. To him, it was obvious that Alexander should be the one to back down.

“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at the office?”

Evelyn moved toward Alexander, her fingers curling tightly around his as if to silently reassure him.

Instinctively, he pulled her against him, understanding her need to shield him.

Warmth spread through him, and all he wanted was to hold her close, to kiss her until the rest of the world faded away.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t come when you were surrounded by wolves?”

Evelyn rested her head against his shoulder, her voice light. “It’s not that bad. They’re still your family, after all. Just… a very passionate debate.”

Evelyn couldn't believe Alexander still wanted to preserve his family's dignity after how horribly they had treated her.

Her heart ached with a mix of warmth and sorrow. Then, to her surprise, he pulled a cupcake from his pocket. "Did you eat breakfast?"

She shook her head, touched that he had remembered.

"I haven't. And honestly, a cupcake sounds perfect right now."

Watching them, Ethan felt a sharp pang of discomfort.

He had just stood there, silent, when he should have spoken up. Now, the moment was gone.

If he confessed now, it would reveal everything—his hidden feelings for Evelyn, the jealousy burning inside him.

His career was finally taking off. Challenging Alexander now would be reckless.

But his hesitation only deepened Evelyn's disappointment in him.

A storm of emotions raged within Ethan. Seeing her in Alexander's arms made him want to tear them apart.

Alexander's hands slid around Evelyn's waist, lifting her effortlessly.

She gasped, not expecting him to carry her in front of everyone.

Instinctively, her arms wound around his neck, her face pressing against his chest as warmth flooded her cheeks.

"I'm taking you to the hallway so you can eat," he murmured, voice low and tender. "Let me handle this."

The man known for his icy demeanor melted only for her, his words soft, his touch gentle.

The Whitmore family watched in stunned silence, realizing how different Alexander was with Evelyn.

She glanced at them, then nodded. "Alright. I trust you."

If anyone could manage his family, it was him.

She shifted, ready to step out of his arms, but his grip tightened.

Even though the hallway was just steps away, he refused to let her walk.

And then she saw it—not just the cupcake, but a doughnut too, glazed with rich, decadent chocolate.

Once he had secured her safely in the hallway, Alexander stepped back.

Evelyn remained seated, absently nibbling on a pastry. The others had deliberately positioned themselves close enough for her to hear every word.

Alexander dragged a chair over and sat down heavily.

The moment he had arrived, a thick, uneasy silence had draped over the room like a suffocating blanket.

No one dared to speak first.

Evelyn’s fingers stilled around her pastry.

She could feel the weight of Alexander’s gaze burning into the side of her face, but she refused to look up.

Not yet.

Not until she was ready.

Across from her, Vanessa shifted uncomfortably, her manicured nails tapping against the armrest of her chair.

The sound was sharp.

Irritating.

Evelyn exhaled slowly, forcing herself to remain calm.

Alexander leaned forward, his voice low but carrying effortlessly in the tense quiet.

"Someone," he said, "is going to explain what the hell is going on here."

His tone was deceptively mild.

Evelyn knew better.

So did everyone else.

Vanessa opened her mouth—

Then closed it just as quickly when Alexander’s icy glare cut to her.

Evelyn finally lifted her head.

Their eyes locked.

And just like that, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

Alexander’s jaw tightened.

Evelyn tilted her chin up.

A silent challenge.

A dare.

The others held their breaths.

No one moved.

No one breathed.

Then—

A sharp knock at the door shattered the moment.

Evelyn blinked.

Alexander didn’t.

His gaze never left hers as he called out, "Enter."

The door creaked open.

Footsteps.

Then—

"Sir," Simon’s voice cut through the stillness. "We have a problem."

Alexander didn’t react.

Neither did Evelyn.

But the others?

They stiffened.

Because if Simon was here—

If he was interrupting—

Then whatever this "problem" was?

It was bad.

Very, very bad.

After ensuring she was comfortable in the hallway, he stepped away to let her enjoy her treat undisturbed.

Evelyn remained seated, savoring each bite. The thin partition between her and the others amplified every sound from the adjacent room with startling clarity.

Alexander dragged a chair across the floor and took his seat. His presence alone had cast an unnatural hush over the gathering, as if the air itself had stilled in anticipation.