Chapter 472

Claire frowned. She had hoped Alexander would accompany Evelyn, which was precisely why she had spent hours meticulously styling her for the occasion.

A small romantic gesture like this could reignite old flames. With tonight's auction attended by Cresthaven's elite, Evelyn would undoubtedly make Alexander proud as his date.

But now, it appeared Alexander wasn’t coming.

Claire hesitated. Was it safe for Evelyn to attend the Powell family’s event alone? Dominic Powell had a dangerous reputation—one that made even the bravest hesitate.

After a moment’s thought, Claire said, "Evelyn, maybe you should skip this one."

"Why?" Evelyn asked, confused. "Don’t you want that bracelet anymore?"

"I can live without it. You might not realize who’s hosting this auction. It’s the Powells—and their history isn’t exactly clean."

Seeing Evelyn’s blank expression, Claire elaborated, "You’ve only recently reconnected with your family, so you might not know Cresthaven’s darker side."

"The Powells were once deeply involved in organized crime. They’re obscenely wealthy now, but rumors say some of the items up for auction tonight might belong in a museum—or worse, were stolen."

The afternoon sun streamed through the hospital windows, casting golden patterns on the floor. Evelyn Carter sat beside Claire Dawson's bed, her fingers tracing the delicate embroidery on the auction invitation.

Claire's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You have to see this bracelet, Evelyn! It's said to bring good fortune to expecting mothers."

Evelyn studied the Powell family crest embossed on the card. Unlike other wealthy families who hid behind polished reputations, the Powells flaunted their controversial dealings with arrogant transparency.

She arched a brow. "So? I'm just bidding on jewelry. How does that put me at risk?"

Claire leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Do you know how the Powells rebuilt their empire? They pinned every scandal on their youngest son. Dominic Powell was only seventeen when he took the fall. He just got out of prison—after ten years."

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine. Today was Dominic's twenty-seventh birthday. This auction? A twisted celebration, with all proceeds "compensating" his lost decade.

Julian Mercer returned then, balancing a paper bag of warm pastries. His smile was polite as he nodded at Evelyn. "Afternoon."

Then his entire demeanor softened as he offered Claire a glazed donut. "Fresh from the bakery downstairs."

Evelyn's grip tightened on the invitation. She'd survived being framed by Vanessa Hart. But Dominic? Betrayed by his own blood.

Claire sighed. "Maybe skip the auction. Without Alexander around, things could get complicated if you cross paths with the Powells."

Evelyn's lips curved into a determined smile. "Childbirth is sacred. If this bracelet brings you joy, it's yours." She stood, smoothing her skirt. "I'm just there to bid. Not to dance with vipers."

The invitation crinkled in her palm. Some shadows, she knew, clung tighter than prison walls.

Claire frowned slightly, her lips pursing in displeasure. "You don't speak to me the same way you do with Evelyn."

The air between them grew tense, charged with unspoken words. Claire crossed her arms, her gaze sharp and probing.

Alexander sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "It's not what you think," he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

Claire wasn't convinced. She had noticed the way his tone softened whenever Evelyn's name was mentioned. The way his eyes flickered with something deeper—something she couldn't quite place.

"You're different around her," Claire pressed, stepping closer. "And I don't like it."

Alexander's jaw tightened. He knew she was right, but admitting it would only complicate things further.

"Let's not do this now," he muttered, turning away.

But Claire wasn't ready to let it go. "Why? Because you don't have an answer?"

The silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating.

Finally, Alexander turned back to her, his expression unreadable. "It's complicated."

Claire scoffed. "That's not good enough."

She wanted more—needed more. But Alexander wasn't ready to give it to her.

Not yet.

Maybe not ever.

The realization stung, but she refused to let it show. Instead, she straightened her shoulders and met his gaze head-on.

"Fine," she said coolly. "But don't expect me to pretend I don't see it."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Alexander standing alone in the dimly lit hallway.

His thoughts drifted to Evelyn, as they often did.

And for the first time, he wondered if Claire was right.

Maybe he was different around her.

Maybe that was the problem.