Chapter 53

The evening air was thick with tension as Evelyn leaned against the balcony railing. "Ethan and Vanessa are sleeping together," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "The whole world believes they've betrayed me. But if I return to Whitmore Manor with you now, it'll only complicate things. They'll spin the narrative, claim we've been together all along to justify their actions. That would be catastrophic."

Alexander studied her carefully, his piercing gaze never leaving her face. "What do you propose, then?"

She exhaled slowly, her fingers tightening around the railing. "We wait. At least until after their wedding. Once Vanessa and Ethan are officially married, we can reveal the truth. By then, no one will be able to deny it."

The wedding was scheduled for the eighth of next month—barely four weeks away.

The thought of standing beside Alexander as his wife while they watched the fallout sent a thrill through her.

He considered her words, then gave a slow nod. "Clever. I agree."

Relief washed over her. "So, for now, we keep this between us. Understood… Mr. Whitmore?"

A smirk tugged at his lips as he stepped closer, his voice dropping to a husky murmur. "In public, you can call me that. But when we're alone? I expect something far more intimate, darling."

Evelyn's cheeks burned crimson. "Well..."

As their conversation faded, a warm silence enveloped the room.

Their gazes held, the air thickening with unspoken tension.

Suddenly flustered, Evelyn snatched the nearest garment and bolted toward the bathroom.

"I—I need a shower. You can... make yourself comfortable."

She practically slammed the door behind her.

Alexander watched her retreat with an amused smirk.

The way she practically fled—

He'd bet his fortune she was blushing.

Under the spray of hot water, Evelyn's thoughts spiraled.

How was she supposed to survive this night with Alexander?

They were legally married. What was holding her back?

Claire's voice rang in her memory, urging her forward.

"Listen, Evie! Men are simple creatures—show initiative, and they'll worship the ground you walk on!"

"And Alexander? Twenty-nine years without a single scandal! You've hit the jackpot, darling!"

"Lucas says he's sculpted from years of intense training. Just picture how incredible his body must feel under your fingertips! You absolutely need to experience it firsthand!"

The moment these thoughts flooded her mind, Evelyn felt a wave of heat rush to her cheeks. The bathroom seemed to grow unbearably warm, the steam clinging to her skin.

She twisted the faucet, letting icy water pool in her palms before splashing it onto her flushed face. The cold shock helped—barely.

Then, her phone vibrated against the marble countertop.

Glancing down, she saw Claire's name lighting up the screen: [So, babe, need a crash course?]

Evelyn dried her damp fingers on the plush towel, hesitating before typing back: [Clueless.]

Claire's reply came instantly: [Hang tight. Sending you some educational material.]

Evelyn's breath hitched. Her entire face burned.

Leave it to Claire to go straight for the nuclear option.

The air in the bathroom thickened. Evelyn shut off the shower, wrapping herself in a fresh towel as if it could shield her from her own racing thoughts.

As she reached for her silk pajamas, her gaze drifted toward—

The delicate lace lingerie lay in Evelyn's hands—Claire's scandalous purchase from their shopping trip earlier.

There was absolutely no way she could step out wearing that.

Hesitating, Evelyn cracked the bathroom door open just enough to peek through.

"Alexander?" she called softly.

A moment later, she heard the muffled sound of his slippers against the hardwood floor.

His dark hair was still damp from his shower, tousled in a way that made him look effortlessly handsome. A towel hung loosely around his neck as he rubbed at his hair absently.

Alexander raised a brow, lips quirking in that infuriatingly amused way of his. "Need something?"

The way his gaze flickered toward the barely open door made her pulse jump.

She swallowed.

This was going to be a long night.