Chapter 594

Evelyn's pulse raced as Alexander's unexpected words hung in the air between them.

She could feel her heartbeat thundering against her ribs, especially when his intense gaze locked onto hers.

"This isn't fair," she scolded herself silently. "I shouldn't be melting this easily!"

Yet Alexander's raw honesty acted like a soothing balm, dissolving the last remnants of her anger.

"You're absolutely impossible, Alexander!"

Her voice carried through the downpour, playful yet soft, and she saw his lips curve into that devastating smile.

"Does this mean we can head home now?"

Without hesitation, Alexander dashed through the rain to bring his car directly to her side, shielding her completely from the storm.

Since they were near the Willowbrook Apartments, they opted to spend the night there.

As they exited the vehicle, Alexander's sharp eyes caught the unfamiliar jacket draped over Evelyn's shoulders. "Leave that here. I'll return it later," he stated firmly.

Once her legs healed, chances were they'd never see Dominic Powell again.

Exhausted, Evelyn took a quick shower and fell into a deep sleep the moment her head touched the pillow.

Meanwhile, Alexander returned to the car, snatched Dominic's jacket, and without hesitation tossed it into the nearest trash bin.

Unbeknownst to him, Ethan Caldwell stood smoking beneath a streetlamp, observing everything with keen interest.

After Alexander departed, Ethan casually strolled over and retrieved the discarded garment.

It was clearly a man's coat - definitely not Alexander's style.

He'd seen Evelyn wearing it earlier that evening.

"Why," he pondered, "would she be wearing another man's clothing?"

Ethan's expression darkened. In his experience, a man giving a woman his jacket always carried implications.

"Does Evelyn have another admirer besides me and Uncle Alexander?" he wondered.

Perhaps the unfamiliar surroundings affected her, but Evelyn awoke unusually early the next morning.

Remembering today's performance and yesterday's "accidental" locking incident at the concert hall, she quickly prepared to leave. "Let me drive you," Alexander offered, already rising from bed.

"No need. It's still early and I have plenty of time before the performance. You should rest."

Evelyn preferred handling her own battles. Involving Alexander would only complicate matters.

She had a strong suspicion about who'd locked her in yesterday.

She could manage this herself. Alexander's interference would only create unnecessary drama.

As she stepped outside, she nearly collided with Ethan.

Ignoring him completely, she headed toward the street.

Ethan easily matched her pace. "This neighborhood's terrible for taxis. Uncle Alexander really should have driven you."

Evelyn checked her phone. Her ride was two minutes away. She didn't dignify his comment with a response.

Ethan persisted. "Want me to give you a lift?"

Finally, Evelyn turned to face him. "Who do you think you are? Why would I ever accept a ride from you?"

Ethan seemed unfazed by her hostility.

"Evelyn, let me guess. You don't truly love Uncle Alexander, so you're seeing someone else. Am I right? Or maybe Isabella's presence has driven you to this. Like Claire, you've taken a lover, haven't you?" He'd spent the entire night obsessing over this theory.

Evelyn stared at him as if he'd lost his mind.

Ethan flashed a roguish grin. "If that's the case, you should have come to me. I'd happily play the role of your 'stand-in lover' to spite Uncle Alexander. And if we make it official? Well, I wouldn't object to that either."