Chapter 62

Evelyn's voice dripped with honeyed sweetness. It reminded Alexander of a pampered Persian cat stretching lazily on a sunlit windowsill, purring contentedly without a care in the world.

A simple greeting, yet it carried an intoxicating allure.

Every executive in the boardroom froze, their eyes widening in shock.

Though this meeting took place overseas with mostly international attendees, several high-ranking officials had been dispatched from Horizon Enterprises' global headquarters.

Their gazes snapped toward Alexander in disbelief. To them, he was the epitome of professionalism—unyielding, composed, and utterly unapproachable.

What in the world? Mr. Whitmore has a lover? And she just called him 'honey'?

Everyone knew Alexander was a man of discipline, one who had maintained an impenetrable distance from women for years. Even at high-society galas, he never entertained flirtations or drank with female companions.

Yet here he was—his usual icy demeanor melting into a rare, indulgent smile simply because of that one word whispered through the phone.

Is Mr. Whitmore... smirking?

The executives exchanged stunned glances.

Alexander, completely unfazed by their reactions, leaned back in his chair, his voice dropping to a velvety murmur.

"Say it again."

A beat of silence.

Then, Evelyn's playful laughter trickled through the speaker, light and teasing.

"Make me."

The air in the room grew heavier.

Alexander's fingers tightened imperceptibly around his phone. His gaze darkened, a dangerous edge creeping into his tone.

"Careful, darling. You're playing with fire."

A soft gasp.

Then—

"Alexander..."

His name rolled off her tongue like a sinful confession, sending a jolt of electricity down his spine.

The executives collectively held their breath.

This was not the Alexander Whitmore they knew.

This man—his voice rough with barely restrained desire, his eyes burning with possessive intensity—was someone entirely different.

Someone utterly, irrevocably claimed.

The air in the conference room turned electric.

Evelyn's honeyed voice had just echoed through the speakers, dripping with playful affection. "Call me honey 100 times like in the honeymoon period."

Every head in the room swiveled toward Alexander Whitmore.

He didn’t flinch.

Alexander hadn’t anticipated his phone connecting to the conference room’s Bluetooth. Nor had he expected Evelyn’s message to broadcast so clearly.

But he was a man who thrived under scrutiny.

Maintaining his composure, he typed a reply: [Mrs. Whitmore, you’ve just shattered my professional reputation.]

Evelyn’s response was immediate. [What?]

His fingers moved swiftly. [Your voice just serenaded the entire boardroom.]

Her cheeks burned.

She hadn’t thought he’d check his messages during a meeting.

Pressing a hand to her face, she groaned. I only called him Alexander. No one would guess we’re married. This shouldn’t ruin my plans.

But the damage was done.

The room buzzed with unspoken questions.

Alexander merely leaned back in his chair, the ghost of a smirk playing on his lips.

Let them wonder.

Evelyn took two steadying breaths before typing her reply: [Alexander, I'm truly sorry for causing you any inconvenience.]

The moment Alexander read the message, his lips curved into a satisfied smirk.

His fingers moved deliberately across the screen: [Inconvenience is an understatement. When I return, your punishment will be saying "my love" one hundred times.]

Exhausted from the day, Evelyn had just stepped out of the shower when his text lit up her phone.

Her hands shook slightly as she read his words.

"God help me," she muttered, pressing her palms to her flushed cheeks. Every time she closed her eyes, vivid memories of Alexander's possessive kisses flooded her mind.

Was this really just about pet names?

The images grew more intense—Alexander's hands tangled in her hair, his body pressing hers against the wall—until she splashed cold water on her face to shock herself back to reality.

At dawn, Evelyn arrived at Titan Capital Group's HR department.

Gregory Shaw, the bespectacled HR manager, was already at his desk when—

The man was in his early forties, slightly plump with a warm baritone voice. He had called Evelyn just yesterday.

Gregory Shaw had dedicated over a decade to Titan Capital Group. As the HR manager, he interacted with countless employees daily. Yet, Evelyn Carter puzzled him.

Her resume wasn’t particularly impressive by Titan’s standards—the company was brimming with top-tier talent.

Gregory frowned. Three years unaccounted for after college. A double degree, yes, but zero professional experience. And she bypassed the interview process entirely—an exception hire.

Still, he kept his thoughts to himself. His direct superior had personally vouched for her.

Gregory gestured to the receptionist. "Coffee for Ms. Carter, please." Moments later, a sharp-eyed woman in her twenties entered. "Mr. Shaw?"

He nodded toward Evelyn. "Victoria, this is the new addition to the president’s office. Show her the ropes."

Victoria Sloan froze. Her gaze swept over Evelyn, assessing, guarded.

A silent tension crackled between them.