Chapter 628

The man in the baseball cap watched as Alexander and Isabella walked away, his piercing gaze following them until they disappeared around the corner.

There was something dangerous about him - the kind of person you'd instinctively cross the street to avoid.

"I don't recognize her," he muttered under his breath.

Nathan raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Really? You were staring holes through her back just now!"

After a brief pause, the sidekick added, "That's Sebastian Powell from the Powell family. They've been our business partners for years."

"But those Powell brothers? Always at each other's throats. Rich families - all smiles in public, knives out in private." He lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke through his nostrils.

Meanwhile, Isabella wobbled in her stilettos, and the capped man tensed as if to rush forward.

Then he checked himself.

Alexander immediately knelt to examine her ankle. "Are you hurt?" His voice dripped with concern.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" Isabella gasped.

"Your ankle's swollen. You can't walk. I'm taking you to my car."

Sunlight glinted off Alexander's gold-rimmed glasses, making his eyes sparkle with mischief.

He flashed a charming smile and effortlessly scooped her into the passenger seat before she could protest.

"Should we stop by the hospital?"

Isabella shook her head violently. "Absolutely not! Take me back to the symphony hall!"

With the windows down, their every movement was visible from the street.

The capped man watched as Alexander tenderly massaged Isabella's injured foot, his face the picture of worry.

"Fine, no hospital. But let me at least get some ointment on our way back?" Alexander suggested, pulling her closer.

"You've been on my mind constantly, Isabella. Every night when I close my eyes, it's your face I see."

From a distance, their words were inaudible, but their intimate embrace spoke volumes.

Isabella fought back revulsion.

She barely knew Alexander - their previous encounters had been strictly business.

Still, she reasoned, "If he's willing to cross Dominic just because I asked... he could prove useful."

After the humiliation at the competition, she needed allies.

She allowed the embrace.

Encouraged, Alexander cupped her face and pressed his lips to hers.

Isabella's stomach turned.

Fortunately, the kiss lasted only seconds.

"Let's get you back. I'll apply the ointment, then we can..." His suggestive tone left little to imagination.

"No! Just drop me off - and don't come inside!" Isabella insisted.

"Why not?"

She glared. "The symphony hall is crawling with people. What if someone sees us?"

Alexander waved dismissively. "Is that all? Then come to my penthouse, or we could-"

"Alexander! I'm exhausted. Not today."

Reading her mood, he backtracked. "Alright, let's just get that ointment."

As they drove off, the capped man stood motionless, watching until the car vanished.

Alexander deliberately slowed as they passed him, stealing a glance before pretending disinterest.

Minutes later, the sidekick chuckled. "Still staring, Andrew? They're long gone."

Only then did the man look away.

The sidekick shook his head. "What's Sebastian playing at? Isn't his wedding in two weeks?"

"That woman definitely wasn't Victoria Clarke. If Ms. Clarke finds out..."

"Victoria Clarke?"

"Sebastian's fiancée. Saw her once - stunning woman."

The sidekick grinned suggestively. "And let's just say she's... generously proportioned up top. Hey - Andrew! Where are you going? I wasn't finished!"

Back at the venue, Evelyn composed herself after the shocking encounter.

Isabella's shove hadn't injured her, but the live broadcast chaos demanded she maintain dignity through the awards ceremony.

As soon as it ended, she retreated backstage - straight into strong, familiar arms.

She looked up to find Lucas, breathless from rushing.

He'd been watching the live stream, glued to his phone during an unavoidable meeting.

When he saw Isabella collide with Evelyn on screen, he'd nearly shattered his phone screen trying to reach them.

A twenty-minute drive became an eight-minute adrenaline-fueled sprint.

He clutched a slightly battered bouquet from his mad dash.

"Should we get you checked?" Genuine concern etched his features.

Evelyn nodded.

At six months pregnant, she couldn't take risks.

Just then, Natalie approached. "Evelyn, Mr. Herty wants to host a celebration dinner."

An opportunity to formally introduce everyone - fellow students who'd never properly met.

Evelyn's eyes clouded with worry. "Natalie, please tell him I'm unwell. A celebration isn't appropriate right now."

Natalie's gaze dropped to Evelyn's belly. "Did you overexert yourself?"

Evelyn nodded slightly. "Possibly."

Natalie's expression turned serious. "Then you must get checked! I'll inform Mr. Herty."

Evelyn smiled gratefully. "You've been incredibly helpful today. Let me treat you to dinner soon - no arguments."

"Looking forward to it," Natalie replied, nodding at Lucas in recognition.

They'd met before - the cello Evelyn now played was one Lucas had purchased from Natalie at considerable expense. For musicians, their instruments were sacred - rarely parted with.

Except, of course, for those like Lucas who moved in different circles.

Even the most idealistic artists needed to eat.