Chapter 638
Sending Isabella away appeared to be the wisest decision. It would give Evelyn peace during her pregnancy. But Isabella froze, her face twisting in shock. "Alexander, are you abandoning me?"
"I'm not abandoning you," Alexander explained, his voice steady. "I'm arranging specialized treatment abroad for you."
"Is it because I'm blind now?" Her voice cracked. "You think I'm useless, so you're using this as an excuse to discard me?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Alexander frowned, irritated by her dramatics. "This is for your own good. What orchestra would take you in your current state?"
Seeing her tears, he softened his tone. "You don’t have to decide now. Take time to think."
"Alexander, where are you going?" Panic laced her words as she sensed him moving. "Don’t leave me! I’ll answer now—I won’t go! I want to stay with you!"
Her fingers clutched at the air blindly. "I’m terrified to go alone when I can’t see. Unless… you come with me."
"That’s impossible," he said flatly.
"Then I refuse." Her voice was steel.
Silence stretched between them.
Finally, he relented. "Fine. We’ll arrange treatment here. Rest now."
"You’re really leaving me alone in this state?" she snapped.
She knew how he’d stayed by Evelyn’s side during her pregnancy complications. She wanted the same devotion.
It was nearly dawn, and Alexander hadn’t slept. Work awaited him in a few hours.
A dull ache pulsed in his temples. He massaged them. "Just sleep."
"And you?"
"I’ll stay."
That seemed to placate her.
Exhaustion must have claimed her, because soon, her breathing evened out.
Simon entered quietly, sympathy in his gaze. "Mr. Whitmore, there’s a couch. You should rest too."
Alexander’s thoughts were with Evelyn. He’d only meant to check on Isabella briefly.
But if she woke and found him gone, another meltdown was inevitable. He had no choice but to stay.
"Simon, I appreciate your help tonight. Once this is settled, you’ll be compensated."
Simon nodded.
Dealing with Isabella was exhausting. But compared to Alexander’s predicament, he had it easy.
He was just an employee. Alexander was trapped in this nightmare with no escape.
Sunlight spilled through the curtains when Evelyn woke.
The other side of the bed was cold. Alexander hadn’t returned.
A hollow ache settled in her chest.
Her phone buzzed—a message from Leonard, inviting her to a celebratory dinner.
Given her pregnancy, it would be intimate—just Leonard and Natalie.
Though modest, the real purpose was introducing her to Natalie, her senior colleague.
Staying home meant drowning in dark thoughts. She accepted.
The restaurant was an exclusive private kitchen, discreet and elegant.
Leonard and Natalie were already seated when she arrived.
"Evelyn! Over here." Leonard beamed. "This is Natalie Riley—though I doubt introductions are necessary. The legendary cellist needs no introduction."
"Pleasure to meet you, Natalie." Evelyn presented her carefully chosen gift—a vintage record player, perfect for a musician.
Natalie chuckled. "So formal! Now I feel guilty arriving empty-handed. Leonard will scold me."
"You lent me your strings before the competition. This is the least I could do."
"Then I’ll have to return the favor," Natalie teased.
"Enough chatter—let’s order," Leonard interjected, noting the shadows under Evelyn’s eyes. "Trouble sleeping?"
Not insomnia. Just… unease.
She’d dreamed of bloodied hands dragging her into darkness, only to wake at dawn.
With Isabella’s situation looming, she didn’t elaborate.
Natalie cleared her throat. "Evelyn, we invited you not just to celebrate, but because a colleague wants to purchase the rights to your winning piece."
Evelyn blinked. Several agencies had approached her during her hospital stay, but she’d hesitated, unsure of industry pitfalls.
Natalie smiled. "Don’t worry. I’d never steer you wrong. Just sign the authorization, and the royalties will follow."
Evelyn glanced at Leonard for confirmation.
He nodded. "Natalie’s connections are invaluable. Exchange contacts—you’ll need them."
Trusting them, Evelyn agreed. "Of course. For you, I’ll authorize it."
Natalie produced a contract seamlessly. "Perfect. Just sign here."
Evelyn skimmed the terms—nothing alarming—and signed.
The payment hit her account before dessert arrived.
She counted the zeros. Six.
The windfall lifted her spirits.
Emboldened, she called Alexander.
His phone was off.
She tried Titan Capital’s executive office.
Natalie Brooks answered. "Titan Capital Executive Office. How may I help you?"
"It’s Evelyn," she said quietly. "Is Alexander there?"
"Evelyn!" Natalie’s voice warmed. "Long time! Congratulations on the pregnancy! Oh—Mr. Whitmore? He’s not in today. Didn’t he tell you?"
Evelyn’s stomach dropped.
It was already afternoon.
Had Alexander been with Isabella this entire time?