Chapter 653

Evelyn's brow furrowed, the lingering resentment toward Alexander still simmering beneath her composed exterior.

She placed a delicate hand against his chest, creating distance between them. Her teeth worried her lower lip as she voiced the concern gnawing at her. "What about Isabella? Shouldn't you be attending to her tonight? In her current condition... what if something happens? Doesn't that worry you?"

"Worried?" Alexander's intense gaze locked onto hers, searching for something deeper. "Evelyn, tell me... is this jealousy I'm sensing?"

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken emotions.

It cut deeper than any knife to watch her husband dote on another woman, especially when he'd forgotten their anniversary.

Yes, Alexander had performed admirably at the reunion, making her the envy of her classmates. But what did that matter?

Empty gestures couldn't fill the void in her heart or provide genuine comfort.

What Evelyn craved was authentic devotion from her husband, not these superficial displays.

She desperately needed Alexander to resolve whatever remained between him and Isabella and refocus on their family.

She'd granted him time to sort through this mess, but if he couldn't... she was prepared to gather her dignity and walk away.

She refused to remain trapped in this twisted love triangle.

Financially independent now, Evelyn knew she could raise their child alone if necessary.

Alexander's fingers gently intertwined with hers. "Today, a specialist examined Isabella. They found no physiological damage to her eyes, yet she insists she can't see."

"The expert believes her vision might return spontaneously within days."

"My schedule's been overwhelming lately—I haven't been able to remain at her bedside constantly. Please don't misinterpret my actions."

"Sometimes work keeps me at the Hawthorne Estate so late, I didn't want to disturb your rest."

Evelyn's pregnancy advanced daily, and he understood how precious her sleep had become. His late-night arrivals would only disrupt her peace.

"I only visited the hospital today to consult with the specialist. I needed firsthand information about her condition."

He'd delegated Isabella's care to Simon and even hired a private nurse.

"I tried calling earlier," he added, drawing her closer until his arms encircled her waist.

Evelyn had developed a habit of silencing her phone during creative sessions.

By the time she noticed Alexander's missed calls and attempted to return them, he'd inevitably be in meetings with his phone muted.

This frustrating cycle of missed connections had strained them both.

Learning Alexander hadn't been constantly at Isabella's side eased some of Evelyn's tension.

Her lashes fluttered downward as she murmured, "But this afternoon... at the hospital... I saw you kissing her."

Alexander's expression darkened as he searched his memory. Suddenly, realization dawned. "Wait—was that noise in the hallway you?"

His gaze swept over her urgently. "Evelyn, did you fall? Are you injured?"

He vaguely recalled hearing something heavy impact the floor, but Isabella's distraction had prevented investigation.

Evelyn gave a slight headshake. "Just collided with a waste bin... stumbled slightly. No fall occurred."

Alexander exhaled in relief. "Thank goodness. Isabella claimed something irritated her eye... I was examining it. You misinterpreted what you saw."

Evelyn's features hardened with sudden clarity.

"How convenient," she mused silently. "I arrive precisely as they're in that compromising position."

"Almost as if... Isabella wanted me to witness it."

"But wait—she's supposedly blind. How would she know I was there?"

A startling possibility took root in Evelyn's mind.

"What if Isabella can see? What if this blindness is an elaborate ruse?"

The theory gained traction as she considered it.

Even the specialists found no significant injury—perhaps this was all performance art. "Could she be deceiving everyone?"

Evelyn kept these suspicions from Alexander.

Without concrete evidence, accusations would be meaningless.

If Isabella was indeed pretending, Evelyn wanted to expose the truth herself.

After all, Isabella had framed Evelyn for this supposed injury—now came the reckoning.

"Keeping Isabella hospitalized isn't sustainable. Why not bring her to our home?" Evelyn proposed abruptly.

Alexander stared in disbelief. "Our home? Evelyn, what are you suggesting?"

"Consider the practicality. Our staff could attend to her needs more efficiently," Evelyn countered with calculated sincerity.

Alexander shook his head. "That's our private sanctuary. I won't have another woman invading that space." His boundaries remained firm.

Never would he permit Isabella to cross their home's threshold.

Moreover, as a man of principle, he found the idea of cohabitating with another woman—even with Evelyn present—profoundly inappropriate.

But Evelyn had strategic reasons for this suggestion.

"Temporarily only! Once her vision returns, she leaves. Would you truly abandon a blind woman?" Alexander hesitated, conflict evident in his features.

Evelyn clasped his arm, tilting her face upward with softened expression.

This vulnerable posture always unraveled his resistance, tugging at his heartstrings.

With a resigned sigh, he nodded. "Very well. Your decision stands. I'll comply."

Relief washed over Evelyn.

Alexander's voice gentled. "Does this mean you're finally ready to return from the Hawthorne Estate?"

Her eager nod answered him.

"Then I'll rearrange my schedule to collect you personally tomorrow," Alexander said, the ghost of a smile touching his lips.

After a beat, he amended, "No—we're going home tonight."

In one fluid motion, he guided her toward their car, as though fearing she might reconsider.

As the city lights blurred past the window, Evelyn's thoughts drifted.

She reminded herself that Alexander carried tremendous responsibilities. That he'd made time for her reunion at all was significant. Expecting him to remember every anniversary might be unreasonable.

Her gaze dropped, stealing glances at the passing scenery.

Noticing Evelyn's distraction, Alexander retrieved his phone and texted Lucas: [Call me in ten minutes.]

Lucas responded immediately: [Understood.]