Chapter 662

Evelyn rushed downstairs barefoot, her soles meeting the cool marble as she frantically searched for the medical kit. Alexander's injury had her heart pounding.

She grabbed antiseptic and cotton pads, gently pulling Alexander onto the sofa with determined hands.

"Honestly, Alexander Whitmore," she chided while dabbing at his wound, "getting into fights and coming home injured? Some battle strategy."

Alexander reclined against the cushions, watching through half-lidded eyes as Evelyn fussed over him.

Each careful touch sent warmth through him. The pain was worth this rare tenderness.

No one had ever treated his wounds with such devotion. No one had ever cared if he hurt.

Seeing it was just a surface cut, Evelyn exhaled in relief. "Keep this dry for three days. Be careful when-"

Alexander swept her onto his lap in one fluid motion, her legs straddling him.

Evelyn gasped as his hands settled on her waist, her entire body cradled against him.

Without ceremony, Alexander stood, supporting her bottom as he carried her upstairs. "Alexander! Put me down! I can walk!" she protested, cheeks flaming.

"You're barefoot," he stated simply, as if this explained everything.

Evelyn buried her face in his neck, surrendering to his embrace as he ascended effortlessly.

The intimacy left her breathless - too flustered to struggle even if she'd wanted to.

At the landing, Alexander pinned her against the door, claiming her lips in a searing kiss.

Evelyn giggled between kisses. "Alexander...not here..."

From her bedroom doorway, Isabella froze at the sight.

She'd risen from bed, drawn by the commotion, only to witness Alexander and Evelyn lost in each other.

Her chest constricted. With a frustrated growl, she slammed her door shut.

Unbearable! She couldn't stay another minute!

That evening, Ethan appeared at the hospital with a bruised face, immediately drawing Vanessa's attention.

"What happened?" she demanded. Ethan remained silent, offering no explanation.

Vanessa's eyes narrowed. She'd get answers one way or another.

By morning, she'd learned Ethan had been seen with a woman of questionable reputation.

Rage ignited in her veins. "Pining for Evelyn is one thing, but finding some lookalike replacement?" She couldn't confront Ethan directly, so when Eleanor visited, Vanessa unleashed her fury.

To her shock, Eleanor seemed indifferent, advising her to focus on the pregnancy.

How could she focus when her husband was chasing another woman?

Eleanor had never approved of her, and now even Eleanor wouldn't take her side.

Tears spilled down Vanessa's cheeks as despair overwhelmed her.

This marriage she'd fought so hard for had become her prison.

Everything was crumbling - even her unborn child had congenital heart defects, leaving her terrified of the future.

Grace watched awkwardly as Vanessa sobbed, clutching her hand and pouring out marital woes.

At twenty-two and still in college, Grace struggled to empathize. She'd never been in a serious relationship.

To her, Vanessa was simply reaping what she'd sown.

Eventually, Vanessa cried herself to sleep, tear stains darkening her pillow.

Grace shook her head. "This is why I'm sticking to fictional men. No marriage, no kids - just peace."

Meanwhile, Isabella's charade at Whitmore Manor was wearing thin.

With security cameras everywhere, maintaining her blind act was exhausting.

She opted to hide in her room, sleeping through the day.

When Evelyn noticed Isabella still hadn't emerged by ten, she knocked. "Isabella? You in there?"

"Ugh, Evelyn! I'm sleeping!" came the irritated reply.

Evelyn's voice was light. "Come on, bestie! I'm bored out of my mind!"

"Bestie? Don't call me that!" Isabella yanked the covers higher.

Evelyn smiled. "I've got cherries! I'll even wash them for you."

Isabella gritted her teeth. This wasn't about fruit - Evelyn was mocking her.

She had to know about the ruse. Why else install all those cameras?

"I hate cherries!" Isabella snapped.

Evelyn continued cheerfully. "Grapes then? Mangoes? I'll cube them perfectly - oh wait, you can't see them!"

"Isabella, why keep pretending?" Evelyn pressed. "Doesn't it get uncomfortable?"

Silence.

Isabella tossed violently, nearing her breaking point.

Recognizing the limit, Evelyn retreated, satisfied with her strategy.

Having Isabella under her roof was brilliant - any mischief would require careful planning now.

The doorbell interrupted her thoughts.

Evelyn opened the door to find a stunning woman holding a gift.

"Can I help you?" Evelyn asked, momentarily stunned.

The woman smiled warmly. "I'm Victoria Clarke. Thank you for saving me."

Evelyn's eyes widened in recognition. "Victoria?"