Chapter 716

Alexander's voice held raw sincerity as he murmured, "Evelyn, our son is already here. Don't you want to give him a complete family?"

His own childhood had been far from ideal - in truth, it had been downright traumatic. At an age when most children were showered with love, he'd been shipped off to live with strangers in the countryside.

The reason? His mother had taken her own life shortly after his birth, driven to despair by another man. To Harold Aniston, Alexander had always been a painful reminder of his failed marriage. Though born into wealth, Alexander had grown up with less affection than a stray dog.

Evelyn hadn't known a complete family either. That's precisely why Alexander was determined their son would have everything they'd lacked.

People always sought to compensate for their own deficiencies through their children. Those denied education pushed their offspring to study. Those raised in poverty drove their children toward wealth. And Alexander? He wanted his son surrounded by all the love they could give.

As expected, Evelyn's eyes flickered with emotion at his words. The child was hers - how could she not care? If she divorced Alexander, her greatest regret would be their son.

Her momentary hesitation was all the opening Alexander needed. In one fluid motion, he pulled her against him, cradling her face before claiming her lips in a searing kiss.

His fingers encircled her wrist gently before pressing her against the wall. The kiss was both tender and demanding, his breath hot against her skin as he murmured, "If you're still angry about what happened, punish me however you want. I'll take it. But don't divorce me. We promised forever - what's the point in breaking that? The only way I'm leaving is in a coffin..."

She could taste the faintest hint of whiskey on his lips - not enough to be unpleasant, just enough to add an intoxicating edge.

Evelyn's eyes fluttered shut, her breath catching. There was no escaping the intensity of his kiss, no resisting the way his touch set her skin ablaze.

It had been months since they'd been this close - not since before her pregnancy. Now, with his hands roaming her body, his desire was unmistakable.

"Weren't you happy with me before, Evelyn?" he whispered between kisses. "I've already arranged for Isabella to receive specialized care overseas. Even if she wakes, she'll need long-term treatment abroad. She won't come between us."

Alexander's voice was rough with emotion as he cradled her face, his dark eyes burning with intensity. "I don't love her. Yes, I went to save her - from your perspective, that must have seemed cruel. But she's a living person. Should I have let her die? If I were truly that heartless, wouldn't you find me terrifying? Is that the kind of man you'd want to spend your life with?"

This was Alexander Whitmore at his most persuasive - the man who'd secured his position as CEO of Titan Capital Group in record time. Every word carried weight.

Evelyn let out a soft, resigned laugh. She felt utterly trapped, her resolve crumbling under his relentless logic. "You always know exactly where to strike," she sighed, their lips nearly touching. "You know the child is my only hesitation."

Even as she spoke, doubt gnawed at her. Should she really stay just for their son? "Look at you," she murmured, pulling back slightly. "After everything, you're still bringing up Isabella. Are you really that concerned about her?"

Alexander's voice dropped to a husky whisper. "I only mentioned her because I want you to move forward, Evelyn. Stop dwelling on the past."

Her hand pressed against his chest before sliding up to clasp behind his neck. "But tell me honestly - should I settle just because of our child?"

"Settle?" His expression darkened instantly, warmth giving way to icy displeasure. "Being with me is settling?"

Evelyn met his gaze unflinchingly. "It wasn't before. But that doesn't mean it won't be. Andrew saved your life, so you feel indebted. But Dominic saved mine, Alexander. If I started running to him every time he needed something, could you tolerate that marriage?"

His jaw clenched. "That's different. Dominic's act was noble, but I'll be the one to repay that debt. You don't need to concern yourself."

When Dominic had been critically injured, it was Alexander who'd personally called the hospital director. The director later confessed that any delay would have been fatal.

Alexander had been willing to repay Dominic in every way - except by surrendering the woman he loved.

His thumb brushed Evelyn's lips, silencing her. "Enough," he murmured. "The doctor said your hormones are still stabilizing postpartum. It's natural to feel unbalanced."

"That said," he continued, pulling her closer, "I'm not taking your words to heart. I came today because I needed to see you. And now that I have... I can tell you haven't been well without me. Come home. I've missed you terribly."

Before she could respond, he swept her into his arms, one arm beneath her knees. She tensed to struggle, then remembered her stitches. Too much movement could reopen the wound.

He carried her to the elevator, through the parking garage, and gently settled her in the passenger seat, buckling her in himself.

Turning to study her face, he murmured, "I know you still care for me, Evelyn. Dwelling on the unchangeable past only tortures you. What's done is done. It's time to move forward."

Alexander quickly turned on the heater, then retrieved a thick blanket from the backseat, tucking it around her until only her face remained visible. "We're good now, yes? Just like before?" he asked softly. "Tell me what I must do to prove your worth to me?"

Evelyn remained silent, lashes fluttering as she looked down. She knew her extended stay at Claire's had become inconvenient.

Originally, Claire and Lucas had been splitting custody of Sophia week by week. But with Evelyn recovering at Claire's, they'd sent Sophia to Lucas full-time to avoid disturbing Evelyn's rest. Now that Evelyn was leaving, Claire could finally bring her daughter home.

Warm air brushed Evelyn's cheeks, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

While finalizing divorce terms, she'd also applied to Brookstone College of Music. Natalie had facilitated the connection after Evelyn mentioned admiring a certain industry legend.

Just yesterday, the school had contacted her about a video interview in three days. Admission would mean studying under some of the world's greatest musicians - an opportunity she'd discussed with Leonard, who'd fully supported her continuing education.

Thirty minutes later, the car pulled into their driveway. Alexander studied her pensive expression. "What's on your mind? You've been quiet."

"Nothing," Evelyn said, snapping from her thoughts to unbuckle her seatbelt.

Alexander caught her hand. "Slowly. Let me help you." His thoughtfulness remained unchanged.

She allowed him to assist her, but beneath the surface, she knew nothing would ever be quite the same again.