Chapter 722

Alexander's passionate kiss consumed Evelyn completely, leaving no space for protest. Backlit by the hallway lights, his imposing silhouette engulfed her, pulling her into what felt like an endless vortex of desire and despair.

His heated breath scorched her neck in ragged bursts. The contrast between her flushed cheeks and the cold wall pressing against her back sent electric shocks through her nervous system.

Though his lips claimed hers fiercely, Evelyn sensed an ocean of sorrow radiating from Alexander's every touch.

He accused her of deception, yet she couldn't comprehend his meaning. When she tried shoving him away, his grip only tightened, his kiss turning savage - as if unleashing months of pent-up frustration through each bruising contact. The situation escalated dangerously fast. When his large hand slipped beneath her blouse, tracing the curve of her waist, panic jolted through her.

Evelyn slapped him hard. "I just had a baby, Alexander! Have you lost your mind?" Teeth sinking into her lower lip, she shot him a venomous glare before fleeing to their bedroom.

The sharp sting of her palm sobered Alexander slightly. Standing alone in the dim corridor, he blinked in momentary confusion.

He'd never intended to go that far - Evelyn was still recovering from childbirth. But the alcohol had blurred his judgment tonight.

His gaze drifted to the locked door. In different circumstances, he would've followed immediately with apologies. But exhaustion and intoxication weighted his limbs. After a heavy pause, he turned toward his study instead.

Meanwhile, Evelyn pressed her ear against the door, anticipating his pursuit. She expected his usual coaxing, his tender reassurances. But minutes passed with only retreating footsteps and silence.

Frowning, she cracked the door open. The study light glowed, but the hallway stood empty.

A pang of disappointment struck her chest. Just as moisture gathered in her eyes, her phone buzzed urgently.

Overseas, it was daytime - the scheduled hour for her Brookstone College of Music interview.

She changed into professional attire and booted up her laptop. When the video call connected, several distinguished faces appeared - all renowned musicians she recognized instantly. Nervous excitement replaced her earlier melancholy.

The intensive interview lasted over an hour. Thanks to her international schooling at Hawthorne Estate, Evelyn conversed fluently. By 3 AM, exhausted, she collapsed into dreamless sleep.

Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains when she awoke. Alexander's absence was palpable - no breakfast tray, just Giselle's simple meal preparation. A dull ache settled in Evelyn's chest as she dressed.

Last night's interview had gone well, with results due in a week - perfect timing as her recovery period ended.

Concern for Dominic Powell nagged at her. She hadn't performed his medical acupuncture in days. Worse, yesterday's attempts to contact her son's doctor had failed until midnight, when a terse message finally arrived claiming the baby was stable. But instinct told her something was wrong.

Her plans to visit the hospital were interrupted by Oliver Hayes's arrival. "What are you doing outside during confinement?" her brother demanded. "Where's Alexander? Shouldn't he be with you?"

"He left early," Evelyn murmured.

Oliver's scowl deepened. "Again? First he wasn't there during your accident, now he's abandoning you postpartum? What kind of husband does that?"

Though Alexander had won Oliver over months ago with extravagant gifts, family loyalty came first. Evelyn simply lowered her eyes.

She'd noticed Alexander's strange behavior last night but hadn't pressed. "Titan Capital must be keeping him busy," she offered weakly.

Oliver huffed but dropped the subject. "Where are you headed? I'll drive you."

At the hospital, Evelyn went straight to her son's physician, demanding to see him. But unlike previous visits, the doctor refused point-blank.

"Why the change?" Evelyn pressed. "I visited just days ago!"

The truth was complicated - the infant had undergone emergency cardiac surgery yesterday and remained under intensive monitoring. Bound by Alexander's orders, the doctor merely said, "He's undergoing treatment. Come back in a few days."

Evelyn's stomach twisted. "What treatment? Is there a problem?"

"Just routine checks," the doctor assured too quickly. "His recovery progresses well."

The hollow reassurance did nothing to ease Evelyn's growing dread. Something was terribly wrong - she could feel it in her bones.