Chapter 727

The following days passed in quiet routine.

Alexander left early each morning, returning late with excuses about urgent business at Titan Capital Group. Occasionally, he brought small gifts for Evelyn—sometimes her favorite desserts, sometimes delicate trinkets for their home.

She accepted them all without protest.

It was better this way. His absence meant he wouldn’t notice she had already moved her most important belongings out of Whitmore Manor.

At the office, Alexander found himself staring at a photograph of Evelyn and himself, lost in thought.

It struck him suddenly—they hadn’t had a proper date in months.

Not since the accident. Not since the birth of their son.

An invisible wall had risen between them, one he didn’t know how to breach.

Simon entered quietly. "Mr. Whitmore, your flight to England has been confirmed. You and Ms. Morgan depart in a week."

Alexander blinked, refocusing. "What has Evelyn been doing at home lately?"

Every evening, she retreated to her room the moment he returned.

She still smiled when he handed her gifts, but the warmth never reached her eyes.

"Mrs. Whitmore has been reorganizing her wardrobe," Simon replied. "She packed several bags of clothing for donation last week."

Alexander nodded. Evelyn had always supported the local orphanage. Nothing unusual there.

"Move the meeting up. I want to return home early tonight."

"Understood."

Just then, Lucas stormed in.

The scent of whiskey clung to him as he slumped into a chair, gripping Alexander’s arm.

"Why couldn’t I keep her? She didn’t even take Bella. Just—gone."

Alexander didn’t need to ask who he meant. Claire.

Simon discreetly excused himself, shutting the door behind him.

Alexander frowned at Lucas’s disheveled state. "Explain."

"Today was supposed to be her day with Bella. I waited. She never showed."

Lucas dragged a hand through his hair. "Her phone was off. Hours later, I found out she’d already boarded a flight to Cresthaven!"

His voice cracked. "She said she was chasing her career. No warning. No goodbye. I’m still Bella’s father—how could she just abandon her?"

But Lucas wasn’t entirely truthful.

Claire had mentioned Cresthaven before. She’d intended to take Bella.

Lucas had fought her on it, believing she’d never leave without their daughter.

Yet here they were.

Alexander was surprised.

From what he’d observed, Lucas and Claire had grown closer since Bella’s birth. Their divorce negotiations had even softened.

He’d assumed Lucas could change her mind.

But she was gone.

Lucas slumped forward, voice hollow. "Bella is her child. Does she hate me so much she’d rather abandon her than stay?"

Alexander rested a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe it’s temporary. Cresthaven is unfamiliar—no friends, no family. When the novelty fades, she might return."

Lucas shook his head violently. "She knows someone there. Max Harrison. Old friends. He convinced her!"

The implication hung between them.

Alexander’s thoughts darkened.

Did Evelyn know about this?

Had she encouraged Claire to leave?

Dominic’s recovery progressed steadily.

That afternoon, as Evelyn finished his acupuncture session, she said, "I’ll be traveling soon. You’ve improved enough that daily treatments aren’t necessary. I’ll leave a prescription—"

Dominic’s gaze sharpened. "Traveling? Where? For how long?"

Evelyn avoided his eyes. "Indefinitely. Nathaniel can prepare the herbs for you."

Dominic studied her for a long moment before smirking. "You’re running away."

Evelyn stiffened.

He laughed, stretching lazily. Water droplets trailed down his throat, glistening against his bare chest.

"Lucky for you," he purred, "I’m due for a change of scenery. I’ll join you."

Evelyn recoiled. "Absolutely not."

Dominic caught her wrist, his grip firm. "You think Alexander will let you vanish with his son that easily?"

His thumb brushed her pulse point. "Tell him you’re leaving for me. Let him direct his anger at me instead."

His grin turned wicked. "Well, Evelyn? Should we act?"