Chapter 75

Ethan gave a hesitant nod. "Yeah, that's right. I even suggested she pretend to be my girlfriend—"

He cut himself off abruptly, sensing the sudden shift in Alexander's expression. The air between them turned icy, sending an involuntary shiver down Ethan's spine. A cold sweat prickled at the back of his neck.

Did I just make a huge mistake?

Alexander's sharp brows drew together, his voice dropping to a dangerous low. "Employees of Titan Capital Group's executive office are strictly prohibited from romantic entanglements."

His tone was clipped, leaving no room for argument. "No exceptions. No arrangements."

Without another word, Alexander scooped Evelyn into his arms and strode out of the private room, leaving Ethan standing there in stunned silence.

It took Ethan several long moments to process what had just happened.

What the hell?

Titan Capital Group was known for its progressive policies—employee benefits were the envy of the industry. Since when did they enforce such an archaic rule?

He had never heard of anything like this before.

Was this some kind of personal vendetta?

Or had he unknowingly crossed a line he shouldn’t have?

"No dating, no matchmaking—isn't that a bit extreme?"

Alexander tightened his grip around Evelyn as they slid into the backseat of the car. His expression darkened the entire ride home.

Two days.

That was all it had taken.

Two days away on business, and his newlywed wife had already sneaked off to meet his nephew for a blind date.

And not just any blind date—one that ended with her drunk in front of a man she barely knew.

His jaw clenched.

She was getting reckless.

What if it hadn’t been Ryan? What if it had been someone dangerous?

Evelyn, oblivious to the storm brewing inside him, curled deeper into his chest with a soft sigh. Her breathing evened out, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks.

Alexander exhaled sharply, fingers tracing the dip of her waist before giving a sharp pinch.

"Evelyn," he ground out, voice low. "You will explain this."

She only nuzzled closer, lips parting slightly in sleep.

Up front, Simon pressed the accelerator harder, the speedometer climbing past 180.

The sooner they got home, the better.

Before Alexander decided to really lose his temper.

The thought echoed in his mind like a desperate plea. Help me.

Simon Graves felt like an unwelcome intruder in this tense moment.

Even though Alexander Whitmore's anger was palpable, Simon couldn't shake the feeling that he was nothing more than an unnecessary presence.

Evelyn Carter’s lashes trembled faintly, her breathing steady—no indication she would wake anytime soon.

Then, without warning, Alexander leaned down.

His face hovered dangerously close to hers, his breath ghosting over her lips.

They were soft, slightly parted, glistening under the dim car light.

Alexander’s throat moved as he swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around her chin.

Just as the tension thickened, the car rolled to a smooth stop in the garage.

Simon didn’t dare turn around. He wished he could dissolve into the seat.

"Mr. Whitmore," he murmured, voice barely above a whisper. "We've arrived."

A low hum of acknowledgment was all Alexander gave before stepping out, Evelyn cradled securely in his arms.

Then—unexpectedly—her eyes fluttered open.

Evelyn blinked, disoriented, her gaze drifting until it landed on Alexander’s face.

A beat of silence.

Then, with a soft sigh, she melted into his embrace, her arms looping around his neck.

Her voice was honeyed, laced with the drowsy warmth of intoxication.

"Alexander..."

The way she said his name sent a shiver down his spine.

She nuzzled closer, her breath warm against his skin.

Simon wisely pretended not to exist.

"Darling! You're finally home!"

Alexander stood frozen, his breath catching in his throat.

Simon watched, utterly stunned.

Evelyn nestled her head against Alexander's chest, her voice soft, almost teasing.

"Why did you keep me waiting so long?"

She swayed slightly, her steps unsteady, her balance faltering.

Yet her flushed cheeks remained pressed against him, her eyes glazed with a hazy sweetness.

Alexander's entire body tensed.

The bitter jealousy and fury that had burned inside him moments ago evaporated like mist.

All he could think of was the way she had looked up at him, calling him darling in that breathless voice.

She was warm, pliant—utterly irresistible. He wanted nothing more than to crush her against him and claim her right there.

He should be furious with her.

But she had called him darling.

And just like that, his resolve shattered.