Chapter 97

Evelyn jerked her hand free from Ethan's grip.

Her pulse raced as she feared Alexander might reveal everything. Thinking fast, she reached into her bag and pulled out a file.

"Mr. Whitmore, here's the report you requested."

She was grateful for her position at Horizon Enterprises—work was the perfect excuse.

Moving closer, she subtly widened her eyes at him, silently pleading for cooperation.

Alexander's expression darkened.

The way Ethan had grabbed Evelyn's wrist, the way her hair was tousled—it didn't take a genius to piece together what had just happened.

Rage simmered beneath his composed exterior. But seeing her silent plea, he forced himself to swallow the jealousy burning in his chest.

"Understood."

His voice was ice-cold as he gave a curt nod, turning slightly to play along.

With the same detached professionalism he displayed at the office, he ordered, "Leave it on my study desk."

Evelyn exhaled in relief.

She could still feel Ethan's gaze boring into her back, but for now, the charade had worked.

Alexander didn't spare Ethan another glance as he strode toward the study, his posture rigid with barely contained fury.

Evelyn hurried after him, clutching the file like a lifeline.

The tension in the air was suffocating.

She had no idea how long this act could hold.

But for now, it was all she had.

Ethan stepped into the apartment, his gaze immediately locking onto Alexander.

He had intended to say something, but the stormy expression on Alexander's face made him reconsider.

"Uncle Alexander, why do you live here?"

The apartment complex was far from luxurious—certainly not the kind of place suited for a man of Alexander's standing.

Alexander pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it with deliberate slowness. Smoke curled around him as he leveled Ethan with an indifferent stare.

"Because I want to."

Ethan’s eyes flickered, catching sight of the faint marks trailing along Alexander’s neck—love bites, unmistakable in their origin.

His gaze swept over the apartment, noting the subtle feminine touches scattered throughout.

A realization struck him.

"Uncle Alexander… do you have a girlfriend?"

Alexander leaned casually against the doorframe, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

He neither confirmed nor denied it.

But that was enough.

Ethan’s mind raced.

Alexander Whitmore—untouchable, ruthless, and famously detached—was seeing someone.

What an unexpected twist!

Ethan's curiosity was piqued. "Uncle Alexander, who is this woman that's stolen your heart? Why not bring her home and introduce her to the family?"

"Patience," Alexander replied coolly, his gaze sharp.

His lips curved into an enigmatic smile. "You'll meet her soon enough."

Ethan nodded, not pressing further.

Alexander's eyes darkened dangerously. "Why are you still lingering here?"

Ethan tilted his head, trying to peer past him into the apartment.

Evelyn hadn't emerged yet.

After a brief hesitation, he lowered his voice. "Uncle Alexander, I want Evelyn transferred to the Marketing Department."

Instantly, Alexander's expression turned icy.

A mocking smirk played on his lips.

Ethan blinked. "What?"

Alexander studied him with undisguised disdain. "Are you seriously trying to take what's mine?"

His voice dripped with contempt. "You're not worthy."

Without waiting for a response, he slammed the door shut with such force that the walls trembled.

The abruptness of his action spoke volumes—his temper was barely restrained.

The message was clear: crossing him would be a grave mistake.

Ethan Caldwell stood frozen outside the door, his knuckles still stinging from the unanswered knock.

The heavy oak door remained firmly shut, sealing Evelyn Carter's silent rejection.

He counted exactly 237 seconds before accepting she wouldn't emerge. The realization tasted like burnt coffee—bitter and unnecessary.

Of course she was avoiding him. That warning from Alexander Whitmore still echoed in his skull like a gong.

Did she think he'd beg?

His polished Oxfords pivoted sharply on the marble tiles. He'd only come to deliver a message: stay away from Ryan Fletcher.

The thought of his cousin entangled with Evelyn made his stomach churn. Disgusting. Absolutely unacceptable.

Upstairs, Evelyn's pen hovered over a legal document as cold realization struck.

Ethan had tracked her here.

If she kept living under Alexander's roof, their arrangement would become public before Vanessa Hart's wedding.

And that couldn't happen. Not yet. The society pages weren't ready for this bombshell.

Her gold-plated pen snapped in half. Ink bled across the contract like a warning.