Chapter 79

Evelyn's lips curved into a smile. As she turned to leave, Alexander's gaze locked onto her. "Join me for breakfast."

What?

She froze mid-step, disbelief flashing across her features.

Since when did he speak to her with such gentleness? And when had they ever shared a private meal together, let alone something as intimate as breakfast?

"Madam, your breakfast is served." Mrs. Harrington beamed at Evelyn with grandmotherly warmth.

After a moment's hesitation, Evelyn approached the table.

Her eyes scanned the spread - bowls of granola, stacks of golden toast, and Mrs. Harrington's famous homemade scones. Exactly the kind of simple, comforting breakfast Evelyn adored.

"Sit here." Alexander pulled out the chair beside his own.

Evelyn shot him a wary glance. "Too close for comfort, Mr. Blackwood. Wouldn't want to accidentally spill coffee on your thousand-dollar suit."

She deliberately chose the seat opposite him.

Alexander's expression darkened instantly, thunderclouds gathering in his stormy eyes.

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her spoon. She focused on her granola, avoiding eye contact.

Alexander studied her nervous posture and let out a derisive chuckle. "Can't stand being near your own husband now? Rushing off to meet that man?"

That man?

Evelyn's spoon clinked against her bowl. She looked up, confusion written across her face, just as Alexander's piercing gaze met hers.

"Evelyn Sinclair, didn't you vow to love only me in this lifetime? Has your lifetime expired already?"

His mocking tone dripped with barely concealed triumph.

Evelyn took a deliberate bite of toast before answering playfully, "Actually, yes. My lifetime's just about up."

The last traces of sarcasm vanished from Alexander's eyes.

"So you're confessing your feelings for another man?" His voice turned arctic.

Evelyn's pink lips quirked at the corners. "Suppose I am."

"Evelyn Sinclair! You—"

The doorbell's chime cut through the tension like a knife.

Mrs. Harrington answered to reveal Victoria Lancaster swaying into the foyer.

"Alexander darling, why didn't you come to me last—" Victoria's sugary voice faltered mid-sentence.

Even from across the room, Evelyn saw Victoria's face contort with rage before smoothing into a sickly sweet smile. "Evie, what a... surprise to see you here."

Evelyn glanced at the man calmly eating his breakfast before flashing Victoria a radiant smile. "Miss Two-Face, whatever do you mean? This is my home. Shouldn't I breakfast with my own husband?"

Victoria's grip on her designer purse turned white-knuckled, veins standing out against her skin. Yet her acting skills remained impeccable as she fluttered to Alexander's side. "Alexander, should I leave? Poor Evie seems jealous again."

Evelyn set down her utensils and stood. "Darling, you look like someone just punched you in your perfectly sculpted nose. All your features are scrunched together."

Victoria's smile twitched dangerously.

"I'm finished. Enjoy your little tête-à-tête."

"Where do you think you're going?" Alexander's voice stopped her.

"To work, obviously." Evelyn tossed her hair. "Unlike some trust fund princesses who spend their days getting manicures and maxing out credit cards."

Alexander's brow furrowed as he strode toward her. "I'll drive you."