Chapter 84

The moment Alexander's gaze landed on Evelyn standing beside Sebastian, his eyes turned glacial.

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He lifted his head, and Evelyn felt her pulse stutter.

Even though he wasn't the man she loved anymore, her body still reacted to him—betraying her lingering attachment.

"Alexander?" Sebastian stepped out of the elevator, surprised. "Are you here to pick Evelyn up?"

"None of your concern." Alexander's voice was icy. His eyes locked onto Evelyn. "Why did you hang up on me?"

"So it was you who called earlier?" Sebastian chuckled. "Evelyn thought it was a scam call and hung up. Did you two have a fight?"

Evelyn watched as Alexander's expression darkened.

His grip tightened around her wrist. "Let's go."

The winter air was biting, but Alexander's touch burned.

She had once dreamed of him holding her hand tenderly, guiding her across streets.

But this heat wasn't warmth—it was possession.

"I'll go with Sebastian," Evelyn said, pulling her hand free.

Alexander stiffened as her fingers slipped away.

"Uncle, let's leave," she urged.

Sebastian hesitated before nodding. "We'll be going, Alexander. Evelyn, come."

"Okay." She turned away quickly, afraid hesitation would make her falter.

Afraid she'd blindly follow him again.

"Evelyn," Alexander's voice cut through the cold. "Are you really not coming with me?"

Her nails dug into her palms.

She stopped, turning back.

Alexander stood alone, his tall frame stark against the empty lobby. For a fleeting moment, he looked almost vulnerable.

But the phantom pain of old wounds flared—like insects gnawing at her skin.

That pain steeled her resolve.

"I'm sure," she said firmly, then hurried after Sebastian.

—

By the time they reached Blackwood Estate, Alexander had already arrived.

His car barely stopped before he strode toward her, wrapping his arms around her slender frame in a grip too tight to escape.

Her heart pounded. "Alexander, what are you doing?"

"What does it look like?" His dark eyes bore into hers. "Grandfather wants to see us happy. Don't you want to make him happy?"

Evelyn bit her lip. She would play along for Henry's sake—but— "You don't have to hold me this tightly."

Sebastian frowned. "Alexander, even if you're upset, you're making Evelyn uncomfortable."

Alexander smirked. "How would you know what makes my wife comfortable? You two seem unusually close."

The insinuation hung heavy.

Evelyn squirmed in his hold, fueling his irritation. "This is between us. Stay out of it."

With that, he dragged her inside.

Evelyn shot Sebastian an apologetic glance, helpless against Alexander's force.

The dinner was supposed to be family-only, yet Victoria sat at the table, uninvited but unchallenged.

Henry, however, remained upstairs—too unwell to join.