Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice dropping to a low, ominous whisper. "I was a fool to underestimate Patricia Blackwood. Arrange a meeting with her for tonight. I will handle this myself."

He paused, his expression turning to stone. "And keep Evelyn offline for now. Ensure she does not leave the house."

"Understood," his subordinate replied with a sharp nod, turning to leave the shadowy study.

But as the door swung open, the man froze, his body stiffening in surprise. "Mrs. Blackwood? What are you doing here?"

Alexander's head snapped toward the door, his surprise evident upon seeing Evelyn standing there.

His lips tightened into a thin line, irritation flashing in his eyes. "Take her back to her room," he commanded sharply.

"That won't be necessary. I heard everything," Evelyn interjected softly, her voice calm but firm.

Her eyes, glistening with a mixture of emotions, locked onto Alexander's complex gaze.

She had intended to return to her room, but thoughts of Alexander's potential anger and self-blame had drawn her back. She had hoped for a quiet conversation to ease the visible tension.

Instead, she had arrived just in time to overhear a conversation heavy with secrets.

The subordinate flinched, his eyes widening in alarm before he turned to Alexander. "Mr. Blackwood, my apologies. I failed to secure the door."

Before Alexander could respond, Evelyn stepped forward, her tone protective. "It's not his fault. I was at the door... I overheard by accident."

Alexander dismissed the idea of blaming Evelyn. With a subtle gesture, he signaled for the subordinate to leave. He then turned to Evelyn. "Don't worry about this. I have it under control. You should focus on resting."

After a moment's hesitation, Evelyn walked decisively to his desk. "What is your plan for handling this?"

"I've contacted someone to meet with Patricia. We will attempt to clear up the misunderstanding from her end. If this spreads, it could damage your reputation," Alexander stated, withholding the full extent of his intentions.

Darker plans to pressure Patricia were already forming in his mind, but he chose not to burden Evelyn with them.

Evelyn bit her lip, fixing him with a penetrating stare. "And if she tries to blackmail you? What if she makes even more outrageous demands?"

Without hesitation, Alexander responded, "Then I will meet her demands—except for dropping the charges against Julian. That is my line. Anything else, she can name her price."

"No!" Evelyn exclaimed, her voice filled with resolve. She took a deep breath, her words measured. "Alexander, this is about me. You shouldn't have to bear the consequences. Besides, I am innocent. This entire mess is nothing but lies spun by Patricia and Isabella!"

Alexander's eyes narrowed, a shadow crossing his face as he studied her intently. He began in a low, urgent tone, "I know you're innocent, but if we don't control this narrative—"

She cut him off, her voice firm with determination. "Alexander, I need to handle this myself."

A slight frown creased his brow. "Why won't you let me help you?"

"Give me three days," she asserted firmly. "If I haven't resolved it by then, you can step in."

He let out a deep, frustrated sigh, his concern palpable. "Do you understand how quickly rumors spread online? If we don't squash this now, soon every person in this city will be whispering about those vile stories."

Yet Evelyn's face was a mask of unwavering resolve. "Whatever comes, I will face it on my own."

Alexander's resolve faltered, hesitation hanging thick in the air between them.

"Alexander, we are married. We are supposed to stand by each other for a lifetime." Her voice softened. She crouched down, taking his hands in hers. Her eyes met his, earnest and pleading. "I can't hide behind you forever—what kind of wife would that be? We are family. That means supporting each other. Just trust me, alright? I have already found a way out of this."