Do You Two Know Each Other

"Oh, I see now," Evelyn said, the pieces finally clicking into place.

Ten billion dors. If she were in Sebastian's position, she'd be on her knees begging, not just offering a simple apology.

"So, when you meet Sebastian, he will absolutely apologize. Whatever you ask for, he'll agree to it," Alexander assured her.

A faint blush colored Evelyn's cheeks. "Honestly, if he just leaves the orphanage alone from now on, that's enough for me. My only worry is that if an agreement isn't reached, he might hold a grudge and seek revenge."

Alexander's voice was firm. "You saved Sebastian's ten-billion-dor project. Trust me, you have all the leverage. He wouldn't dare retaliate."

Despite his confident words, a sliver of unease remained in Evelyn's heart. Still, she gave a hesitant nod.

"Alright," she conceded.

A question nagged at her. Alexander spoke about Sebastian with a certain familiarity.

Most people would show at least a little fear at the mention of Sebastian Hayes. Yet, Alexander seemed completely unbothered.

But then, Alexander always carried an air of natural authority.

Perhaps this was just the innate pride of the Blackwood family's eldest son.

Evelyn decided to let the thought go.

Meanwhile, Sebastian had been waiting at the orphanage for what felt like an eternity. A sudden, forceful sneeze escaped him, followed by an involuntary shudder.

He frowned, an inexplicable sense of dread washing over him.

Was Alexander planning to use this situation to squeeze more money out of him?

The sound of a car engine outside finally broke the silence.

Sebastian hurried to the door and saw Evelyn, with Alexander seated in his wheelchair beside her.

Remembering he was supposed to act ignorant of Alexander's true identity, Sebastian ignored him and stretched a hand out towards Evelyn with a practiced smile. "Evelyn, it's a pleasure to see you."

In a flash, Alexander's hand shot out, gripping Sebastian's wrist with surprising strength.

"Watch where you put those hands," Alexander warned, his voice a low, dangerous growl.

"Ah!" Sebastian yelped in pain, his face twisting. Meeting Alexander's icy stare made his heart lurch.

He jerked his hand back, massaging his sore wrist. "It was just a handshake! Was that really necessary?"

Alexander let out a derisive snort. "Your hands aren't clean enough to touch my wife," he stated coldly.

Sebastian's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected Alexander to be so fiercely possessive.

Still rubbing his wrist, he glanced at Evelyn, a teasing glint in his eye. "Evelyn, have you and Alexander always been so... attached?" he asked, deliberately trying to provoke Alexander.

Before Evelyn could respond, Alexander cut in sharply. "Enough small talk, Sebastian. Remember why you're here."

Sebastian rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed by Alexander's behavior.

Alexander, he thought, values his wife above his friends.

Evelyn watched the exchange, a growing suspicion tickling her instincts.

"Do you two know each other?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Sebastian glanced at Alexander, blatantly ignoring the silent warning in his eyes. He turned to Evelyn, plastering an overly friendly smile on his face. "Of course we know each other! Didn't Alexander tell you? We're friends. I'm only here today because of him..."

Alexander's expression instantly turned to stone, his gaze freezing solid as it locked onto Sebastian.