Evelyn’s heart hammered against her ribs.

Her gaze flew to Alexander’s face.

A faint, distinct mark at the corner of his mouth confirmed her worst fear.

She had definitely bitten him.

Had she really been that forceful?

Sensing her stare, Alexander turned his head.

Evelyn instantly looked away.

She focused intently on her breakfast, pretending complete nonchalance.

This wasn’t her fault.

She had already warned him she was clumsy in these matters.

Noticing her evasion, Alexander’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.

"It's nothing," he told the housekeeper, his tone casual. "Just a scratch from a spirited little wildcat. Nothing to worry about."

The maid blinked, confusion etching her features. "Sir, we don't have any cats on the estate."

"A stray," Alexander clarified smoothly. "It scratched me and ran off."

"Oh. What a mischievous creature," the maid commented, completely oblivious to the real culprit sitting at the table.

"Indeed," Alexander agreed with a nod. "Playful and troublesome. Quite impossible to tame."

Evelyn’s cheeks burned with a fierce blush.

That impossible man!

How dare he describe her that way?

She quickly finished her meal and stood, making a show of leaving for work.

"Wait," Alexander's voice stopped her.

She turned back, her voice hesitant. "Yes?"

"I'll have my driver take you to work," he stated firmly.

"That's not necessary. I can drive myself," Evelyn replied hastily, shaking her head.

Alexander was adamant. "No. Today... it's better if you don't."

Evelyn frowned, perplexed. "Why not?"

Alexander paused, then gestured subtly toward her legs. "Are you certain? Your legs seemed a bit unsteady when you stood."

His words sent another wave of heat flooding her face.

He wasn't wrong.

Her legs had felt weak and shaky when she got out of bed.

She thought she had hidden it well, but Alexander had seen right through her.

Frustration welled up inside her.

Evelyn glared at him, her voice sharp with annoyance. "Well, you seem perfectly fine, and I'm the one who..."

She couldn't finish the sentence.

She added stubbornly, "I don't need a ride anyway!"

With that final declaration, she turned and marched away.

But the moment she turned, she winced.

A sharp pain shot through her.

"Damn it," she muttered under her breath. "It hurts again."

Why did her body feel like she had just run a marathon?

Alexander, still seated, chuckled softly.

He made a subtle gesture to one of his security detail.

"Follow her," he instructed quietly. "If she refuses the car, inform her that if she doesn't get in, I will dismiss you."

"Understood, Mr. Blackwood," the man replied.

Nearby, a few maids exchanged puzzled glances and began whispering.

"What's going on with them this morning? Something feels different."

"Mrs. Blackwood seems very upset."

"And look, Mr. Blackwood's mouth is injured. We don't have any pets, do we?"

"Could it be... did Mrs. Blackwood bite him?"

"Oh my, did they have an argument?"

An older senior maid, overhearing the whispers, smiled knowingly.

"Alright, that's enough gossip," she chided gently. "You don't understand. This is actually a very good sign."

"A good sign?" the younger maids echoed, confused.

The senior maid winked. "Just wait. It won't be long before we have little ones running through these halls."

"Little ones? Oh..."

Understanding dawned on the younger maids' faces within seconds.

"So Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood were..."

The senior maid simply maintained her knowing smile.

The younger maids giggled excitedly. "I hope they stay this happy forever."

"They will," the older maid said confidently.