A pained look crossed Cassandra’s face. Deep inside, she was filled with regret.

If not for Alexander’s disability, she would have been his wife long ago.

She knew she could never marry a man who appeared to have lost everything, especially one confined to a wheelchair. For years, she had shamelessly kept Alexander as her backup plan, convinced his feelings for her remained.

Before returning, she had decided that if she couldn’t find a man superior to Alexander, she would secure him for herself.

After all, Alexander was the founder of Aethelgard Industries, a man of immense wealth and influence.

She never anticipated he would secretly marry someone else! The thought of Evelyn ignited a spark of fierce jealousy.

"Alright, alright, let's not dwell on the past. You're right, it's over. Besides, you're a married man now. It's not appropriate for me to reminisce." Narrowing her eyes slightly, Cassandra dabbed fake tears. "By the way, does Evelyn know about your true identity?"

"Not yet," Alexander replied.

Cassandra’s smugness intensified.

She was sure Alexander’s feelings for Evelyn were just a fleeting infatuation. Nothing serious.

Reassured, she gathered her courage. She offered a timid smile and boldly reached for his hand.

In that case, she saw no harm in strengthening their bond now.

"Alexander, I understand your grandmother pressured you. You must have married Evelyn out of desperation," she said, gazing at him with feigned affection, clasping his hand. "But I'm back now. You can trust me to stand by your side, always. Alright?"

Alexander’s eyes widened in surprise, then cooled instantly. He withdrew his hand, his voice devoid of warmth. "Cassandra, I am married. I love Evelyn deeply. The only reason I accompanied you today is out of respect for our long friendship. Nothing more."

He averted his gaze, his tone leaving no room for argument. "So," he added, "do not say anything like that again."

Cassandra was stunned. She couldn't comprehend his icy demeanor or his sharp words.

"Alexander, what are you saying?" she asked, a forced smile plastered on her face. "You're joking, right? You're still upset I was gone so long, so you're saying this to hurt me… You've only known Evelyn a short time. How could you possibly have genuine feelings for her?"

Before she could continue, his icy response silenced her.

She flinched, her face hardening.

After a tense silence, and despite her reluctance, she didn't dare speak again.

She simply lowered her head and mumbled, "Alright. I understand."

Alexander didn't even look at her. He turned his wheelchair and left, instructing his subordinate as he went, "Arrange another car for Ms. Sterling. We are leaving now."

"Yes, Mr. Blackwood," the subordinate replied.

Tears welled in Cassandra’s eyes as she watched him leave.

She had hoped Alexander would at least glance back, for the sake of their past. But he didn't.

It was as if she meant nothing. As if he could discard her without a second thought.

And he had treated her that way just because she mentioned Evelyn.

A wave of bitter resentment washed over Cassandra. Her tear-filled eyes hardened with newfound determination.

How could this be? How could Alexander have possibly fallen for someone else?