Are You Implying Alexander Is In Debt

"Truly?" Cassandra replied, her voice a mask of cool detachment.

A thought then sparked in her mind, curling her lips into a slow, deliberate smile.

She continued, her tone laced with false concern, "But if Alexander truly adored you, darling, why on earth would he allow you to work? It's so draining. And for what? A pittance? A man who loved his wife would want her to be cherished, pampered at home."

Evelyn's face tightened, a flicker of irritation in her eyes. She kept her voice level. "I am perfectly capable of earning my own income. Why should Alexander shoulder every burden? I'm his partner. We share everything. The good and the difficult. That is the foundation of a marriage."

Cassandra let out a light, mocking laugh. "Share the difficult? You should be grateful you married Alexander Blackwood. What 'difficult' could you possibly know?"

"Helping him settle his debts," Evelyn stated plainly, meeting Cassandra's gaze directly. "Navigating financial challenges together."

Cassandra blinked, her amusement faltering. "Wait. Settle his debts?"

A moment of silence hung between them before Cassandra leaned closer, her confusion evident. "What debts? Are you implying Alexander is in debt?"

Evelyn gave a small, confirming nod. "Yes. He once owed a hundred million dollars. He's cleared most of it, but there are likely other financial pressures. As his wife, I won't stand idly by while he faces them alone."

Cassandra froze, utterly stunned.

Alexander? In debt? It was inconceivable.

He was the last person she would ever associate with money troubles.

As the sole proprietor of all assets and shares in Aethelgard Industries, a hundred million dollars should be a trivial sum.

Unless... was Aethelgard Industries in trouble?

If Alexander was genuinely facing financial ruin, she needed to distance herself immediately. Before she got entangled.

The unsettling thought took hold as Cassandra asked cautiously, "To whom does Alexander owe a hundred million dollars?"

Evelyn answered without hesitation. "To Aethelgard Industries, of course."

The tension drained from Cassandra's shoulders instantly. So that was it.

Evelyn actually believed Alexander was indebted to his own company.

Cassandra nearly laughed aloud. The absurdity was breathtaking. Evelyn clearly had no understanding of Alexander's true position within Aethelgard Industries.

So all this talk of debt was just another one of Alexander's fabrications. He had fed this naive girl a story, and she had believed every word.

This realization only deepened Cassandra's contempt for Evelyn.

Alexander had spun such outrageous lies that Cassandra could only deduce one thing: he did not respect Evelyn in the slightest.

His current protective act was likely just a passing amusement.

A wave of smug satisfaction washed over Cassandra, and a soft chuckle escaped before she could stop it.

Evelyn turned, a question in her eyes. "What's so amusing?"

Cassandra quickly schooled her features into neutrality and shrugged. "Oh, nothing of importance. Just recalled a humorous anecdote."

She had been worrying needlessly before.

Evelyn was no threat whatsoever. That was now crystal clear.

Cassandra could manipulate this girl as she pleased. Even if Alexander discovered her actions, he would undoubtedly not intervene.

Meanwhile, Evelyn remained unaware of the shift in Cassandra's demeanor.

Her attention was on the ingredients before her. She took a mental inventory, already deducing Alexander's culinary preferences.

Even if Cassandra's offer to teach was insincere, Evelyn was confident she could master these dishes independently.

Cassandra leaned against the kitchen counter, observing Evelyn's movements. A slow, condescending smirk played on her lips. The girl was utterly wasting her effort. And Cassandra found the entire spectacle profoundly pitiable.