Alexander's gaze burned into Evelyn, his hands cradling her face with a tenderness that made her pulse quicken.

"Evelyn," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Nothing else matters. Not my reputation. Not Aethelgard Industries. All of it means nothing compared to you. I would give it all up in a heartbeat if it meant you would believe me. If you still can't trust me..."

Evelyn's heart clenched. Fearful he might say something irreversible, she quickly pressed her fingers to his lips, stopping him.

"Alright," she said softly. "I believe you."

Relief flooded his eyes, brightening them with a joy so raw it was almost painful to see. He gently moved her hand away.

"Truly, Evelyn? You mean it?"

The hope in his voice was a physical ache in her chest, threatening to melt her resolve.

She drew a sharp breath, forcing herself to remember the pain. She couldn't forgive so easily. Not again. The scars from before were still too fresh.

After a deliberate pause, she met his eyes, her voice firm. "Alexander, I'll let this go. For now. But if you ever give me a reason to doubt you again, there will be no second chances."

His grip on her hand tightened, his promise solemn. "I swear it. It will never happen again."

Evelyn studied his face, searching for any hint of deception. Finding none, a reluctant smile finally touched her lips.

Her smile broke the remaining tension. A grin spread across his face as he pulled her into a warm, secure embrace.

The misunderstanding was resolved. For now, they were just two people in love.

Meanwhile, Cassandra was being driven to the hospital by one of Alexander's subordinates.

The doctor's examination confirmed what she already knew: there was nothing physically wrong with her leg. The injury was a complete fabrication, a failed attempt to manipulate Alexander.

After the pointless visit, she slid into the back of the waiting car.

Her original plan had been to drive a wedge between Alexander and Evelyn when she saw them later. But her thoughts scattered as she realized the car was heading in the wrong direction.

She frowned, her voice sharp. "This isn't the way to Serenity Oaks. Where are you taking me?"

The driver's eyes met hers calmly in the rearview mirror. "Miss Sterling, Mr. Blackwood has arranged for you to stay at The Grand Crestwood. It's a five-star hotel. Far more secure and comfortable than Serenity Oaks."

Cassandra's lips thinned into a tight line. Irritation simmered within her.

A luxury hotel? What did she care for a hotel, no matter how opulent? It was not what she wanted.

Confusion swirled. Why would Alexander change the arrangement so suddenly? They had agreed she would stay at the estate. Something was wrong.

"Did Alexander truly order this?" Disbelief colored her tone. "He wouldn't do this to me! This wasn't his idea, was it?"

Then, a cold, venomous realization dawned.

"It's that witch, Evelyn," she seethed inwardly. "She's poisoned his mind against me. She's behind this! Damn you, Evelyn!"

A dark, vengeful fury clouded her vision.

Her fingers trembled as she hastily dialed Alexander's number. The call failed to connect.

A spike of panic shot through her. She opened WhatsApp to send a message, only to freeze.

Alexander had blocked her.

The finality of it hit her like a physical blow. Her heart hammered against her ribs. For the first time, a genuine, chilling unease took root.