Sebastian leaned forward, a mysterious grin spreading across his face. "I heard Theodore is coming back to find a woman."

"A woman? Who?" Surprise flickered in Alexander's eyes as he looked up, eager for details.

Sebastian chuckled. "Remember two years ago? Theodore was ambushed overseas. He was critically injured, on the verge of death. A woman saved him. After he recovered, he spent two years searching for her but never found a trace." Sebastian paused, reflecting. "His return is undoubtedly connected to finding his savior."

Alexander responded calmly, "Anyone brave enough to save Theodore in such a situation must be quite remarkable."

But Sebastian, with a sly grin, was already several steps ahead. "Alexander, think about it. Theodore has tried to kill you multiple times. Now that we know his motive, why don't we locate this woman first? If we find her, we gain significant leverage."

Without hesitation, Alexander dismissed the idea. "No," he ordered firmly. "This is a personal matter between Theodore and me. We will not involve an innocent person."

Sebastian sighed, clearly disappointed by the rebuttal.

Once Alexander made a decision, he rarely wavered. Still, Sebastian tried another angle.

"We don't need to hurt her. Just finding her and making contact could turn her into an unexpected ally," Sebastian suggested.

He continued to press his point. "Consider Theodore's ruthlessness. With him back in the city, his plans are unknown. We must stay ahead of him."

Alexander's expression remained stoic, showing no sign of agreement. Seeing this, Sebastian played his final card, the one thing guaranteed to sway his friend.

"If you won't consider your own safety, then think of Evelyn. Your marriage to her is public knowledge in Crestwood. If Theodore discovers your true identity, he will not hesitate to target her. While you're busy protecting bystanders, Evelyn could already be in danger. What will you do then?"

The mention of Evelyn's name instantly altered Alexander's expression.

He could handle Theodore's schemes against him, but the thought of Evelyn in danger was unbearable.

Frowning, Alexander conceded, "You're right. Theodore will stop at nothing to get to me."

"Exactly!" Sebastian clapped his hands together, his face lighting up with satisfaction.

The mention of Evelyn had clearly hit its mark.

Alexander paused, considering his options. After a moment, he relented. "Fine. Look into the woman's identity and whereabouts. But my order stands: she is not to be harmed. We merely ask for her cooperation."

"Understood, understood," Sebastian replied, getting to his feet and heading for the door.

Meanwhile, Evelyn had just finished helping the maids clean the kitchen, who were now busy preparing dinner.

Noticing Sebastian leaving, Evelyn called out, her curiosity piqued. "Mr. Hayes, you're leaving already? Won't you stay for dinner with us?"