It Concerns Your Wife

The dining room was thankfully vacant.

No curious eyes fell upon Evelyn.

A flicker of shyness crossed her features, but hunger was a more powerful master.

She opened her mouth to accept the offered bite.

After they finished eating, Alexander’s expression was warm.

"Allow me to give you a tour of the island," he offered, his smile genuine. "You're on holiday. Please, consider staying as long as you like."

Evelyn gave a quick nod, her earlier anxieties dissolving.

"Alright."

She savored the rare tranquility.

Months of relentless work had led to this peaceful interlude.

A deep sense of calm settled over her.

Their leisurely exploration was cut short by the sharp ring of Alexander's phone.

He answered it.

His subordinate's voice was strained, laced with immediate urgency. "Mr. Blackwood, we have a serious problem!"

The grave tone made Alexander's brow furrow deeply.

He glanced at Evelyn, who met his look with clear concern. "Explain," he commanded, his voice low.

After a brief, hesitant silence, the subordinate revealed the core of the issue. "It's about your wife."

He quickly elaborated with more details.

Evelyn watched as a storm cloud gathered on Alexander's face.

"Why am I only hearing about this now?" Alexander demanded, irritation sharpening his words.

The subordinate's frustration was palpable. "Our focus was entirely on the Vance situation, sir. We missed the developments concerning Mrs. Blackwood. Your direct guidance is critically needed."

Alexander drew a slow breath, fighting to control his rising anger.

He paused, seeing the full extent of Evelyn's anxiety.

He pressed his lips into a thin line, forcibly suppressing his fury.

"Understood. We will discuss this the moment I return."

Once he ended the call, Evelyn, sensing the severe tension, frowned. "What's happened?"

She rarely saw Alexander look so grim.

He gazed at her, at her innocent, worried face.

He hesitated to burden her with the heavy, unresolved news.

The matter was still uncertain.

Telling her now would only cause needless distress.

"It's a minor complication at work, nothing for you to worry about. I may need to return to the city for a short time," Alexander replied, striving to keep his voice level. "Don't be concerned. I will come back to you as soon as it's handled."

But Evelyn was firm. "If you're going, then I'm going with you. Alexander, I am accompanying you."

The thought of leaving her behind filled Alexander with unease.

Yet, the crisis unfolding in Crestwood loomed in his mind...

He fell silent for a moment, considering.

Then he took her hand firmly in his. "Then you must promise me something. Once we are back, you will stay by my side. The situation could become dangerous."

Evelyn let out a soft laugh. "You worry excessively. I'm not a child. Besides, I lived in Crestwood for years. How dangerous could it possibly be?"

A shadow of concern passed through Alexander's eyes. "Very well. Let's go."

Soon, they were aboard a helicopter, speeding back toward Crestwood.

Upon landing, they moved quickly toward a car waiting to take them to Serenity Oaks.

Suddenly, a large crowd erupted from around a corner.

A voice shouted with vicious excitement. "There she is! Evelyn is here!"

Caught completely off guard, Evelyn and Alexander were swiftly surrounded.

The leader of the mob pointed directly at Evelyn, his face contorted with rage. "Evelyn, you shameless plagiarist! You tried to ruin Cassandra's career! We're here for Cassandra and Julian!"

With that rallying cry, the crowd surged forward.

Several hands shoved Evelyn violently, and she fell hard to the ground.