A dangerous fire blazed in Alexander's eyes, darkening his gaze with a storm of fury.

Evelyn, standing right beside him, instinctively flinched. The sheer intensity of his anger made her heart stutter.

She had seldom seen this shadowy aspect of Alexander. For a fleeting second, he felt like a complete stranger.

The violent emotion vanished as quickly as it appeared, his features smoothing back into their familiar composure. Noticing Evelyn's tension, Alexander turned to her immediately. "Evelyn, are you okay?"

She blinked, pulling herself back to the present. Looking into his eyes again, she found only their usual warmth and concern.

Had she just imagined that flash of rage?

She pressed her lips together and shook her head softly. "I'm fine," she whispered.

But then, his earlier words echoed in her mind. Was this what he had meant?

A sliver of doubt wormed its way into Evelyn's thoughts. A suspicion that Alexander might be hiding something from her.

Yet, she was utterly certain he would never cause her harm, so she dismissed the worry.

Evelyn forced a light smile, teasing him gently. "I was just a little concerned. You said Julian Thorne was being difficult."

"How did you manage to persuade him?" she asked, playfully nudging his arm. "Did you turn into some kind of vigilante and rough him up?"

She punctuated her words with another soft punch. "I just don't want you getting into any legal trouble."

Alexander arched an eyebrow, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. "Evelyn," he countered, amusement in his voice, "is that really the image you have of me? A common thug?"

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't worry," Alexander reassured her, his tone turning serious. "I didn't lay a finger on him. I simply uncovered some of his secrets."

Evelyn's curiosity was instantly ignited. "What kind of secrets?" she pressed.

She hesitated, remembering her own suspicions about Julian's designs.

"Wait," she said, a thought striking her. "Did he plagiarize someone's work?"

A sly, knowing smile touched Alexander's lips. "It's much worse than plagiarism," he revealed. "What he did was truly evil."

Alexander continued, unveiling the horrifying truth about Julian's past. Years ago, Julian had hired a ghost designer. After using her talent, he not only took credit for her work but coldly framed her for a crime, leaving the woman in a permanent vegetative state.

Evelyn's eyes widened in sheer horror. With each revelation, her shock deepened. She could scarcely fathom the depth of Julian's depravity.

The reality was far more sinister than anything she had imagined.

"That monster!" Evelyn exclaimed, her voice thick with disgust. "Julian Thorne is despicable! He belongs in prison for life!"

Alexander gently stroked her hair, his voice a calming murmur. "You're absolutely right," he agreed. "But we must be patient. Justice will come. First, we need to clear your name. I've already arranged for Julian to contact the real mastermind behind all this."

Alexander looked into Evelyn's eyes, a glint of anticipation in his own. "A good show is about to begin, Evelyn," he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

Evelyn, intensely curious about his plan, didn't ask for specifics.

Her trust in him was absolute. She knew, without a shred of doubt, that Alexander would never do anything to hurt her.

All she needed to do was trust him completely.

A soft, serene smile graced her lips. A newfound peace settled over her.

She wrapped her arms around Alexander's waist and rested her head against his solid chest.

In his embrace, she felt utterly safe and secure.