Evelyn noticed Alexander watching the screen, his expression unreadable.

She studied his profile.

His calm demeanor was unsettling.

"Something on your mind?" Alexander's voice was soft, pulling her from her thoughts.

He had turned to face her, one eyebrow slightly raised.

Evelyn met his gaze directly. "You don't seem surprised."

She gestured toward the image of Cassandra Sterling frozen on the monitor. "Did you already know she was behind this?"

Alexander's expression remained neutral. "When I questioned Julian Thorne, the pieces fell into place. It all led back to Cassandra."

Evelyn bit her lower lip, choosing her next words carefully. "Now that you have the proof, what will you do about her?"

A flicker of uncertainty crossed her heart.

Cassandra had been a part of his life for so long.

Would his loyalty to their shared past outweigh the truth?

Before her doubts could fully form, Alexander spoke. "She attacked your reputation. I won't let that slide."

Evelyn blinked, surprised by the firmness in his tone. "But you've known her since you were children." She hesitated. "Don't you... still care for her? Don't you feel the need to defend her?"

Alexander watched her, a complex emotion in his eyes. He found her cautious probing both endearing and frustrating.

She was his wife.

How could Cassandra ever compare?

He understood the source of her insecurity. A slow, gentle smile softened his features. "I've known Cassandra for years. After the accident, when my world turned upside down, she was one of the few who remained. As long as she stayed within certain bounds, that history meant something."

Evelyn fell silent, her mind painting a picture of the isolation he must have endured.

His words hinted at a time when many had turned away.

Alexander's expression hardened, his jaw tightening. "But this time, she went too far. I won't be so lenient."

Evelyn's thoughts were still caught in the past he'd hinted at. "What constitutes 'too far'?" she asked, almost without thinking.

A low chuckle escaped Alexander. He reached out and tapped her forehead gently with his fingertip.

The contact was warm, brief.

"Hey," Evelyn protested, raising her hand to the spot he'd touched.

It hadn't hurt, but the action was unexpectedly playful.

She shot him a mock-stern look. "What was that for?"

His smile widened at her reaction.

"You tell me," he teased, his voice light. "You really don't know?"

"Well, you've never spelled it out," Evelyn retorted. "Am I supposed to be a mind reader?"

"Take a guess," Alexander encouraged, his eyes holding hers.

Evelyn let out a soft sigh, her tone deliberately casual. "Is it... me?"

"Without a doubt." His reply was immediate, leaving no room for hesitation.

Evelyn paused, part of her believing he was merely teasing her.

Since when had she held that much sway over him?

Seeing the skepticism in her eyes, Alexander's demeanor grew more serious. "Evelyn, I mean it." He paused, then took her hand before she could pull away.

Gently, he guided her palm to rest against his chest, right over his heart.

"Feel that?" he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You'll know if I'm lying."

A mischievous glint returned to his gaze. "I swear on it."