A sudden, sharp confusion hit Evelyn.

Then, a raw, chilling fear took its place. The kind of fear that only comes from facing something completely unknown.

Her lips moved, trembling slightly. "Alexander..." she whispered, the sound almost vanishing into the air.

Her voice was weak, fragile. A mere breath after the long darkness of unconsciousness.

Yet, Alexander heard it. Even from the doorway.

He moved instantly, crossing the room in swift strides. "Evelyn."

Reaching her bedside, seeing her awake, a brief flash of pure relief lit his eyes. It was there and gone in an instant.

"Alexander!"

Tears welled up in Evelyn's eyes instantly. She reached for him, her arms stretching out, needing the solid reassurance of his presence.

He didn't pause. His strong arms wrapped around her, lifting her gently, pulling her close against his chest. The moment she was secure in his embrace, the dam broke. Sobs shook her small frame.

It was only here, held by him, that she finally let the terror out. The fear she had locked away.

"Alexander, I was so scared... I was truly terrified!" Her voice was broken by crying, the words barely coherent.

But Alexander understood. He understood her beyond words.

His gaze softened as he looked down. His hand moved slowly, gently, over her back. A steady, comforting warmth. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. It's finished now. You're safe."

Each one of her ragged sobs felt like a sharp cut to his heart. A relentless, painful sting.

He held her tighter. He would not let go.

Slowly, the violent sobbing began to subside.

She lifted her head from his chest, her breathing still uneven.

Alexander reached for tissues. He carefully wiped the tears from her flushed, wet cheeks.

Evelyn looked up at him, a blush of embarrassment coloring her face. "I'm sorry. I lost control."

Alexander's brow furrowed slightly. He didn't speak. Instead, he raised his hand. His thumb traced a tender path along the swollen skin beneath her eye.

"Evelyn," his voice was low, wrapping around her like a secure blanket. Every word was deliberate, filled with care. "Never apologize to me. Understand? I am your husband. With me, you never need to hold back. Especially after what you endured..."

Evelyn noticed his sudden halt. She turned to look at him, confusion flickering in her eyes.

Her heart skipped a beat.

In his gaze, she saw something that struck her deeply. A profound pain. A weight of regret that seemed almost unbearable.

A flicker of fear made her quickly try to comfort him instead. "It's alright. I'm fine now."

Seeing him this vulnerable was rare. It shook her.

The corners of Alexander's lips curved into a faint, reassuring smile. He reached for a glass of water. "Here. Drink some water."

After sipping the water, a sense of calm finally settled over Evelyn.

But soon, her mind drifted back. To the hotel lounge. The fear was still a shadow in the back of her mind.

Yet, curiosity pushed through. "How did you know?" she asked. "How did you know something was wrong?"

Alexander's voice was calm, but a cold edge lay beneath it. "I waited for you at home. You didn't return. I called. No answer. That's when I knew I had to worry. I went to the hotel. The moment I arrived, I saw Margaret blocking my men. Stopping them from searching for you. That's when I was certain."

He let out a sharp breath. His voice turned to ice. "I knew Margaret was scheming. But I never thought she would dare to target you again. Not directly."

Evelyn's expression hardened. After a moment's hesitation, she couldn't keep it in. "Margaret didn't plan this alone. She couldn't have. Someone else is behind it. That person is..."

She opened her mouth to say the name. Theodore. But she hesitated, weighing his power and influence in Crestwood.

"I know," Alexander interrupted, his tone dark and certain. "It's Theodore."