Alexander leaned in, his intention clear.

His desire was a palpable force in the quiet room.

Evelyn's pulse quickened.

A warm blush crept across her skin.

She pressed a hand against his chest, halting his advance.

Her expression turned serious.

"Alexander, be careful," she warned, her voice low. "You're still recovering. You mustn't strain yourself."

She knew him too well.

A simple kiss was never just a kiss with him.

In his current state, any excitement was a risk.

A mischievous grin played on his lips.

"Evelyn," he murmured, his tone teasing. "You're in control. Stop me whenever you wish."

His words made resistance feel impossible.

She nervously bit her lower lip.

Her eyelashes fluttered.

"Alright," she whispered, surrendering. "But make it quick."

She closed her eyes, unable to meet his intense gaze.

A soft chuckle escaped him.

He found her shyness endearing.

He began to close the distance between them.

His lips were inches from hers.

Suddenly, a sharp knock shattered the intimate moment.

Evelyn jerked back in alarm.

"Someone's at the door!" she gasped, her heart pounding.

Alexander's face darkened with immediate irritation.

A deep frown etched itself onto his features.

"Who dares interrupt now?" he growled, his voice thick with frustration.

Evelyn had only just forgiven him for the wheelchair deception.

They were finally reconnecting.

And now this interruption.

It was maddening.

The door swung open without ceremony.

Daniel Pierce strode into the hospital room.

He completely ignored Alexander.

His focus was solely on Evelyn.

"Ms. Rossi," he stated flatly. "Mr. Vance is asking for you. You made a promise at the police station. You agreed to care for him until his full recovery. Surely you haven't forgotten?"

A shadow fell over Alexander's face.

His features hardened into a stern mask.

His eyes narrowed at Daniel with deep suspicion.

The timing was far too convenient to be a coincidence.

"Evelyn is not available," Alexander declared, his grip tightening on her wrist.

He had no intention of letting her go.

Daniel remained impassive.

"Ms. Rossi," he pressed on, ignoring Alexander. "You made a deal with Mr. Vance. Are you planning to break your word?"

He delivered his next words with deliberate coldness. "Mr. Vance retains the right to press charges against your husband at any moment."

The words snapped Evelyn out of her hesitation.

She began to stand.

Alexander pulled her back gently, a possessive jealousy in his tone. "Evelyn, you are not going to care for Theodore. I will handle him. You stay away from that man."

Daniel's expression was pure scorn.

"Ms. Rossi," he said, checking an imaginary watch. "You have one minute to decide."

Evelyn stood up firmly.

"I won't need a minute," she said, her voice resolute. "I'm coming with you."

Alexander's tone turned urgent. "Evelyn! Don't go!"

She turned to him, her expression softening.

"Please, calm down," she pleaded. "Getting upset won't help you heal."

Her voice was gentle but firm. "I won't be long. You have to trust me, okay?"

De-escalation was the only sensible path.

For now, appeasing Theodore was necessary.

At least until Alexander was strong again.