Two days later, Alexander gave Evelyn an update about Theodore.

"The poison in Theodore's wound has been neutralized."

"His condition is stable now."

"He's recovering well."

"There's no major cause for concern."

Evelyn let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

A heavy weight seemed to lift from her chest.

Her mind could finally refocus.

All her attention shifted back to Alexander's care.

Day by day, the injury on Alexander's arm continued to mend.

Soon, the doctors approved his release from the hospital.

He returned to Serenity Oaks to complete his recovery.

On Evelyn's first day back at the office, she stepped through the doors and immediately caught snippets of excited chatter.

"Have you seen the news? We're finalizing a partnership with the Sterling Group!"

"It's trending everywhere online!"

"I saw! The announcement mentioned a grand banquet to celebrate the collaboration."

"And the best part? The founder of Aethelgard Industries is confirmed to attend! With his wife!"

"I'm dying to finally see him. His wife must be incredibly beautiful."

"Me too! We've all heard the legends. How he built Aethelgard from nothing. How he once spent a fortune on a gift for his wife. This banquet is our chance to see the man himself."

"What do you think the founder looks like? Handsome?"

"Or maybe he's just some elderly gentleman with silver hair."

"Shhh!"

Evelyn, intrigued despite herself, walked over to her colleagues' desks.

She cleared her throat softly. "You might want to keep your voices down. Management could hear."

Her colleagues jumped, startled.

They turned to face her, their expressions shifting to surprise and delight.

"Evelyn! You're finally back!" one of them exclaimed.

"We've missed you so much!"

"How have you been? Is everything alright at home?"

Evelyn offered a warm smile and shook her head. "Everything is fine now. You should all probably get back to work."

"Alright, alright."

Seeing Evelyn return, the gossiping colleagues quickly dispersed.

They returned to their respective workstations, the office humming with renewed focus.

A few days away from the office had left Evelyn drowning in work.

She finally surfaced as darkness fell outside her window. She hurried home.

In the living room, she saw Alexander's assistant handing him a formal invitation.

"You're home early." Alexander's gaze lifted to meet hers the moment she entered.

Evelyn moved to the sofa and sat beside him. She placed a gentle hand on his forearm. "I was worried about you. How are you feeling? Is your injury bothering you?"

A soft smile touched his lips. "It's perfectly fine. The pain is gone. There's no need for you to fret."

After a pause, he gestured toward the dining room. "Are you hungry? Dinner is prepared. Join me."

Evelyn nodded. Her attention shifted to the heavy cardstock in his hand. "Another function?"

"It's a banquet," Alexander clarified.

Evelyn's brow furrowed with concern. "You're still recovering. Surely you can decline?"

He took her hand in his, his grin turning persuasive. "This one is significant. And you, my dear, are required to accompany me."

"Me?" She blinked in surprise. "Why is it so important?"

She took the invitation from him. Opening it, her eyes scanned the elegant script. A soft gasp escaped her. "Wait... This is for the Sterling family banquet?"