Evelyn blinked, taken aback.

Alexander took her hand, his grasp strong and certain. "This banquet will be my statement," he declared, his voice low and intense. "I will show everyone in Crestwood that Evelyn's husband is far from a failure."

A flicker of emotion passed through Evelyn's eyes, a surge of warmth and astonishment filling her chest.

She never imagined he possessed such resolve.

The firmness in his tone told her any protest would be useless.

His decision was final.

"Alright," she conceded after a brief pause. "I'll accompany you." Attending the prestigious Sterling family event with Alexander was a strategic move, beneficial for them both.

A quiet breath of relief escaped Alexander upon hearing her agreement.

A recent office rumor suddenly surfaced in Evelyn's mind. "I heard the founder of Aethelgard Industries will also grace the Sterling banquet," she mentioned curiously. "Sebastian is the public CEO—surely he must know the founder personally?"

Alexander suppressed a smile, a mysterious gleam in his eyes. "All will be revealed at the appropriate time."

Evelyn accepted this with a nod, her curiosity momentarily appeased. Then another thought struck her. "What about Eleanor's return? Aren't we still planning her birthday celebration?"

"Grandma is returning, but the birthday festivities may be postponed," Alexander replied, glancing at the clock. "Her flight lands tonight."

Evelyn's expression shifted to one of shock and exhilaration. She rose abruptly, a hint of panic in her voice. "She arrives tonight?"

She began to pace, anxiety evident in her movements. "Why didn't you inform me of this sooner?" She took a sharp breath, shooting him an accusatory look. "If I hadn't asked, were you planning to keep it from me?"

Alexander's lips curved into an amused smile. "Certainly not."

He reached for her, gently guiding her back to her seat. His voice was a calming anchor. "I merely wished to avoid causing you immediate distress. Look at you now—you're trembling. Relax, we haven't even had dinner." Evelyn pressed her lips together, momentarily speechless.

He was right. She was a bundle of nerves, her appetite completely gone.

"I'm not hungry anymore," she murmured. "What time does Eleanor land? Should we go to the airport to receive her?"

Seeing her tension, Alexander placed a comforting hand on her back. "Unnecessary. Everything is arranged. She should be arriving any moment."

As if on cue, the sound of a car approaching echoed from the driveway of Serenity Oaks.

Evelyn froze, a wave of panic washing over her.

She had no gift prepared for Eleanor's first visit!

That infuriating Alexander had told her nothing!

This was a catastrophe. A first impression, and she was utterly unprepared. What would Eleanor think?

Evelyn was a storm of anxiety and irritation, all directed at the man beside her.

"Alexander, you are impossible! Springing this on me without warning." Her voice was a sharp, hushed whisper. "If you weren't injured, I'd be sorely tempted to hit you right now!"

A faint, tender smile touched Alexander's lips. He stood, offering her his hand. "Come, my dear. Let's go welcome Grandma together."