Evelyn blinked.

The image of Alexander's bare torso flashed in her mind.

His body was sculpted and powerful, every muscle sharply defined.

A sudden heat warmed her cheeks.

She quickly averted her gaze, a wave of embarrassment washing over her.

Thankfully, Alexander and Eleanor were still engrossed in their playful exchange.

They hadn't noticed her reaction.

Otherwise, Evelyn would have died of shame!

Eleanor paused, a thoughtful look on her face before she sighed. "It's difficult to believe three years have passed since I was last here. Everything feels so different now. The city has changed so much during my absence."

Evelyn chuckled, trying to dispel her awkwardness. "Has it? I suppose I haven't really paid attention."

Eleanor took her time before answering. "Oh, absolutely. Not just Crestwood itself. It seems my grandson has undergone quite a transformation as well."

"Hmm?" Alexander raised an eyebrow at the mention of himself. "Grandmother, are you suggesting I've aged or grown taller?"

Eleanor shot him a teasing glance. "I'm saying you've become far more vibrant. After you turned eighteen, you grew so cold and distant. But now? You're much more agreeable company."

Evelyn couldn't suppress a smile. "Eleanor is right. When I first met Alexander, I found him rather intimidating."

At her words, Alexander turned to look at her, his gaze softening with memory.

Their first meeting had been at their wedding.

Eleanor sighed dramatically, becoming more animated as she recalled Alexander's youth. "Some children are simply adorable," she said fondly. "He used to be so attached to me, always on the verge of tears if I left him alone for a moment. He never wanted to be separated from me, not even for a second!"

Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't possibly imagine that scene.

Alexander was caught off guard by his grandmother's revelation, his expression immediately darkening with clear embarrassment.

"Grandmother, that's enough," he muttered, clearly uncomfortable.

But Eleanor was enjoying herself too much, laughing as she squeezed Evelyn's hand. "I'm not joking! I have a whole collection of his childhood photographs. I'll show them to you later, and you can see for yourself!"

"Really?" Evelyn's interest was instantly piqued, her excitement growing.

She had never seen what Alexander looked like as a child!

After dinner, Eleanor eagerly guided Evelyn to the living room sofa.

"Please, fetch my suitcase and bring me the albums from the bottom," Eleanor instructed a nearby servant with a casual smile.

"Right away, Mrs. Blackwood," the servant replied promptly.

A moment later, the servant returned with two photo albums and handed them to Eleanor.

As Alexander approached, his eyes landed on the familiar album in his grandmother's hands.

He swiftly stepped forward and took it from her.

The instant he saw the cover, Alexander recognized it as his childhood photo album.

So his grandmother hadn't been bluffing after all!

She had actually been carrying this album with her.

"Alexander, what are you doing? Return that album to me," Eleanor said, her voice tinged with displeasure.

Alexander shook his head stubbornly. "No, Grandmother. I'm keeping this album now. You won't be looking at it anymore."

He was serious. Why should anyone be browsing through his childhood photos while he was present?

Wasn't he far more handsome now?

Eleanor's irritation flared instantly. "I brought this album back with me. What gives you the right to confiscate it?"