Sebastian didn't miss the shadow that crossed Alexander's face. The lack of a pregnancy was clearly a sore subject.

Wanting to change the topic, Sebastian spoke up. "Now that Evelyn is settled at the manor, you should take me to see her. I brought some health supplements. Maybe she'll have a little surprise for me, too."

Alexander scoffed. "She didn't give Evelyn or me anything. Why would she have something for you?"

But the moment they arrived, Alexander's expression darkened. Eleanor, looking utterly delighted, handed Sebastian a beautifully wrapped gift.

Sebastian grinned, a triumphant laugh escaping him as he watched Alexander's mood sour.

"Eleanor, you're the best! I knew you wouldn't forget my present!" Sebastian beamed, his chest swelling with pride.

Alexander had always been possessive of those he cherished.

As a child, he would throw tantrums whenever Eleanor hugged Sebastian.

Now, even as a grown man and a husband, that old, familiar jealousy pricked him when Eleanor seemed to favor his friend.

If Evelyn could see him now, she would surely be shocked.

Noticing the storm in her grandson's eyes, Eleanor chuckled softly. She reached into her suitcase and produced two large boxes, handing them to Alexander.

"You and your moods," she teased, shaking her head affectionately. "Did you honestly think I'd forget you and Evelyn? The luggage only arrived last night."

Alexander accepted the gifts, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

"Grandmother, you misunderstand," he said, his voice sincere. "I wasn't pouting. I was merely concerned that if Evelyn didn't receive a gift, she might feel slighted."

Eleanor gave him a knowing look, amusement sparkling in her wise eyes. "Oh, please. Using Evelyn as a shield? After all these years, you haven't changed a bit. That stubborn pride of yours is still intact."

Alexander didn't argue.

Laughter and light conversation filled the room, the easy warmth between them making the space feel brighter.

"That reminds me," Eleanor said, her expression turning serious as she focused on Alexander. "You've told Evelyn the truth about your legs, but have you explained the situation with Aethelgard Industries yet?"

The ease vanished from Alexander's face, replaced by a flicker of rare unease. "Not yet," he admitted. "I plan to tell her at the Sterling family banquet in a few days."

Sebastian let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Eleanor, I think Alexander is truly gone for Evelyn. Have you ever seen him like this before?"

Confusion and hesitation, emotions that were foreign to Alexander, were now plain on his face.

For the first time, he looked genuinely uncertain.

The thought of seeing disappointment in Evelyn's eyes unsettled him deeply. But what terrified him more was the possibility that, once she learned the full truth, she might never trust him again.

Eleanor, perceptive as always, sensed his inner conflict. Her voice was calm yet firm. "Alexander, I've only met Evelyn once, but her sincerity is evident. A woman with such a genuine heart will not tolerate deception from the man she loves. If you wait too long to tell her the truth, you may live to regret it."

Alexander absorbed her words, his expression growing grave. "I understand, Grandmother."

Her advice solidified his resolve.

No matter how Evelyn reacted, he could not keep this secret any longer.

And most importantly, once the world knew that Evelyn's husband was the founder of Aethelgard Industries, no one would dare lay a finger on her again.