Alexander left Crestwood Manor with a heavy heart.

His mind was a tangled mess, consumed by a single, terrifying question.

How would Evelyn react when he finally told her the truth?

He was so lost in thought he didn't notice the sunset.

He didn't even register that Sebastian had followed him all the way back to Serenity Oaks.

It was only when the car stopped and the door opened that Sebastian's voice broke through.

"Perfect timing! I can smell dinner from here."

Sebastian grinned, already heading for the grand entrance.

"It's been too long since I had a meal prepared by your chef. I've missed it."

Alexander finally looked at him, his lips pressed into a thin line.

A flicker of irritation crossed his face.

"Why are you still here?"

Sebastian waved a dismissive hand, strolling inside as if he lived there.

"I'm here for dinner, obviously. And to see Evelyn. It's been a while."

Alexander's expression darkened further.

His voice dropped to a low, dangerous murmur.

"Evelyn and I were supposed to have a private evening. This is an intrusion."

Sebastian placed a hand over his heart, feigning deep offense.

"Such gratitude. After everything I've done for Aethelgard Industries."

He shook his head in mock disappointment.

"Maybe I should have negotiated for a larger share of the profits."

Before Alexander could retort, a warm, familiar voice interrupted them.

"What are you guys talking about?"

Sebastian froze.

His eyes widened in sheer panic as he watched Evelyn approach.

His heart hammered against his ribs.

When did she get back?

More importantly, what had he just said?

Did he just mention Aethelgard Industries?

Did she hear?

Oh, no.

Alexander hadn't told her yet.

He had just ruined everything.

Sebastian stood rigid, his blood running cold.

He was a dead man.

He had carelessly revealed the secret Alexander had guarded so fiercely.

Alexander was definitely going to kill him.

Beside him, Alexander was equally frozen.

His sharp, calculated mind had completely short-circuited.

She knew.

Evelyn knew he was the founder of Aethelgard Industries.

What would she do?

Would she ever forgive him for the deception?

He remembered her words clearly.

She hated lies.

She despised being kept in the dark.

His breath hitched, his usual composure shattered.

He opened his mouth, ready to confess everything.

To beg for her understanding.

But the words died in his throat.

Both men watched, stunned, as Evelyn reached up and removed the wireless earbuds from her ears.

She smiled warmly, glancing between their tense faces.

"You seemed to be having a nice chat. What were you talking about?"

Sebastian felt the color drain from his own face.

For a terrifying moment, he had thought it was over.

She hadn't heard a thing.

The earbuds had blocked their entire conversation.

Why was he even stressing over someone else's marriage?

Alexander let out a slow, careful breath.

The crushing weight on his chest eased slightly.

He stepped forward, his fingers gently intertwining with Evelyn's.

His voice was soft, carefully controlled.

"You're home early. Is everything alright?"

Evelyn blinked up at him, her tone light and easy.

"Yes, I finished my work on time, so I came straight back."

Her gaze shifted to Sebastian, who still looked like he'd seen a ghost.

"Did you two go somewhere together today?"

Seeing she wasn't pressing about their discussion, Sebastian seized the opportunity.

He forced a bright, casual grin onto his face.

"I heard Eleanor was back in town."

He shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant.

"So I dragged Alexander to Crestwood Manor to see her."