Alexander didn't speak.

His eyes gleamed with mischief as he motioned for Evelyn to open the paper herself.

She unfolded it.

A sequence of numbers was scrawled across the page.

She understood their meaning instantly.

A playful shove landed on Alexander's chest. "You tricked me!" she laughed.

How utterly shameless!

He knew his own measurements perfectly well.

Yet last night, he had insisted she measure him again.

That led to them spending the entire night entangled in the closet.

A faint ache still lingered in her lower back.

Alexander chuckled softly.

He pulled her close, his arm encircling her waist. "Don't be angry, darling."

His fingers found the sore spot on her back. "Is it here?"

His assistant, sensing the intimate moment, quietly excused himself.

The study door clicked shut, granting them privacy.

Their affection was palpable. It made a single man envious.

Evelyn didn't resist his massage, though a slight pout remained. "Alexander, we can't repeat last night..."

Her cheeks flushed. "You must exercise restraint. You're still recovering. I have work. This cannot continue."

He looked at her serious face and laughed. He nodded, his voice gentle. "Alright. Tonight, you will rest properly."

The recent days had been intense. Her sleep had suffered.

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Evelyn felt somewhat appeased.

"Earlier," she began, changing the subject. "I overheard you and your assistant. I wasn't eavesdropping. The door was ajar."

Alexander smiled, his hand still on her waist. "It's fine. You can hear any report I receive."

Evelyn mirrored his smile and leaned in, brushing a quick kiss on his lips. "Likewise. No secrets between us."

For a fleeting moment, his expression tightened.

It returned to normal just as quickly.

It's fine, he told himself. Soon, he could tell her everything.

Evelyn missed the brief shift. "Is Theodore really leaving the country?"

Alexander feigned irritation. "Are you that concerned about Theodore Vance?"

"I'm merely asking," she sighed, recognizing his jealousy. "I want no secrets from you. Because of Margaret's scheme, I hurt him. I still feel guilty. Even though we found the real poisoner, I can't absolve myself completely."

Seeing her guilt, Alexander's heart softened.

He cupped her cheek, his thumb stroking her soft skin. A silent, tender comfort eased her troubled heart.

"Don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault," he said softly.

Evelyn met his gaze, earnest. "Please understand my relationship with Theodore. There is nothing between us. Our connection exists only because I saved him overseas."

Alexander brushed a strand of hair from her face. His playful tone vanished. "I believe you," he said steadily. "But I find it hard to accept that Theodore would simply leave. He seems... obsessed with you."