Alexander's expression remained grim. It tightened further.

"I can't get through to Evelyn's phone." He faced Sebastian, his jaw clenched. "She promised to be here in ten minutes. She's still not here."

Sebastian released a tired breath. He was about to speak when Jonathan Sterling entered. "Ah, Mr. Blackwood, you've arrived."

Jonathan walked over and looked at Alexander. "Is there a problem?"

Alexander, still relentlessly dialing, didn't glance up.

Seeing this, Sebastian intervened. "His wife hasn't arrived. He's extremely concerned."

Jonathan's frown intensified. "That is strange. She should be here by now. Shall I dispatch someone to locate her?"

Before he finished speaking, Alexander spun around. "No. I will go myself."

Sebastian's eyes widened. "What? The ceremony is about to start. You're supposed to reveal your identity tonight!"

Jonathan also looked displeased. "Mr. Blackwood, it's fine. I can send my men. You shouldn't miss this event."

Alexander shook his head decisively. He looked at Sebastian. "I have to go. I can't leave her out there alone."

Sebastian hesitated. He recalled all the hardships Evelyn had endured. For anyone else, this might be trivial. But for her, he couldn't guarantee her safety either.

"Alright," Sebastian relented with a sigh.

Jonathan, however, was far from satisfied. "Mr. Blackwood, tonight's schedule is set. You're really leaving now?"

Before Alexander could answer, Sebastian quickly interjected, "Mr. Sterling, you may not know, but his wife is a special case. Her reputation has made her enemies. She has faced genuine danger before. His concern is justified."

Alexander met Jonathan's gaze sincerely. "Mr. Sterling, I apologize. But I must go. If I return in time, we proceed as planned. If not, Sebastian will handle the ceremony for me."

Jonathan was still unhappy, but he saw Alexander's resolve was unshakable. The priority tonight was securing the partnership with Aethelgard Industries. Everything else was secondary.

"Very well, Mr. Blackwood. Go. I hope your wife is safe," Jonathan conceded.

A moment later, embarrassment flooded her. A blush heated Evelyn's cheeks as she watched Alexander kneel before her.

"I twisted my ankle running earlier," she confessed softly.

Alexander gently lifted her foot and removed her high heel. His expression hardened the instant he saw her ankle. The sprain was severe.

His fingers lightly traced the swelling as he inspected it. "When I called, I wasn't trying to hurry you. Walking in heels is difficult. Running in them is asking for trouble."

Realizing the misunderstanding, Evelyn let out a small laugh. "No, Alexander, you misunderstood. I wasn't running to get to the banquet."

Alexander paused, clearly confused. "Then why were you running?"