You've Been Zoning Out All Night

Alexander contemplated for a moment before an idea sparked. "So this is a test for Evelyn? She must prove herself worthy?"

A smirk played on his lips. "And what if she fails?"

He reclined with an amused chuckle. "What's the plan then? Discard her without a second thought?"

"Wouldn't that be excessively cold?"

Sebastian's expression darkened as he imagined Evelyn rejecting Alexander. If she ever looked at him with contempt, would it affect him?

But he couldn't let emotions cloud his judgment. A few tranquil days together didn't equate to complete trust.

"Alexander, hey-" Sebastian waved a hand in front of his face. "You've been zoning out all night."

Alexander blinked, returning to the present. Recalling Sebastian's earlier question, his tone turned icy. "So petty."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "How is this not my concern? I'm your closest friend. Your romantic life is absolutely my business."

Clearly finished with the conversation, Alexander turned his wheelchair sharply. "If there's nothing urgent, I'm leaving."

Without another word, he rolled away.

Sebastian shook his head, muttering to himself, "Alexander always believes he's in control, treating everything like a calculated move. But love isn't something a man who's never been in a real relationship can predict."

An image of Alexander and Evelyn interacting flashed in Sebastian's mind, and he let out a soft laugh.

"Alexander is going to find himself completely captivated by Evelyn's little finger."

Taking a sip of his whiskey, he leaned back, a plan forming.

He had a game to set in motion.

As Sebastian set his glass down, he decided.

For the sake of Alexander's future happiness, he would give the two of them a push.

If all proceeded smoothly, the heir to Aethelgard Industries might just be on the way soon.

And naturally, that child would call him godfather. Or perhaps even mentor.

The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He was prepared to initiate his plan immediately.

Meanwhile, Evelyn sneezed.

It felt like someone was talking about her behind her back.

Then, remembering the incident at the mall earlier, she dismissed the thought.

It was irrelevant. Julian and Isabella weren't worth another second of her time.

Although it was only her first day at work, the day had exhausted her. After a quick shower, she crawled into bed and fell into a deep sleep almost instantly.

The next morning, before her alarm had a chance to sound, her phone vibrated with an incoming call.

Without opening her eyes, she fumbled for her phone and answered groggily. "Hello? Who is this?"

A familiar voice came through the line.

"It's me, Evelyn."

Her sleepiness vanished instantly. Annoyance sharpened her tone. "Julian?"

"What on earth do you want? Didn't I make myself perfectly clear yesterday? Are you really asking for another humiliation?"