85 Alexander, Release Me

Harrison had never once considered the woman beside Alexander to be his wife. He had assumed she was merely another spectator, present to observe the evening's proceedings.

"Alexander, where is this wife of yours? Aren't you going to introduce her?" As he spoke, Harrison's gaze swept over Evelyn with unabashed curiosity.

Who was this woman? Why was she unfamiliar?

She was different from the ostentatious women Harrison typically encountered. Her features were delicate, her composure even more so.

He made a mental note to discover her identity later.

Just as Harrison was lost in thought, he saw Evelyn step forward gracefully. She gently slipped her hand into Alexander's.

Alexander looked at her, and the stern lines of his face softened. Turning to Margaret, he made the introduction. "This is my wife."

Harrison was stunned. He couldn't comprehend how this exquisite woman could be married to Alexander!

Before Margaret could formulate a response, Harrison blurted out, "Alexander, are you being serious? She's your wife?"

"Indeed," Alexander replied without hesitation.

A cynical theory formed in Harrison's mind. A mocking smile twisted his lips. "Alexander, you didn't hire some actress to improve your standing, did you?"

He laughed derisively, turning his attention to Evelyn. "Tell me, how much is he paying you for this little performance? I'll pay you double."

Evelyn's grip on Alexander's hand tightened. Before he could speak, she fixed Harrison with a cold, commanding stare. "I am not an actress. Alexander and I are legally married. Your insinuations are an insult to both of us. You owe us an apology."

Her audacity sent a ripple through the gathered crowd.

"Who does she think she is? She has nerve."

"Does she realize she's addressing Harrison Blackwood?"

"How dare she demand an apology from him?"

Harrison was visibly taken aback by her boldness. He let out a harsh, disbelieving laugh, his eyes raking over her with contempt. "Do you have any idea who I am? How dare you speak to me like that?"

"I know precisely who you are," Evelyn replied, her expression unwavering. "You are Alexander's half-brother, which makes me your sister-in-law. Is this really how a younger brother should behave towards his elder brother and his wife?"

She paused, then released a soft, pointed sigh. "It seems your upbringing was sorely lacking. What exactly have you been teaching your son, Mrs. Blackwood? To be so disrespectful?"

A profound silence descended upon the room.

All eyes were locked on Evelyn, stunned by her words. Her calm demeanor only made her seem more dangerously bold.

Both Margaret and Harrison were rendered speechless by Evelyn's sharp retort.

Harrison's face flushed a deep, furious red. He pointed a trembling finger at her. "You vile woman! Say that again if you dare!"

He surged towards her, his anger boiling over.

This sharp-tongued creature—he was determined to teach her a lesson she wouldn't forget!

But before he could reach her, his upraised hand was caught in a vice-like grip by Alexander. The pressure was so intense Harrison felt his bones might crack.

"Ah!" Harrison cried out, his face draining of color. "Alexander, release me!"