Chapter 13

The breakfast spread at The Chateau Royale was exquisite, offering everything from freshly baked croissants to tropical fruit platters. Evelyn and Alexander savored their meal as golden sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow over the linen-covered table.

Alexander meticulously spread raspberry jam on his toast before speaking. "I'm heading to Celestia Group headquarters this morning. Since Phoenix Labs is on the way, I can drop you off." His deep voice carried that effortless charm that always made Evelyn's pulse quicken.

Evelyn took a sip of her orange juice, shaking her head. "No need. I'm not going to Phoenix until this afternoon." She hesitated, then added, "Besides, we agreed to keep our...arrangement private."

Her words trailed off as Alexander's piercing gaze locked onto hers. He slid the perfectly prepared toast across the table. "Relax. I keep my promises. Only Phoenix's executive team knows Celestia recruited you. Harrison handled the negotiations, so they're unaware that—"

A slow, knowing smile curved his lips as his eyes traveled over her. "You're my wife." The simple declaration hung in the air, weighted with unspoken meaning.

Evelyn nearly choked on her juice. The way this man could turn an ordinary statement into something scandalous with just his tone was criminal. For someone who projected such icy restraint, Alexander Kensington had a dangerous talent for making her blush with a single sentence.

"Right. Well." Evelyn focused intently on arranging her silverware, suddenly fascinated by the pattern on her plate. "I should make some calls." She devoured the toast in three quick bites before excusing herself.

Stepping into the suite's sitting room, Evelyn pulled out her phone to finalize her departure from DR Holdings. The screen lit up with twenty-three missed calls—all from Dominic Reeves. A smirk tugged at her lips.

She'd silenced her phone yesterday after leaving the competition, wanting space from the drama. She'd expected Dominic to reach out, but not with this level of desperation. In their entire relationship, he'd never initiated this much contact unless it involved work.

As her thumb hovered over the screen, another call flashed—Dominic again.

Evelyn glanced back at the dining area where Alexander sat, his aristocratic profile illuminated by morning light. He moved with the effortless grace of royalty, every gesture precise and controlled. The contrast between the two men couldn't be more striking.

Taking a deep breath, she answered. "Dominic?"

"Evelyn, where the hell are you?" His voice sounded ragged, like he'd been up all night. "What do you want, Mr. Reeves?" She kept her tone deliberately neutral.

"Don't play games. Running away won't solve anything." His accusation made her laugh. "Run away? From what exactly? The humiliation you brought upon yourself?"

The line crackled with his frustrated exhale. Evelyn watched Alexander rise from the table, his tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders as he moved toward the window. She had nothing to hide—not from him, not anymore. Last night's events had burned every bridge with Dominic, and she wouldn't pretend otherwise.