Chapter 217

Evelyn didn’t respond because her gaze was fixed on a sleek black car parked across the street. It stood out starkly against the quiet, dimly lit road, its back door wide open. A tall, imposing figure stepped out, pausing for a moment before turning and walking straight toward her.

"Evelyn?" Sophia called again when she received no answer. Following Evelyn’s line of sight, she spotted the approaching man. Even in the faint glow of the streetlights, his presence was magnetic—sharp features, an effortless grace that made it impossible to look away.

It felt like a scene from a film, Sophia thought. The way he moved, the way Evelyn’s breath hitched ever so slightly—she didn’t need an introduction to know exactly who he was.

"So, it was you," Evelyn murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

She had suspected Alexander might be nearby after Harrison’s earlier messages and the cryptic photo he’d sent. But she had been too absorbed in the final stages of her experiment to dwell on it.

"Why aren’t you wearing the coat I sent?" Alexander frowned, his disapproval evident as he took in her thin long-sleeved shirt. Without waiting for an answer, he shrugged off his tailored jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

Evelyn tugged the fabric closer, savoring the lingering warmth. "I was busy. Didn’t think I’d need it."

"Let’s go home," he said, his voice low but firm.

She nodded, then glanced at Sophia, who was staring at Alexander with wide, unblinking eyes. Evelyn bit back a laugh—she couldn’t blame her. Alexander had that effect on people.

"Sophia, come with us. It’s late, and cabs are scarce. We’ll drop you off," Evelyn offered, looping an arm around her friend’s shoulders.

Sophia shook her head frantically. "No, no, I’m fine! I don’t want to intrude—"

"Don’t be ridiculous," Evelyn cut in, steering her toward the car. "It’s not safe this late."

With a resigned sigh, Sophia let herself be led, though she shot one last nervous glance at Alexander, who followed behind them with an amused expression.

The interior of the car was warm, the scent of leather and something faintly spicy enveloping them. Harrison, perched in the back seat, turned his head—then froze when he caught sight of Sophia.

"Y-You!" Sophia gasped, clapping a hand over her mouth as if she’d spoken out of turn. Her eyes darted between Harrison and Evelyn, realization dawning.

Evelyn smirked. This was going to be interesting.