Chapter 219

The car took a sharp turn, sending Evelyn tumbling straight into Alexander's arms. Isabella gasped, then quickly pretended to look away, gripping the door handle with one hand while covering her flushed face with the other.

Evelyn's cheeks burned crimson. She tried to push Alexander away to sit up properly, but he seized the opportunity to wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her firmly against him. His grip left no room for argument.

"Is the new product a success?" Alexander asked, his voice calm but laced with quiet satisfaction.

The question instantly brightened Evelyn's expression. "Yes! It turned out exactly how I envisioned—no, even better than I expected. It's perfect!"

"That deserves a celebration," Alexander murmured, his fingers tracing idle circles on her side.

Evelyn nodded eagerly. "We should! Liv—" She turned toward Isabella, excitement sparkling in her eyes. "Let's pick a date. How about that Cantonese place you loved last time?"

Isabella opened her mouth to agree, but the air suddenly grew heavy. A chill prickled down her spine as she caught Alexander's icy glare in her peripheral vision. She swallowed hard and backtracked. "I—I mean, it's fine! Really, I don’t mind. Heh."

Being the third wheel was not easy.

"You don’t mind? You raved about that place for days," Evelyn pointed out, oblivious to the tension. "Oh, and we should invite Victoria too. She’s been working so hard lately."

Isabella forced a laugh, resting her cheek on her palm as she stared out the window. Even through the reflection, Alexander’s darkened expression was impossible to miss.

Sigh. Who knew Mr. Kensington would get jealous over me? I’m a woman, for heaven’s sake!

She shifted uncomfortably, wishing Harrison would drive faster.

From her angle, Harrison seemed entirely focused on the road, his jaw set with determination—though the dim lighting might have softened his usual sternness.

Evelyn frowned at Isabella’s lack of enthusiasm. "What’s wrong? You don’t seem excited."

"I think you’re excited enough for both of us," Alexander remarked, pulling Evelyn closer. He tilted her chin up, his voice dropping to a murmur. "Tell me, who else do you plan to celebrate with?"

"Who else? Well, Liv and I developed the product, and Victoria helped a lot, so obviously her. As for others..." Evelyn trailed off, finally noticing the warning glint in Alexander’s eyes.

"B-But—" She gave a nervous laugh. "You can’t!"

Alexander’s expression darkened instantly.

A slow, deliberate cough came from the driver’s seat. Isabella buried her face in her hands, pretending to yawn to stifle her laughter.

Realizing how her words sounded, Evelyn quickly corrected herself. "N-No! I just meant—it wouldn’t be appropriate for you to come. You know, public appearances and all."