Chapter 235

The grandeur of wealth hit Evelyn like a tidal wave. From the moment she stepped through the gates, the imposing security guards made her pulse quicken. The sprawling gardens, the meticulously trimmed hedges, the architectural masterpiece of a house—every detail screamed luxury. And the fleet of high-end cars parked in the driveway? Just another reminder of Alexander Kensington’s staggering fortune.

Harrison swung the front door open as Alexander carried Evelyn in his arms, effortlessly, as if she weighed nothing. Despite his lean frame, his strength was undeniable. Evelyn, blissfully unaware in her drunken state, curled against him like a contented kitten. Isabella hesitated on the porch, then hurried inside after them.

Inside, Alexander settled Evelyn onto the plush sofa with care. Isabella hovered, unsure of her place. She wanted to fetch water, but the sheer size of the mansion left her clueless. A blanket? She didn’t even know where to begin.

Alexander had already taken charge, his attention solely on Evelyn. Isabella felt like an intruder in this intimate moment. She considered slipping away, but Alexander’s earlier warning kept her rooted in place. Awkwardly, she stood to the side, twisting her fingers.

Finally, she gathered the courage to speak. "Mr. Kensington, should I—?"

Alexander barely spared her a glance. "Harrison, see her home."

"I—I can manage on my own!" She shot a nervous look at the silent Harrison and waved her hands in polite refusal. Harrison merely shrugged. "Suit yourself."

The exchange between the two men left no room for her input. Resigned, she swallowed her protest. It was safer this way—hailing a cab in this upscale neighborhood at night was nearly impossible.

"Then I’ll take my leave," she murmured, glancing at Evelyn, whose cheeks were flushed. "She drank too much. Some hangover remedies might help when she wakes."

Alexander gave a curt nod, his gaze never leaving Evelyn. He didn’t even acknowledge her departure as Harrison escorted her out.

Meanwhile, Evelyn stirred, licking her dry lips with a whine. "Mmm… thirsty."

Alexander exhaled sharply, torn between irritation and amusement. He considered giving her a light smack for her recklessness, but the way she pouted—like a petulant child—softened his resolve.

"I’m dying of thirst," she groaned, flopping back dramatically.

Rolling his eyes, he fetched a glass of lukewarm water—knowing her delicate stomach couldn’t handle anything too cold. He propped her up gently, guiding the glass to her lips. She gulped it down greedily before collapsing back onto the cushions with a grimace.

"Ugh, that tasted awful!"

"Evelyn, don’t push your luck," he warned, setting the glass down with a clink. His eyebrow twitched in exasperation.

Dazed, she blinked up at him, her vision swimming. "A-Alex?"

"Hmm?"

Her voice was a sleepy whisper. "What took you so long?"

Before he could answer, she wobbled upright, swaying dangerously. His arms shot out to steady her, pulling her back down beside him.

And then—she hugged him. Tight.

All his irritation evaporated in an instant.

"I missed you," she mumbled into his chest.

He swallowed hard, his grip tightening around her.

Damn it. She always knew how to disarm him.