Chapter 27

Alexander loosened his tie with a sigh.

"I prefer peace and quiet," he said, his voice low. "But someone will come to clean the house every couple of days."

He glanced at Evelyn, who stood frozen near the walk-in closet.

"I'm going to shower. You can settle in first."

With that, he disappeared into the ensuite bathroom, leaving Evelyn alone in the vast master bedroom.

The sound of running water soon filled the silence.

Evelyn exhaled, grateful for the moment to adjust. The mansion was enormous—three sprawling floors, with the loft at the top. The architecture was sleek, all sharp lines and cool tones, much like Alexander himself.

She stepped into the walk-in closet and nearly gasped.

It was the size of a small apartment.

Two sections were already filled with Alexander's tailored suits and crisp dress shirts, while the rest remained empty. Evelyn unpacked her meager belongings, hanging each piece with care before retrieving a small file from her bag.

Her ID, diploma, and other essentials were inside—but the marriage certificate was missing.

Alexander had taken both copies yesterday.

She frowned. She'd have to ask him about it later.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket.

Dominic Reeves.

Evelyn hesitated before answering. "Hello?"

"Evelyn, where the hell have you been?" His voice was sharp, accusatory.

She nearly laughed. Since when did he care? "I didn't realize my whereabouts concerned you, Mr. Reeves."

She slid the file into a drawer, her tone light but edged with steel.

Dominic scoffed. "Is that any way to speak to me?"

"I think I'm being perfectly civil."

She stepped out of the closet—and froze.

Alexander stood just feet away, freshly showered, a white towel slung low around his hips. Water droplets glistened on his sculpted chest, trailing down his abdomen.

Evelyn's breath hitched.

Dominic was still talking, his voice tinny through the phone. "Did DR Holdings contact you? Don’t tell me you’re still buying into Phoenix Labs’ lies. You know me better than that, Evelyn. There’s nothing between Vanessa and me—"

A soft gasp cut through his words.

Vanessa was there with him.

Evelyn barely registered it.

Alexander stepped closer, his presence overwhelming.

She could count every drop of water on his skin.

Dominic’s voice faded into white noise.

The only thing that mattered was the man in front of her.