Chapter 29

Rumors painted Alexander Kensington as cold-blooded, ruthless, and cruel. No one could have imagined the tenderness he showed toward another person.

The bathwater was perfectly warm. Evelyn Carter sank into the tub, letting the heat soothe her aching muscles. After changing into fresh clothes—soft fabric against her skin—she felt the tension in her body ease.

Her cramps had dulled to a manageable ache, a relief she hadn’t expected.

Alexander had been right. She didn’t need to rush. Rest was what she needed.

Curled against him, she drifted into a light sleep, his arms a steady weight around her. There was safety in his embrace, a quiet comfort that settled deep in her bones.

They didn’t speak. Didn’t move beyond the gentle press of bodies. Just stillness, warmth, and the steady rhythm of his breathing.

When she woke, her phone buzzed incessantly—Dominic Reeves had called her a dozen times.

She dressed slowly, smoothing the white fabric of her dress over her hips. Simple. Elegant. Perfectly fitted.

Before she could leave, Alexander caught her wrist, pulling her back. His lips brushed the curve of her neck, teeth grazing skin just enough to make her shiver.

"I don’t want to let you go."

"I’m yours," she murmured, turning in his arms. "No matter where I am."

His kiss was fierce, possessive, as if he could brand the promise into her.

Then, with a final press of his mouth to hers, he released her.

"Harrison will wait for you. Come back when it’s done."

She nodded and stepped into the hallway, the weight of his gaze lingering on her back.

The moment she arrived at the venue, Dominic stormed toward her, fury tightening his features.

"Where the hell were you?" His voice was a sharp hiss. "I called you a dozen times! Are you working with Phoenix Labs again? Do you not understand how important this is?"

Evelyn met his glare with icy calm. His words faltered.

"Let’s go," she said, turning toward the entrance.

Dominic didn’t lead her inside immediately. Instead, he pulled her into a secluded hallway, his grip tight on her arm.

"You know what to say," he muttered, low and urgent. "After today, DR Holdings will be stronger than ever. You’ve always been smart, Evelyn. Don’t ruin this."

She smiled faintly, silent.

His fingers dug into her shoulders as he leaned in, breath hot against her ear.

"I trust you," he whispered. "But if you betray me, you’ll regret it."

Then he stepped back, his expression smoothing into something warm, affectionate—a mask for the cameras.

Evelyn’s smile vanished.

She walked into the press room, blinking against the sudden flash of cameras. Reporters surged forward, lenses pointed at her like weapons.

She straightened her spine and stepped onto the stage.

A row of executives from DR Holdings sat at the long table, the three center seats reserved for Dominic, Evelyn, and Vanessa Blake.

The room hummed with anticipation.

Evelyn took her seat, her face a perfect mask.

The show was about to begin.