Chapter 294

"No, that won't be necessary. I've already inconvenienced you twice. I can easily hail a cab myself—it's still early."

Evelyn waved her hands dismissively, her cheeks flushing slightly at the thought of causing more trouble.

"If you insist, then at least let me walk you to get one," Harrison countered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Evelyn fell silent, her fingers nervously twisting the strap of her purse. Beside them, Vanessa watched the exchange with amused eyes, her lips curling into a knowing smile.

She stepped forward and gave Evelyn's shoulder a reassuring pat. "Just let him accompany you, dear. It's no trouble at all."

"Achoo!"

Harrison sneezed violently, his nose wrinkling in discomfort.

Vanessa rolled her eyes. The moment they left, she was sprinting upstairs for a shower. At first, she hadn't noticed, but Harrison's relentless sneezing had made her painfully aware of the lingering scent clinging to her skin.

Even from a distance, his reaction had been immediate. She could only imagine how much worse it would be up close—especially for Alexander.

"I should go wash up," Vanessa muttered, already turning toward the stairs.

But before she could take a single step, Alexander's hand closed around her wrist, pulling her firmly against his chest.

"Don't—I reek," she protested, squirming in his hold.

Instead of releasing her, Alexander buried his face in the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply. "Who said that? You smell incredible. It's your scent—unique, intoxicating."

Vanessa couldn't help but laugh. The line was cheesy, but her traitorous heart still fluttered at his words, even if they were just meant to placate her.

"I'll take the compliment, but I still need a shower. Otherwise, I might start repelling small animals," she teased, reaching up to lightly tap his cheek before slipping free.

As the warm water cascaded over her, Vanessa's thoughts drifted back to the woodcarver's shop.

That brash young man—Julian—had a temper, but something about him struck her as oddly trustworthy.

The problem was, she knew nothing about him beyond a phone number scribbled on a receipt.

If she couldn't reach him soon, the new product development would stall indefinitely. The initial samples she'd taken weren't enough for proper testing.

Human nature was funny that way—the harder something was to obtain, the more desperately one wanted it.

With a sigh, she stepped out of the shower, toweled off, and slipped into her silk nightgown.

Alexander had already showered in the guest bathroom. Now, he lounged on the bed in his pajamas, flipping through a stack of documents.

The moment he heard her, he set the papers aside and watched her expectantly.

But Vanessa barely glanced his way.

She bee-lined for her wardrobe, rummaging through drawers with increasing frustration when she didn't find what she sought.

After a moment, she paused, her gaze drifting toward Alexander—though her distant expression made it clear her thoughts were miles away.

Alexander arched a brow. "Lose something?"

Before he could finish, Vanessa was already striding past him and out the door.

His jaw dropped.

She'd just... walked out. Without a word.

For the first time in his life, Alexander Kensington had been completely, utterly ignored.

He slumped against the headboard, momentarily stunned. So this was what it felt like.

And by none other than his own wife.

Just as he debated whether to follow her or wait, the sound of returning footsteps reached his ears.