Chapter 441

Evelyn remembered her grandfather wasn't the type to surrender. He'd rise at dawn every morning to train. Even at his age, Reginald Hawthorne maintained remarkable fitness. In his prime, he could stand ramrod straight and sprint like a gazelle.

Yet now he sat confined to a wheelchair. The man who once despised sitting now relied on wheels to move. Though he claimed it meant nothing, the pain etching his features betrayed the truth.

"It's fine!" Reginald tugged his blanket higher when Evelyn's gaze lingered on his knees, discomfort coloring his voice.

"How long since you left the Hawthorne estate?"

"Nearly eight years, I suppose." Evelyn's eyes clouded at the question.

"Seven years and four months precisely," Donovan interjected smoothly. Evelyn shot him a withering look.

"Seems you've adapted well to independence. That's good."

Every word from Reginald today surprised her. She'd anticipated arguments, accusations - not this gentle grandfatherly demeanor.

"Grandpa..."

"You've taken a new lover?" The abrupt personal question made her blink.

After a beat, she nodded. "Yes."

"Does he treat you right?"

"Extremely well." One word felt inadequate to describe Alexander Kensington's devotion. "Exceptionally well."

"You're certain of his intentions? When did he learn you're a Hawthorne?" Donovan's skepticism sliced through the moment.

Evelyn's voice turned steely. "I've never been more certain of anything. Yes, I was reckless before, but life's taught me harsh lessons. I don't repeat mistakes."

Donovan opened his mouth, but Reginald silenced him with a raised hand. The patriarch peered through the window, lips pursed toward a figure below. "That him?"

Following his gaze, Evelyn spotted Alexander being led across the manicured grounds by a servant. Warmth flooded her chest, softening her features. "Yes."

"Alexander Kensington. The Kensington heir does possess... credentials. Your current choice shows improved judgment."

The backhanded compliment stung. Was he implying her past choice - Dominic - had been disastrous? Reality had indeed branded that lesson into her soul with searing clarity.

"Master," a servant announced from the doorway. Alexander had arrived.

"Show him in."

The door swung open to reveal Alexander, his piercing gaze sweeping the room until it anchored on Evelyn. Only then did tension visibly leave his shoulders.

Reginald's lips quirked. "Alexander." The informal address held deliberate weight.

Unfazed, Alexander approached and inclined his torso in respectful greeting. "Mr. Hawthorne. May your vitality match the mountains."

Reginald studied the offered hand but didn't accept it. "Still 'Mr. Hawthorne,' is it?"