Chapter 443

"Grandfather, the celebration is about to begin," Donovan remarked, glancing at his watch.

"Very well." Reginald Hawthorne snapped out of his thoughts and gave a slow nod. His gaze lingered on Evelyn, questioning.

Evelyn shook her head. "I won't be attending. Crowded gatherings aren’t my preference—you know that."

"I see." Reginald didn’t press further, turning instead to Alexander.

Without hesitation, Alexander rested a hand on Evelyn’s shoulder. "I’ll stay with her."

A faint, knowing smile curved Reginald’s lips. "Then it’s settled. I’ll have rooms prepared for you both. Stay a couple of days before leaving, hm?"

The request was directed at Evelyn, almost pleading. Seeing her grandfather’s hopeful expression, Evelyn softened instantly. "Alright, if that’s what you’d like."

Satisfied, Reginald exhaled in relief, his smile deepening. "Donovan, let’s proceed."

Donovan acknowledged with a nod, stepping forward to guide the wheelchair. Before leaving, he cast a glance at Evelyn. "Someone will escort you to your quarters shortly."

"Understood."

Evelyn watched as the two disappeared into the grand estate ahead.

Moments later, the butler arrived. "Ms. Carter, Mr. Kensington, if you’d follow me."

He led them upstairs, assigning separate rooms—strategically placed at opposite ends of the hallway. The distance between them was impossible to ignore.

Evelyn frowned, but Alexander remained unbothered, his expression unreadable.

"Ms. Carter, you must be weary. Rest well. Dinner will be sent up shortly. Should you require anything, don’t hesitate to call," the butler informed smoothly.

His efficiency was impeccable—except for the glaringly intentional room arrangement.

"Butler," Evelyn began, "isn’t this spacing a bit… excessive?"

A single glance confirmed the absurd distance. The butler bowed slightly. "Mr. Pierce’s orders. As a guest, Mr. Kensington deserves the finest accommodations."

The implication was clear: Alexander was an outsider, tolerated but not welcomed.

Evelyn opened her mouth to argue, but Alexander gently intervened. "It’s fine. The arrangements are more than adequate."

She pressed her lips together, relenting only because he seemed unbothered.

The butler dipped his head. "Excellent. I’ll leave you both to settle in."

Once alone, Evelyn huffed. "Why didn’t you let me object? Do you want to be halfway across the estate from me?"

"Do you really think protesting would change anything?" Alexander chuckled, pulling her close until her back met his chest. His breath warmed her ear as he murmured, "Your cousin made this decision deliberately. No sense making the staff uncomfortable."

He emphasized deliberately with amusement. Then, softer, he brushed his lips against her temple. "Unless… you’ll miss me?"