Chapter 461

"That's exactly why I need you to ask him!" Cassandra circled the mahogany table, gripping Sebastian's arm with both hands. She gave it an insistent shake. "It's such a simple favor. Just casually bring it up when you see him. Can't you do this tiny thing for me?"

Honestly, the request itself wasn't outrageous. But where had she even heard such ridiculous gossip?

Sebastian's nose wrinkled in distaste as he studied his sister. "Since when do you believe every absurd rumor? Weren't you the one who swore Alexander was completely devoted to you? Have you actually seen him with another woman? Knowing you, you've probably scared off every female within a ten-mile radius of him." He paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Honestly, if you told me he was secretly into men, I'd probably believe that faster. Wait—do you think his mysterious fiancé is actually some guy?"

He delivered this outrageous theory with complete seriousness, as if it were the most logical conclusion.

Cassandra's small fist connected with his shoulder with surprising force. "You idiot! You're the one who's clearly obsessed with men! Just ask him already! Why are you making this so difficult?"

"Ow! Fine, I'll ask!" Sebastian yelped, rubbing his sore arm. "They say blood is thicker than water, but clearly romance trumps sibling bonds. If I ever came out, I'd be the most fabulous member of this family!"

Seeing her fist rear back for another strike, he hastily raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright! My dearest Cassandra, I'll do it! Mercy, please!"

Satisfied, she lowered her hand but narrowed her eyes warningly. "You promised. Don't forget."

As she turned to leave, a thought struck her. She spun back around. "Oh, and when you set up the meeting, text me the time and place immediately. I'm coming too!"

Sebastian sighed. "Friendly advice? You should stay home."

"Why?" Her lower lip jutted out in an instant pout.

It had been weeks since she'd last seen Alexander. After their dramatic confrontation that day, their only contact had been two brief phone calls—both initiated by her. She'd been waiting for him to come crawling back first, but as days stretched into weeks, her patience had worn thin.

Fine. She'd admit it—she missed him terribly. The heart wants what it wants, and hers had chosen Alexander Kensington. But this engagement rumor needed to be squashed immediately. She needed to hear him deny it to her face.

Sebastian adopted his rare serious expression. "Think about it. How awkward would it be if you asked him directly? True or not, do you really think he'd give you an honest answer with you staring him down?"

"Why wouldn't he?"

"Then why don't you just call and ask him yourself?"

That single sentence rendered her speechless. Cassandra worried her bottom lip between her teeth, conflicting emotions playing across her face. "Just... just listen to me. Don't go. Some conversations are better between men." Nobody understood Cassandra's fiery temperament better than her brother, but he also knew Alexander's reserved nature.

If Alexander truly was hiding something, Cassandra's confrontational approach would only make him retreat further.

"Fine, I won't go," she finally conceded, though every fiber of her being rebelled against the decision. The truth mattered more than her pride. "But you have to swear you'll get me real answers."

"I promise!" Sebastian nodded vigorously, eager to end the conversation before she changed her mind.

Though unsatisfied, Cassandra knew this was her best option. The burning need for confirmation made her wish she could eavesdrop on their entire conversation. "And I mean every detail! If it's true, I want names, dates, everything!"

"Yes, yes!" He made shooing motions toward the door.

Only after the door closed behind her did Sebastian finally exhale. Leaning against the wall, he replayed the bizarre conversation. The more he thought about it, the stranger the situation became.

Setting aside their families' close ties—or Cassandra's obvious feelings—if Alexander were truly engaged, their entire social circle would be buzzing about it. There'd been zero signs of any romantic involvement, and suddenly an engagement? Who could possibly have captured Alexander Kensington's heart?

Now this was a mystery worth solving. Sebastian grinned, already planning his approach. This promised to be entertaining.