Chapter 463

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Alexander Kensington's office as he buried himself in paperwork. Year-end reports from DR Holdings' subsidiaries, financial statements, and personnel evaluations piled high on his desk.

He wasn't making excuses—the workload was genuinely overwhelming.

Normally, Alexander would take his time with these tasks, even if it meant working through New Year's Eve. But now, everything had changed.

Now, he had Evelyn.

Every signed document brought him closer to going home to her.

The clock struck seven when Alexander finally emerged from his last meeting. His polished Oxfords clicked against the marble floor as he strode toward his office, signing documents Harrison handed him along the way.

Just as he reached for the doorknob, a figure blocked his path.

"Mr. Kensington! Surely you have time for me now?"

Alexander's jaw tightened at the sight of Sebastian Winslow. His icy glare clearly conveyed: Personal space violation.

His secretary cleared her throat. "Mr. Winslow insisted he had an appointment, sir. He's been waiting three hours."

Sebastian checked his Rolex with theatrical precision. "Three hours, forty-nine minutes, and twelve seconds, darling." He blew an exaggerated kiss toward the flustered secretary.

Alexander's frown deepened.

"Stop harassing my staff." He brushed past Sebastian into the office.

The Winslow heir trailed behind, undeterred. "Harassment? I'm providing essential workplace hydration! Women are like roses—they need regular admiration to thrive." He gestured toward Alexander's stone-faced expression. "Your glacial demeanor will make this entire office wilt. Tragic, really."

Between sentences, Sebastian released waves of his signature cologne—Eternal Bloom—and winked at passing female employees.

Though not as classically handsome as Alexander, Sebastian possessed an approachable charm. His almond-shaped eyes sparkled with mischief, and his tailored Brioni suit screamed old money.

Alexander yanked the blinds shut.

Signing the final document, he dismissed Harrison with a nod and reached for his overcoat.

Sebastian perked up. "Leaving? Perfect! Let's grab dinner—my treat."

"Going home." Alexander stabbed the elevator button.

Sebastian slipped in just before the doors closed. "Home? How domestic. What's the rush? Not like you're seven years old with a curfew." The elevator descended. "I know this fantastic new place at The Canopy—"

"No."

The doors opened to the underground garage. Alexander marched toward his Summit Trailhawk, Sebastian dogging his steps.

Harrison raised an eyebrow at their unexpected passenger. "Sir?"

"I said I'm going home." Alexander glared at Sebastian through the rearview mirror.

Sebastian buckled up cheerfully. "And I'm coming with! Consider it a house call."

"No dinner prepared for guests."

Sebastian's smile faltered. "I—I'll survive. Since you're 'too busy,' we'll talk during the ride." He leaned forward conspiratorially. "It's about that Veridian City merger..."

Alexander's grip tightened on the steering wheel as Harrison pulled out of the garage. The battle of wills had only begun.