Chapter 47

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Evelyn leaned against the kitchen counter, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup.

"It's not bad," she said, offering Alexander a small smile. "New environment, new colleagues. Feels like a fresh start—fitting, considering the company's name."

She didn’t mention the whispers, the sidelong glances, the way some of her coworkers had already dismissed her before she’d even proven herself. But she understood. Not everyone would welcome her, and that was fine. Some would warm up to her in time. Others never would.

Victoria had been right—Evelyn had no reputation, no track record to lean on. Just a string of legal battles still hanging over her head. Most companies wouldn’t touch her with a ten-foot pole. Yes, she’d gotten into Phoenix Labs through connections, but now? Now she had to prove she belonged here on her own merit.

"That’s good," Alexander murmured, his voice low. He dipped his head, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.

He knew. Of course he knew. He was aware of every whisper, every doubt circulating in the office. But he wouldn’t intervene—not when she’d been so insistent on keeping their relationship private. He wanted to see how far she could go on her own. And he had no doubt she’d exceed every expectation.

The brush of his lips against her skin sent a shiver down her spine. But it wasn’t enough. His grip on her waist tightened as he leaned in again, this time capturing her lips. The warmth of his mouth, the way his fingers pressed into her hips—it made her pulse race.

Her hands clutched at his shoulders, her knees threatening to buckle. She didn’t dare push him further, though. Not when she knew exactly where this would lead if she did.

Then—her phone rang.

The sharp trill shattered the moment.

"I should get that," she murmured, pulling back slightly.

Alexander’s grip didn’t loosen. His jaw tensed as he glanced at the offending device. "Ignore it."

"Let me just see who it is first."

The stubborn set of his mouth made her want to laugh. Who knew the great Alexander Kensington could be so petulant?

Still, he didn’t release her.

The phone kept ringing. What if it was important? Rising onto her toes, she pressed a quick, appeasing kiss to his cheek.

But before she could pull away, he turned his head, catching her lips again in a searing kiss that left her breathless. Only when the ringing persisted did he finally relent.

Flushed, she hurried to grab her phone—and froze.

Dominic Reeves.

Her gaze flicked to Alexander, who was watching her with an unreadable expression.

"Do you want me to take it?" he offered, his voice deceptively calm.

She shook her head. "I’ve got it."

Swallowing hard, she answered—on speaker.

Dominic’s furious voice filled the room.

"Evelyn! Why the hell did you stop renting the apartment? And why wasn’t I the first to know?"