Chapter 473

Sebastian Winslow thought himself utterly charming, yet Evelyn Carter's expression remained unreadable.

She turned to Alexander Kensington with a thoughtful glance. "I think... you should ask him to leave."

"What?" This was Sebastian's first major rejection. He blinked in disbelief. "No! Wait, gorgeous, I swear I don't eat much. Actually, I won't eat at all! You can't be this cruel, Alex. Think of our friendship—"

"Will you leave on your own, or should Harrison escort you out?" Alexander arched a brow.

"Absolutely not!" The memory of being carried out twice by Harrison made his ears burn. If it happened again, he'd never live it down. Desperate, he blurted, "Darling future sister-in-law! I came bearing a wedding gift. Isn't it rude to kick out a guest like this?"

"Wedding gift?" Evelyn eyed Alexander skeptically.

Alexander cleared his throat and placed a shrimp on her plate. "Indeed. Now that we're officially together, we should plan the wedding soon. Don't you agree, sweetheart?"

Sebastian shuddered at the endearment.

Evelyn understood instantly. News of their relationship must have spread after their return from the Hawthorne estate. She'd braced herself for this moment—going public no longer unsettled her.

"Where's this gift, then?" She extended a hand toward Sebastian.

He faltered. "Well, I rushed over, so..."

"Yet you claimed you came specifically to deliver it?" Evelyn took an elegant sip of soup, amused. This was her first time meeting one of Alexander's inner circle besides Harrison. The novelty intrigued her.

"Right! But I only heard the news en route. I needed confirmation before bringing anything!" He hastily added, "But don't worry—I'll make it grand. You'll adore it!"

He thumped his chest for emphasis, determined to stay. Her earlier kitchen appearance had stunned him—damp hair clinging to her shoulders, that avocado-green dress hugging her curves. Now, freshly showered, her laughter carried a hint of floral perfume. Playful yet decisive, she was unlike any woman he'd met. Alexander had unearthed a gem.

"Promise we'll love it?" She tilted her head.

"Guaranteed." Women adored jewelry and designer bags. A hefty budget would suffice.

"And if we don't?"

Sebastian glanced at Alexander, who remained silent, granting her full control.