Chapter 63

The moment dinner ended, Evelyn rose to clear the dishes, but Alexander caught her wrist. "Stay right where you are," he commanded, his voice firm. His disapproving frown deepened. "The kitchen is off-limits. You're not stepping foot in there again."

Evelyn sighed in exasperation. "I've always cooked for myself before, so—"

"That was then," Alexander cut in sharply. "From now on, you don’t." He efficiently gathered the dishes and strode into the kitchen. The sound of running water soon filled the air as Evelyn lingered in the doorway, watching him. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing toned forearms, his skin fair but not pallid—strong, masculine. The memory of those hands gripping her waist sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.

"Are you going to respond?" Alexander asked without turning, his hands submerged in soapy water.

Evelyn blinked, momentarily thrown. "Huh? To what?"

"Those ridiculous Twitter rumors," he clarified, glancing over his shoulder.

After a brief pause, Evelyn nodded. "Absolutely." Though the accusations were baseless, they still tarnished her reputation. Worse, they reflected on Alexander. She refused to let him be dragged into this mess.

"How do you plan to handle it? A public statement?"

She shook her head. "Denying it outright will only fuel the fire. They want me to engage—to give them more ammunition."

The public would assume her silence meant guilt. A few might believe her, but what did that matter? Time, reputation—both would be casualties. How could she face her colleagues at Celestia Group after this?

As for Dominic and Vanessa, they didn’t need to lift a finger. They could simply pay others to do their dirty work while staying clean. Evelyn had no intention of playing their game.

"Then… do you need my help?" Alexander finished washing up, drying his hands meticulously before turning to face her.

Evelyn stepped forward as he opened his arms, meeting his embrace willingly. She tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. "If I can’t handle this, what kind of wife would I be for Mr. Kensington?"

A slow smile curved Alexander’s lips. He dipped his head, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "You’re the only woman in the world qualified to be my wife." Whether it was flattery or truth, Evelyn accepted it with a pleased hum.

In return, she rose onto her toes, brushing her lips against his. What was meant to be a quick peck quickly escalated—Alexander’s hand cradled the back of her head, his kiss deepening, demanding more.

Meanwhile, Dominic had just wrapped up a meeting in DR Holdings’ executive office. He was adjusting his tie smugly when he spotted Sebastian waiting outside. "Well?" he asked, unable to suppress his triumphant grin.

"Ms. Carter declined the settlement offer," Sebastian reported. "She intends to take you to court."

Dominic froze mid-reach for his coffee. His fingers twitched as if stung. "What did you just say?"

"She refused to negotiate privately. She’s prepared for litigation."

Dominic’s smirk faltered. His eyes narrowed. "Does she really think she can win? What new evidence could she possibly have?"