Chapter 1982

No.1

Alexander added coldly, "Forgot to mention—Evelyn already told Grandmother she's pregnant."

Dead silence filled the line.

After a prolonged pause, Eleanor murmured, "I acted thoughtlessly. If you don't need the IV, take Evelyn home to rest."

"I'm staying for observation this afternoon." Alexander abruptly changed his mind. "Resuming IV tomorrow. Evelyn will stay with me."

Evelyn Sinclair's head snapped up, disbelief flashing across her face.

The audacity of this man!

Taking today off didn't mean she'd skip work tomorrow.

No.2

After this ordeal, she didn't want to spend another minute in this hospital.

"You'll stay, won't you?" Hanging up, Alexander gazed down at her with infuriating certainty.

"I want to go home." Evelyn's quiet voice held steel.

"Then I'll take you home first. Tomorrow you can accompany me for the IV?" he bargained.

"Alex—"

"Evelyn." He cut her off. "Don't leave. I swear I'll protect you."

He refused to let this minor illness cause friction between them.

No.3

This minor illness that had made her Grandmother's target.

Now he'd rather die than see her suffer another slight.

"Here." Noting her silence, Alexander handed over her phone. "You've missed many calls."

Hesitating briefly, Evelyn accepted it.

The moment her fingers touched the device, Alexander suddenly swept her into his arms.

"Ah!" She gasped, instinctively clutching his collar.

A smirk tugged at his lips.

No.4

Ignoring his fever, he carried her straight back to the hospital room.

He knew she wouldn't return willingly.

Fine. He'd do it for her.

If she wouldn't walk, he'd carry her.

"Where will you sleep?" Evelyn asked as he gently deposited her on the bed.

"Not tired." Alexander moved closer, his gaze softening unusually. "Rest. I'll watch over you."

Evelyn hesitated. "Then get down?"

No.5

The narrow bed barely fit one—why must he crowd in?

Besides, she had no intention of sleeping.

Dozens of missed calls demanded attention.

Alexander didn't budge. This rare proximity was too precious to relinquish.

Evelyn sat up. "I'll take the sofa—"

"Evelyn." His hand closed over her knee. "Don't go."

The near-pleading tone stunned her.

No.6

Looking down, she saw half his face shadowed.

"Please," he whispered with aching sincerity. "Stay with me."

Evelyn relented.

Picking up her phone, she checked the call log.

All from colleagues.

Friends like Martha Nash and Iris Cooper, plus troublemakers like Wendy West. Roman Young had called too, leaving a message about hosting an introduction banquet—hoping she'd attend.

Confirming Alexander was awake, Evelyn returned Martha's call.

No.7

"Martha, you needed me?"

"Evelyn! Finally! How could you keep quiet about this company scandal?"

"Roman's situation?"

"What else?" Martha's voice pitched higher. "You handled this bombshell alone without warning us!"

Evelyn massaged her temples. "It happened suddenly. Xavier Stapleton lost his nerve."

"He actually tried murder? Should call him Roman Stapleton now." Martha's gossip instincts ignited.