Chapter 477

Evelyn jerked backward. "What are you doing?"

Alexander pulled a small red card from the bedsheets, no larger than a matchbox.

"What's this?" His brow furrowed.

She shook her head. "I don't know."

"It was in your bed."

"Maybe housekeeping missed it. Left by the last guest."

He held it up to the light. On crimson paper, four lines of calligraphy stood bold and elegant:

May heaven guide you to smooth paths

May fate bring you kind souls

May distant sunshine and glittering lights

Illuminate every tomorrow that awaits you

Evelyn frowned. "What is this?"

"Turn it over." He flipped the card.

She averted her eyes after one glance.

"Gregory's handwriting?"

"I have no idea how it got here."

Alexander rubbed the card between his fingers. "Could've slipped it into your clothes."

"Even if he did, it's just a blessing."

"A blessing?" He snorted, pulling out his phone.

Soon, the room filled with a rock ballad: "Even if you change... You'll always be the girl I adore."

Evelyn: "......"

"Knew it wasn't that simple."

She reached out. "Let me see."

Alexander raised the card high, flicking open his lighter.

"You—"

Flames consumed the red paper.

"Don't toss it. Too many flammable things here."

Suddenly, he clenched his fist, trapping the burning card inside.

Evelyn gasped.

When he reopened his palm, only black ash remained.

"Didn't that burn?" Her voice trembled.

"Used to it." He wiped his hand with a tissue.

"The scars on your back—"

"Want to see?" His fingers moved to unbutton his shirt.

"No!" She grabbed his wrist.

Alexander chuckled, caging her between his arms. "Evelyn, let's start over."

She shook her head. "No."

"I mean it."

"I don't believe you."

His smile turned bitter. "Then use me. Need funds? I'm your ATM. Contacts? Your headhunter. Advice? On call 24/7. Vent at me. Order me around. Even your dog."

"Really? What about breeding him?"

"I can arrange a veterinary—" He froze, pinching her nose. "Getting bold?"

"My nose is stuffy!" She swatted his hand away.

He switched to gently squeezing her cheek. "You've changed so much since we were kids."

"Stop touching me." She twisted away.

Under the dim light, her lashes cast delicate shadows. Without warning, he captured her lips.

"You—"

When he leaned in again, she slapped a hand over her mouth.

His kiss landed on her knuckles instead, beginning a slow exploration. From her hand to each fingertip, his mouth claimed every inch with devastating patience.

"Let go." He sucked her ring finger into his mouth.

"No."

"Then we continue." His lips traveled up her arm, past the elbow, stopping at her shoulder.

Her back grew damp with sweat.

When his mouth found the hollow of her throat, she shuddered violently.

"Keep resisting," he murmured against her ear, "and I won't stop here."

"Alexander..." Her breath hitched. "Your fiancée is waiting."

"She's just a sister."

"First your 'best friend,' then 'sister,' now 'confidante.' You have so many options."

"But none of them are you." His teeth grazed her earlobe. "I only want you."