Chapter 479

"It hurts so much!"

His movements abruptly stopped.

Evelyn bit her lip. "I need water. Now."

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed as his gaze darkened.

He finally straightened up. "I'll boil some."

Evelyn pulled the blanket tighter around herself, cheeks burning.

She thought she'd have to endure until this round was over.

She didn't expect him to let her off so easily.

Alexander casually picked up the robe from the floor and slipped it on, flicking on the bedside lamp.

The kettle had been filled the night before. He just needed to plug it in.

He walked to the window and yanked open the curtains.

Blinding sunlight flooded in.

Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut and turned away.

Alexander squinted as he returned, reaching for her blanket.

"What are you doing?!" Evelyn clutched the covers tightly.

"You said it hurts. Let me check if you're injured."

"No need!"

"I've seen everything already. Why be shy?"

"If you're tired of looking, go find someone else!"

Alexander chuckled. "Others don't hurt. And if they do, it's not because of me. Why would I look?"

Evelyn sneered. "I don't believe you never slept with Annabelle."

"She was pregnant then. You think I'm that much of a beast?"

"And I have a fever!"

"Which I just cured." He raised an eyebrow. "Feel your forehead. The fever's gone, isn't it?"

"...Sophistry."

"Call it effective treatment."

Evelyn turned her face away. "So if Annabelle hadn't been pregnant, you would've slept with her?"

Alexander clicked his tongue. "I'm not that desperate."

"The woman you loved for twenty years was right in front of you. You could resist?"

"We were into platonic love back then." He checked his phone. "6:20. The summit starts at 8. If we shower, eat, and head over... Maybe skip the shower?"

Evelyn knew he was changing the subject.

But skipping a shower was out of the question.

Her body was covered in his marks.

He'd taken the robe. The new one was in the closet.

She wrapped herself in the blanket and got out of bed, only for her legs to buckle.

She barely caught herself on the bed frame.

Alexander strolled over. "Need help?"

"Get me a new robe."

"Too far." He picked up his shirt and handed it to her. "Wear this."

Evelyn didn't take it.

"Or don't. I don't mind."

She snatched the shirt and pulled it on, then dashed to the bathroom.

Filling the tub with hot water, she decided to skip breakfast.

A soak would ease the soreness.

Knock knock.

His silhouette appeared against the frosted glass.

"What now?" Her voice was still hoarse.

"Making sure you don't fall asleep." Amusement laced his words. "And don't forget—we leave in an hour."

Evelyn wanted to splash him.

But she could barely lift her arms.

"Got it."

Footsteps retreated, followed by the door closing.

Finally alone.

Evelyn sank into the hot water.

When she emerged, her phone rang again.

Lydia.

"Evelyn, are you coming for breakfast? The century egg and pork congee is almost gone."

"Thanks, but I'll pass."

"Alexander said he was showering in his room after working out last night."

Evelyn gripped her phone. "Is that so?"

Suddenly, noise erupted on the other end.

"Alexander!" Lydia's voice brightened.

His voice came through faintly. "Who are you calling?"

"Evelyn! I asked if she's coming for breakfast."

"She's not."

"Huh? How do you know?"

"She's sick. Needs rest."

Furious, Evelyn hung up and immediately called Alexander.

"Yes?" His voice held laughter.

"Explain things to Lydia properly!"

Alexander suddenly raised his voice. "Lydia—"

"What is it, Alexander?" Her voice grew closer.

"Evelyn asked me to tell you—"

"ALEXANDER!!!" Evelyn roared into the phone.