Chapter 567

Alexander's gaze drifted momentarily as his voice softened. "I'm fine. What about you? Didn't get hurt, did you?"

Evelyn had already scooped the kitten into her arms, casually tossing the tangled yarn ball into the trash.

"...Don't buy pets these dangerous toys in the future."

Alexander immediately agreed. "He wasn't thinking clearly."

Evelyn shot him a glance.

The identity of this "he" needed no explanation.

But Alexander suddenly frowned, deep in thought. "Though it might've been intentional. Most dog toys are rubber balls—who buys yarn?"

Evelyn remained silent.

"Really okay?" he probed.

That sudden fall had sent her face crashing into his chest. Even now, a dull ache lingered—she must be hurting more.

In two strides, he was before her, grasping her wrist. "Let me see."

Evelyn turned her face away. "I'm fine."

Alexander gently cupped her chin, turning her back toward him. After careful inspection, his brow smoothed. "No swelling."

"..."

"I'm not swollen either."

Evelyn lifted her eyes. "I'm a woman—of course there's no swelling."

At first, Alexander didn't catch on, still examining her cheek as he absently replied, "What does gender have to do with..."

No swelling.

No balls.

The pun struck him. Suppressing a chuckle, his tone warmed. "Pun play penalty."

Evelyn pushed his hand away, meeting his gaze directly. "How did you really get hurt?"

Knowing evasion was futile, Alexander sighed. "...Forgot about the wound while showering. Let water hit it directly."

Evelyn eyed his freshly bandaged injury. "Water makes you bleed?"

"I worried the injury was too minor for you to open the door."

"..."

"I didn't plan anything. Just...got used to having you around." His voice dropped. "From the capital to the resort, we were inseparable—more than during our marriage. Returning to an empty house feels...wrong."

Silence.

"My deception was wrong," he added.

Evelyn exhaled in resignation.

He'd helped her too much—lashing out now would seem ungrateful.

"Alexander."

"Hmm?"

"You've done so much since I took over Anderson Group. I remember."

He nodded. "I'm not holding favors over you. Like I said, I won't force you. Keep treating me as a tool if you want—just...don't push me away."

Exhausted, Evelyn subtly adjusted her nightgown's neckline, though his grip on her wrist remained.

"Let go. I need to grab something."

Alexander tensed. "What? I'll get it."

She glanced toward the coffee table. "My phone."

One arm encircled her waist as the other stretched out, effortlessly retrieving the device. "Here."

Accepting it, Evelyn sighed. "I have documents to review. You—"

"I won't disturb you. Pretend I'm not here."

"Sitting idle isn't boring?"

A faint smile touched his lips. "Fair point. Can I watch TV? Muted."

Flipping through files, she replied absently, "Whatever."

The remote lay by the sofa.

Alexander powered on the television with practiced ease, switching to sports before reducing the volume to near-silence.

Considerate to a fault.

Evelyn opened a spreadsheet, the sea of numbers temporarily eclipsing his presence.

When she next looked up, commercials played.

"When are you leaving? I need rest."

Even the Ragdoll had woken from its nap.

Alexander pondered. "The game's not over. Hard to walk away mid-match."

"...No TV at your place?"

"Hasn't been set up yet."

"What time does it end?"

"Ten." A glance at his watch. "It's 9:30 now. I'll leave after."

With a clear deadline, further insistence would seem callous.

Evelyn stood. "I'm using the restroom."

Her absence fractured the fragile peace.

Only after hearing the door click shut did Alexander lift his eyes to the wall clock.