Chapter 568

Cold water droplets slid down Evelyn's cheeks. She dried her face with a towel and stepped out of the bathroom. Alexander remained in the same position, eyes glued to the television screen.

She deliberately chose the farthest single sofa.

The Ragdoll cat immediately leaped down from the couch and padded gracefully to her feet.

Alexander reached out to stop it but only caught a tuft of floating fur. "Two days of treats and not even a glance?"

The cat flicked its tail, meowed at him twice, then curled into a comfortable ball in Evelyn's lap.

"I thought independence was a virtue in cats?" she remarked, stroking the soft fur without looking up.

Alexander was left speechless. He changed the subject. "How's the report coming?"

"Adjusted to market value as you suggested," she tapped lightly on the keyboard. "Should be done by ten."

He glanced meaningfully at the wall clock. "Might not take that long."

The second hand swayed oddly, as if time had slowed.

Evelyn focused intently on verifying the data. Only after confirming the last digit was correct did she exhale in relief. "Done."

"Congratulations," he said flatly.

"It should be—" She looked up at the clock and froze.

Only fifteen minutes had passed?

She blinked in disbelief.

"Problem with the time?" Alexander feigned ignorance, following her gaze.

"None." She turned her attention to the TV, devising a new excuse to make him leave.

The game was still on, far from over.

Sports held no interest for her. After enduring a few minutes, she grew restless.

"Didn't know you liked watching games," Alexander suddenly said.

"Just passing time," she replied dismissively, checking the clock for the third time.

The hour hand remained stubbornly still.

Evelyn stood abruptly and walked to the window. Outside was pitch black, not a soul in sight.

She hurried back to grab her phone. The screen lit up—her expression darkened instantly.

"Alexander," she thrust the phone at him. "Care to explain?"

He rubbed his nose. "Must be a delay in the game..."

"You tampered with the clock." She pressed the power button, plunging the screen into darkness.

The glaring numbers read 12:30 AM.

"No work tomorrow—"

"So you think it's fine to waste my time?" Her voice trembled. "Mr. Hamilton, leave. Now."

He rose slowly, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

Her resolute back was his only answer.

"Where are you going this late?" He blocked her path in alarm.

"If you won't leave, I will." She shook off his hand, her fingers icy.

The Ragdoll cat circled their feet anxiously, mewing in distress.

"Fine, I'll go." Alexander relented. "But can we—"

"No." Her tone was final.

The next second, an unstoppable force shoved him out the door.

Just as it was about to shut, a hand wedged into the gap.

"You!" Evelyn loosened her grip in panic.

"I have a problem," he admitted wryly.

"Another trick?"

"This time it's real." Alexander sighed. "I can't leave."

She stared at his fingers braced against the doorframe. "Last warning."

"My keys and phone are still inside." He tugged at his loungewear. "No pockets."

Evelyn froze.

"What now?" he asked sincerely.

The night wind slipped through the doorway, scattering the warmth within.