Chapter 677

Evelyn Carter calmly organized the shopping bags. "Since we're here, let's get what we need. We'll need all new undergarments anyway. We can pick separately."

She efficiently selected a set of lingerie without glancing around.

Alexander Hamilton stood in the men's section, brows slightly furrowed. Accustomed to private tailoring, he was unfamiliar with self-service shopping. His long fingers hovered over the shelves before finally picking up black briefs. "Will... these work?"

Evelyn gave them a fleeting look, the tips of her ears turning pink. "How should I know? That's your decision."

A sales associate approached with a knowing smile. "With your physique, sir, anything would look good. But..." She glanced meaningfully at Evelyn. "What matters most is your wife's preference."

"We're not—" Evelyn began, then decided against explaining further.

Amusement flickered in Alexander's eyes as he casually added two more pairs. "These will do."

At checkout, the cashier's smile faltered when Evelyn pulled out her wallet. "How modern—the wife handling finances. Such a loving couple."

Evelyn swiped her card expressionlessly and hurried Alexander out.

"She's right," Alexander said suddenly.

Evelyn paused. "About what?"

"The household finances should be managed by the lady of the house." His gaze burned into her.

She turned away. "Don't joke. I can't even keep track of my own paycheck."

"I believe in you," he said earnestly. "You excel at everything you set your mind to."

The motel receptionist beamed. "Only one king suite left! Lucky you!"

Evelyn frowned. "No twin beds available?"

"With the festival crowd, you're lucky to get this." The woman eyed them. "Newlyweds still shy?"

During check-in, the clerk scrutinized Evelyn's ID. "You're paying, miss?"

Evelyn snatched the keycard and practically fled upstairs.

As they rounded the stairwell, the receptionist's voice carried: "Kids these days—that man dressed like a CEO but made his girlfriend pay..."

A housekeeper chimed in: "Did you see her car? Probably some sugar momma with her boy toy..."

Alexander arched a brow. "Shall I clarify?"

Evelyn massaged her temples. "It'll only make it worse."

"At least I still pass for young," he said wryly.

The room door revealed their next obstacle—a fully transparent glass shower stall.

Evelyn turned on her heel. "I'll take a walk."

"Wait." Alexander grabbed their new bedsheet. "We'll use this as a curtain."

He deftly draped the fabric over the glass and turned to Evelyn. "You first."

She shook her head. "You're injured. Go ahead."

Steam fogged the glass, blurring the silhouette within. Evelyn sat rigidly on the bed's edge, back turned, fingers twisting her hem.

The water stopped. Alexander emerged in a towel, droplets trailing from his hair. "All yours."

Evelyn grabbed her clothes but froze at the sight of him—