Chapter 731

"You're still pushing through with injuries like these?"

Evelyn's fingers trembled when she first saw the burns on Alexander's waist. Angry blisters spread across his skin, some already turning white—clear signs of repeated irritation making them worse.

And this was after using folk remedies in the village.

"From the industrial park to the village..." Her voice tightened. "Don't tell me you walked the whole way?"

"Took a cab." Alexander leaned against the bathtub's edge, offering a wry smile through the steam. "Got turned down once. Ended up catching a ride with the construction crew."

He said it casually, but Evelyn's stomach twisted.

"If something had happened halfway..." She gripped the towel. "What would Margaret do?"

The words died in her throat. She'd almost asked, What would Baby Chloe and I do?

"Everything's arranged." Alexander suddenly rubbed his nose, avoiding her gaze. "That stuff I said in the fire... Do you remember?"

In that life-or-death moment, he hadn't filtered his words.

Now, recalling them made his ears burn.

Evelyn wrung out a warm towel and handed it over. "I remember. The stock contracts are still in the bank vault. If I actually used them, you'd have nowhere to return to."

The heater hummed, filling the bathroom with stifling heat.

"I know you don't care about those things." Water droplets slid down Alexander's collarbone as he took the towel. "Building more hospitals would be more useful."

"After the new hospital opens, I'll keep funding remote areas." His tone turned serious. "Any thoughts on the foundation's plan?"

Evelyn rolled up her sleeves, her forearms glowing under the light.

"Leave professional matters to professionals." She lowered her eyes. "Right now, your injuries are the priority."

The warm light softened her profile. Alexander's throat moved. "With you here, the wounds don't hurt as much."

"..." Evelyn frowned. "Who taught you that cheesy line?"

"Lily's dad." Alexander sighed. "Said it works every time for winning his wife over."

Evelyn scoffed. "I thought Vincent Wilson gave you lessons."

"Haven't even seen that playboy lately." He suddenly leaned closer. "Too cheesy?"

"...A little."

"Tch." He chuckled. "You're the hardest chase."

Evelyn arched a brow. "You think I'm one of those girls who chase after you?"

"What girls?"

"Lydia Laurent isn't?"

Alexander laughed. "She wants the Hamilton Group, not me."

Evelyn counted on her fingers. "Young, follows you around—sounds like a fangirl to me."

"You..." His eyes lit up. "Jealous?"

"Correcting your word choice." Her ears pinkened. "Vivian changed her name because the surname fit. What could I even change to?"

"'Safe and Sound'?" Alexander blurted.

"..."

Seeing he still had energy to joke, Evelyn finally relaxed. She adjusted the water temperature and placed fresh clothes within reach.

"Don't soak too long."

As the door closed, she heard soft laughter from inside.