Chapter 957

Evelyn stood by the window, her fingertips lightly tracing the window frame. The post-rain air carried the scent of damp earth, but it couldn’t dispel the gloom in her heart.

It was better to give this child a complete home now than to let them grow up in an oppressive environment. This thought had lingered in her mind for a long time, and today, she finally made her decision.

"I understand what you mean." She turned around, forcing a faint smile. Alexander's gaze was too tender, making it unbearable for her to add to his burdens.

Baby Chloe babbled and waved her tiny hands in the stroller, kicking excitedly when she saw Evelyn. Evelyn bent down to pick her up but paused when her rounded belly got in the way.

"Let me." Alexander swiftly scooped up the child and took Evelyn’s hand, leading her inside. His palm was warm, but the exhaustion in his whitened knuckles was unmistakable.

The dim light inside revealed the dark circles under his eyes. "How long has it been since you slept?" Her voice tightened involuntarily.

Alexander instinctively touched his chin, where stubble remained. "I dozed on the plane," he said casually, but the hoarseness in his voice betrayed him.

Evelyn’s gaze shifted between the baby’s rosy cheeks and his haggard face. She knew him too well—this man had poured all his energy into caring for their child while pushing himself past his limits.

"Go upstairs and rest." She took the baby from him, her fingers brushing against his cold hand. "I’ll take care of Chloe."

Alexander opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by a yawn. Rubbing his temples, he reluctantly headed upstairs.

Evelyn watched his retreating figure disappear around the staircase, a pang of sorrow tightening her chest. She looked down at the baby in her arms. "Did you miss Mommy?"

Chloe giggled, grabbing at Evelyn’s hair and kicking her tiny feet happily. Evelyn kissed the top of her soft head and carried her to the nursery.

After her bath, Chloe quickly fell asleep to the lullaby Evelyn hummed. Evelyn tiptoed out of the room, only to realize Alexander wasn’t in the bedroom or the study.

The sound of running water from the bathroom caught her attention. She knocked, but there was no answer.

When she pushed the door open, her blood ran cold. Alexander lay back in the bathtub, the water already rising to his collarbone. The faucet continued to pour in a steady stream.

"Alexander!" She rushed forward and turned off the tap. Cold water splashed onto her skirt, but she barely noticed.

Alexander jolted awake, water sloshing. "What time is it?" His voice was rough, his eyes still dazed.

"You nearly drowned yourself!" Her voice trembled as her fingers clenched the edge of the tub.

Only then did Alexander fully wake, scrambling for a towel to wrap around his waist. Water droplets slid down his taut abdomen, pooling on the tiles.

Evelyn’s gaze lingered on the slight hunch of his back. "Your lumbar spine—" Her professional instinct made her blurt it out.

Alexander froze, his ears turning red. He hastily dried himself, only to find Evelyn’s face paler than his own.

"Do you have plans tonight?" Evelyn asked, forcing composure.

Alexander wiped his face. "The new director arrives tonight." He checked his watch, his brow furrowing. "This partnership is crucial for overseas expansion. I can’t cancel."

His fingers trembled slightly as he adjusted his tie. Evelyn stepped forward and took over, deftly straightening it for him. "Go," she said softly. "I’ll hold down the fort."

Alexander gripped her hand, as if wanting to say something, but in the end, he only gave it a firm squeeze. As he turned to leave, his figure hesitated at the doorway—but he didn’t look back.