Chapter 180

"Your doing?" Alexander Kingsley's brow furrowed slightly, surprise flashing in his eyes. "Just you alone?"

"Of course not," Madeline Kingsley smiled warmly. "Your grandfather was involved too. Your mother knows as well. Now we're just waiting for your approval."

Alexander had no reason to refuse.

His secret marriage to Evelyn Sinclair had been kept from the family—not just at her request, but also due to his grandmother's opposition.

Even if he didn't care, Evelyn would inevitably be affected.

He didn't want to embarrass her...

"Does Evelyn know?" he pressed.

"A little," the old woman winked mysteriously. "I invited her for tea today and only mentioned a banquet I'd like her to accompany me to the day after tomorrow. It's a surprise. Don't spoil it."

Madeline spoke earnestly.

Alexander called his mother to confirm. Eleanor Kingsley couldn't hide her excitement. "Yes, they planned it without telling us. The invitations are already sent. Make sure you put that ring on Evelyn's finger when the time comes."

Alexander swallowed his words.

Fine.

They wanted to surprise Evelyn.

And he... wanted to surprise them too.

Dinner was served at the penthouse.

The newly hired chef specialized in prenatal and postnatal meals.

Alexander had never been picky about food, but he noticed Evelyn's tastes seemed to have changed.

He quietly had the chef prepare dishes she used to dislike.

Yet Evelyn ate everything without complaint.

"I thought you didn't like this type of fish," Alexander remarked casually.

Evelyn paused her chopsticks.

Did she?

"Pregnancy changes tastes," she replied softly.

In truth, she'd never had any real preferences before—only pretended to share Alexander's tastes.

How ridiculous that seemed now.

In the end, who had ever cared about her feelings?

"About the day after tomorrow..." Alexander changed the subject.

"Your grandmother's invitation?" Evelyn caught on quickly. "Is there a problem?"

"Nothing," he lowered his head to sip soup, avoiding her gaze. "I heard you had tea today. How did it go?"

"Your grandmother was very kind to me."

Evelyn didn't want to speak ill of the old woman.

She could sense Madeline's dissatisfaction, but those were unintentional slights.

She understood.

They wouldn't be living together anyway—just occasional visits during holidays.

The next afternoon.

Evelyn arrived at the hotel as promised.

"Evelyn, dear!" Madeline greeted her warmly, taking her hand. "Come see the gown and jewelry I prepared for you."

She presented a velvet jewelry box.

Evelyn recognized it instantly—Madeline's most treasured collection.

"Grandmother, this is too precious. I couldn't—"

"Nonsense," Madeline interrupted. "I've wanted to give these to you for ages. You'll break my heart if you refuse."

She insisted Evelyn accept, then urged her to try on the prepared dress.

Evelyn's baby bump wasn't noticeable yet, but she'd already switched to loose clothing. The gown Madeline chose, however, had a fitted waist.

Paired with stiletto heels.

"Grandmother..." Evelyn neatly folded the dress and shoes. "What I'm wearing now is perfectly suitable..."

She glanced at the stylist waiting behind them with multiple bags.

Clearly, Madeline intended a full makeover.

Evelyn had even switched to pregnancy-safe skincare—let alone makeup.

She could only decline the well-meant gesture.

Madeline's expression darkened instantly.

"Evelyn," her tone turned reproachful. "Why must you be so difficult..."

"Grandmother..." Evelyn knew she seemed unreasonable, hesitating whether to reveal her pregnancy...

The secret marriage couldn't hide a growing belly forever.

Better to explain now before misunderstandings deepened.

"Grandmother, I'm not being ungrateful. The truth is I..."