Chapter 279

The room remained exactly as she remembered.

Evelyn's fingertips traced the nightstand, finding the same shallow scratch still there.

Alexander had preserved this place untouched for years.

She lay back on the bed, gazing at the intricate ceiling patterns.

Memories flooded in.

That winter, she'd curled up in these sheets permeated with his scent—so warm and comforting.

But the next morning, her cheerful attempt to wake him earned only an icy glare.

From that moment, she'd learned to tread carefully.

Afraid any word or gesture might annoy him.

Evelyn closed her eyes.

It's over.

Both sweet and bitter recollections dissolved into these three words.

Sleep began claiming her.

Knock knock knock—

The urgent rapping jolted her awake.

"Who?" Alexander's voice came from the study.

"Me." Eleanor's gentle tones floated through the door. "Bringing something for Evelyn."

Evelyn bolted upright.

She dashed barefoot to the study, colliding with Alexander as he moved to answer.

"Go back!" She shoved him inside, whispering fiercely. "You can't greet her like this!"

His shirt hung open at the collar, revealing his collarbone.

Evelyn frantically straightened the study before opening the door.

"Mom."

Eleanor carried a tray bearing two delicate soup bowls.

"Special tonics for you both." She winked conspiratorially. "Alexander gets calming brew. Evelyn's is..."

Her lips formed silent words: For pregnancy.

Evelyn's ears burned.

This midnight delivery was clearly an inspection in disguise.

"Where's Alexander?" Eleanor's eyes swept the room.

"Showering." Evelyn forced the lie.

Alexander played along—water sounds promptly emanated from the bathroom.

Eleanor's knowing "Oh" stretched as she settled on the sofa.

"I'll wait. Wouldn't want you drinking the wrong one."

Her gaze lingered on the neatly made bed, sighing almost imperceptibly.

Her foolish son couldn't recognize an opportunity if it slapped him.

The bathroom door opened.

Alexander emerged towel-drying his hair, scowling at Eleanor.

"Just leave the soup."

"Absolutely not." She pointed. "This bowl's for pregnancy. That one's calming."

Alexander smirked. "Let her drink first then."

"I'm watching to be sure." Eleanor stood her ground.

Evelyn suddenly grabbed a bowl and drained it.

"Your turn." She set the empty dish down, staring at Alexander.

Alexander: "......"

Eleanor arched a triumphant brow.

After a tense silence, Alexander snatched the remaining bowl and gulped two mouthfuls.

"Happy now?"

Eleanor rose, sniffing as she passed him: "Someone always tames you."

Silence reclaimed the room after the door clicked shut.

Evelyn returned to bed, cocooning herself in blankets.

Alexander eyed the sliver of remaining mattress and stalked back to the study.

Ten minutes later.

Knock knock knock!

The pounding resumed.

Alexander yanked the door open, scowling.

Eleanor stood unabashed. "Evelyn left her phone."

"My phone's here." Evelyn held it up.

"Must've been mistaken..." Eleanor craned her neck, peering past him.

Alexander slammed the door.

"Keep this up and I'll knock all night!" Eleanor's hissed threat slipped through the gap.

Inside, Alexander's expression darkened.

He strode to the bedroom and threw back the covers.

Before Evelyn could react, the mattress dipped beside her.