Chapter 489

Evelyn Ross stood quietly behind him, dressed in soft silk pajamas.

She held an exquisite birthday cake in her hands, a smile gracing her lips.

The moment Alexander Vance turned around, the clock silently struck midnight.

A new day had begun.

"Alexander Vance, happy birthday."

Her voice was gentle, her eyes sparkling with tiny lights.

Alexander was slightly taken aback.

"You remembered?"

"Of course."

Evelyn stepped forward and placed the cake on the coffee table.

"I memorized your ID number the day we registered our marriage at City Hall."

Alexander's gaze deepened.

"So today you were…"

He suddenly understood.

"On purpose?"

Evelyn's eyes curved as she pulled a small box from her pocket.

"For you."

Alexander took the box and opened it gently.

Inside was a men's mechanical watch.

Exquisitely crafted with a low-key design, it was exactly his style.

"Do you like it?"

He nodded and fastened the watch to his wrist.

The cool, hard metal band accentuated the strength of his wrist.

Evelyn stared, momentarily mesmerized.

Alexander suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist.

"There's another gift I want more."

"What?"

He lowered his head, his breath brushing her ear.

"You."

Evelyn's ears grew warm.

She tried to push him away, but he held her tighter.

"When did you buy this?"

"While shopping today. Did you really think I enjoy malls?"

She had never liked shopping, always preferring to spend her time learning new skills.

Alexander chuckled softly.

"I was with you the whole time. How did I miss it?"

"I slipped it in when you turned around."

She had had her eye on this watch for a while and called ahead to reserve it.

Today was just about picking it up.

Alexander raised an eyebrow.

"So you were teasing me all day?"

"Exactly."

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh.

"Watching you want the gift but too shy to ask was especially amusing."

She hadn't cared about that couple in the parking lot at all.

She just wanted to cut him off.

Alexander gave her waist a gentle pinch.

Her waist was slender, her skin smooth and soft.

His eyes gradually darkened.

"Was teasing me fun?"

"It makes the surprise better."

Evelyn looked up at him.

"Are you happy now?"

"Happy."

He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his voice low.

"This is my happiest birthday."

Evelyn nodded gently.

She was about to speak when he began.

"But I could be even happier."

"Evelyn, can you grant me one wish?"

"What wish?"

His kiss descended.

The temperature in the room soared.

…

She would never dare provoke this man again.

The next morning, Evelyn rubbed her sore waist, secretly vowing.

Alexander, however, was radiant, as if reborn.

Evelyn got up helplessly.

"You should make an appearance at tonight's banquet, right?"

Alexander nodded slightly as he tied his tie.

"We can't delay any longer."

The Vance family had been in New York for three months.

The head of the household's continued absence had started rumors.

If he didn't show up soon, rumors of Julian Evans staging a coup would spread.

Evelyn nodded.

"I'll return to the Ashcroft residence. I'll go with the Ashcrofts tonight."

"I'll drive you."

Evelyn…

After breakfast, Alexander drove her to the Ashcroft estate.

As she got out of the car, Evelyn waved goodbye.

Sunlight fell on her smiling face, making it especially bright.

Alexander's eyes darkened.

Evelyn's cheeks flushed under his gaze, and she quickly turned to enter the Ashcroft home.

In the Ashcroft living room, all seven brothers were gathered.

Marcus Valentine, recently recovered from his illness, sat alone in a corner, looking despondent.

The other six huddled together, discussing in low voices.

"Everyone's gossiping about our little sister. What should we do?"

"Wherever she goes, she brings that driver. All of New York knows she's keeping a boy toy."

"If Alexander Vance finds out, he'll be furious."

"I heard Mrs. Eleanor Vance is very displeased. These rumors are coming from the Vances."

"We need to advise our little sister to break it off with that driver quickly."

"Maybe our little sister doesn't want the arranged marriage? She didn't grow up with the Ashcrofts. She shouldn't have to sacrifice for the family."

Ethan Valentine jumped up.

"If our little sister doesn't like Alexander Vance, she should call off the engagement tonight!"

The youngest, Charles Valentine, interjected softly.

"Should we wait and see? What if our little sister and Alexander Vance hit it off tonight?"

As they debated, Evelyn walked in.

Ethan Valentine cleared his throat.

"Little sister, First Senior Sister, your boy toy is gone?"

"He went to prepare."

"Prepare for what?"

"Tonight's banquet."

"What?!"

Ethan Valentine was stunned.

"He's going too?"

This was practically a slap in the face to the Vance family!