For a heartbeat, Evelyn froze.
He looked the same—effortlessly composed, crisp black suit and his eyes carrying that quiet intensity.
When his gaze found hers, her fingers fidgeting with the napkin immediately froze and her heart skipped a beat.
"Ah, Alexander," Benjamin said smoothly, as if his son's arrival were perfectly timed. "I was just discussing our future partnership with the Carters. Why don't you join us?"
Gregory offered a polite smile, though his eyes flickered with surprise.
Evelyn, on the other hand, didn't move. Her throat tightened as she looked away, pretending to adjust her bracelet.
Alexander gave a curt nod. "Of course."
As he took the empty seat beside Benjamin, Evelyn could feel his presence. It was steady, quiet but overwhelming all the same.
For some reason, his presence made her feel uncomfortable but at the same time, she felt a sense of ease after seeing him. This turmoil of new complicated feelings made her wish the dinner would end before it truly began.
Not long after Alexander sat, dinner was served.
"I ordered for you as well," Benjamin said. "I hope you don't mind."
Alexander didn't say anything. He just gave a curt nod before moving his gaze back to Evelyn who was clearly trying to avoid him. This made him feel frustrated but at the same time, he understood why she was acting that way.
When his father told him to come to the lounge for dinner, he thought he wanted to talk about something. He hadn't expected Gregory Carter let alone Evelyn to be present.
Evelyn's presence was unexpected and clearly unnecessary as they were here to discuss business. This made him wonder what his father was up to.
While Benjamin and Gregory dominated the conversation, Evelyn quietly pushed her food around her plate, keeping her gaze anywhere but on the man seated opposite her.
Benjamin lifted his glass. "You know, Gregory, I have always said our families share more than just business values. Integrity, discipline, ambition and of course, good taste."
Gregory chuckled faintly. "I see you have finally learnt the skill of flattery, Benjamin."
Benjamin's lips curved. "Not flattery, just observation. I mean, look at our children—" He looked at Evelyn. "Evelyn, graceful and poised even under pressure and Alexander—reliable as ever."
His eyes flicked between the two with the faintest gleam of amusement in them. "Sometimes I wonder if fate is trying to make up for my younger son's missteps by giving me a second chance."
Evelyn froze with the fork halfway to her mouth. She wasn't sure she heard him right.
Gregory's brow creased and his expression stiffened.
Benjamin chuckled softly. "Oh, don't look so serious, Gregory. I am only joking." He took a sip of his drink with a smile. "But I have to admit, I have always liked Evelyn. If I had a daughter, I would want her to be like you."
Evelyn managed a polite smile. "That's very kind of you, Mr. Reid."
Benjamin leaned back slightly. "Call me Benjamin, please. And if you ever feel like joining the family, well—" He let out a quiet laugh. "Let's just say, I am grateful I have two sons and not one."
Gregory's jaw tensed as he glanced briefly at his daughter who sat frozen, unsure whether to take it as a joke or an invitation.
Alexander's expression didn't change but there was a subtle shift in the air around him. His fingers tightened around his glass. "Dad, you should eat. Your food is getting cold." He gently reminded his father it was time to drop the conversation or whatever he was trying to do.
"Perhaps we should focus on the contract details," Gregory added, who was also not uncomfortable with whatever that was happening.
Benjamin smiled, satisfied. "Of course, of course. Business first."
But his words lingered and silence followed. His remark made everyone, especially Evelyn and Alexander very uncomfortable.
Evelyn didn't look up again for the rest of the meal but she could feel Alexander's eyes on her every now and then as if he were trying to read what she wasn't saying.
And though no one said it aloud, everyone at that table knew that what Benjamin Reid had said was anything but a casual comment or a joke.
….
[Outside the Restaurant]
Evelyn stood near the entrance, scrolling absently through her phone as she waited for her car. Her mind was still half-stuck on Benjamin's teasing comments over dinner and all she wanted was to go home.
But her father was still discussing business with Benjamin.
"Evelyn."
She froze for a second before turning.
Alexander was walking toward her. The warm light from the signboard caught the edge of his jaw, making his expression softer than she remembered.
"Alexander," she greeted, her tone polite but distant. "Are they still inside?"
"Yes but they should wrap up soon," he replied with a faint and almost shy curve of his lips. "How have you been?"
She hesitated then forced a small smile. "Good, just keeping busy. You?"
"Trying to survive all the endless meetings," he said and the dry humour in his voice made her smile despite herself.
A beat of silence passed between them. It was not cold, just awkward.
"I should have called," Alexander said finally. "I wanted to but things have been a bit hectic lately." Only he knew the countless number of times he had picked up his phone but ended up staring at her contact details before tossing his phone away.
Evelyn shook her head. "It's alright, I figured as much. You don't owe me an explanation."
"I still wanted to apologize, I should have checked on you once," he said. "And also for my father's behavior earlier. He tends to get—" he exhaled, searching for the right word, "carried away."
"It's okay," Evelyn replied, almost kindly. "I know he was just joking. He didn't mean any harm."
Alexander studied her for a moment. "I am sure he didn't mean what he said but I will still talk to him."
"That is really not necessary," she said quickly. "You will just make him feel uncomfortable."
He let out a quiet chuckle. "Everything involving my father is already awkward. I doubt I can make it worse."
That pulled a small laugh from her. "You might be right."
For a moment, their eyes met and that shared smile lingered just a little too long.
He looked at her and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
For a brief moment, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the feeling of warmth and unspoken familiarity.
But the moment didn't go unnoticed.
From across the parking area, Jack stood by his car, half-hidden by the shadow of a pillar.
His jaw clenched as he watched them. The easy exchange, the small smiles made his blood boil. His hands tightened into fists at his sides as jealousy simmered beneath his calm exterior.
Just then, Evelyn said something that made Alexander laugh quietly and Jack's eyes darkened.
He was already annoyed over his father's direct orders for him to stay away from Evelyn and now his girlfriend seemed to enjoy his older brother's company way more than she should.
He tossed his burning cigarette out of the window before driving away before he ended up doing something impulsive.
…..