The Vance estate had been bustling since dawn.
Evelyn Ross stepped out of her bedroom, surprised to find Alexander Vance seated on the living room sofa.
She stretched lazily and approached him. "No work today?"
Her face glowed with morning freshness, devoid of makeup yet naturally radiant.
Loose loungewear accentuated her casual elegance.
Alexander glanced at his watch. "Meeting at ten. Business matters at three. I'll return before the gala."
Evelyn nodded. "Shouldn't you leave now?"
He cleared his throat and stood. "Grandmother wants us to try the formalwear."
Evelyn paused. "Now?"
He moved toward her, his tall frame casting an imposing presence.
"Follow me," he said quietly.
They entered the walk-in closet.
The evening gown chosen by Eleanor Vance hung silently under the lights. Gold threads shimmered subtly, complemented by a lavish gemstone necklace.
A black tuxedo hung beside it.
The blue tie and cufflinks clearly formed a matching set.
Evelyn suddenly understood Alexander's earlier awkwardness.
Grandmother's little schemes were always endearing.
She glanced at Alexander with amused eyes. His expression remained neutral, but pleasure flickered in his gaze.
Evelyn picked up the gown. "Did you resolve the urgent matter?"
Alexander hesitated. "What matter?"
"The emergency you mentioned on the phone."
His brow furrowed slightly.
That subtle reaction told Evelyn the problem remained unsolved.
As she considered offering help, he suddenly closed the distance between them.
She instinctively stepped back until her spine met the closet door.
He continued advancing, leaning down slowly.
Evelyn's peach-blossom eyes widened. Her heartbeat quickened.
Warm breath brushed her ear. "Miss Ross, we should focus on whether these outfits match."
His exhalation grazed her neck, raising fine goosebumps.
Her skin flushed uncontrollably.
He was teasing her.
Suppressing her flutter, Evelyn suddenly smiled as he straightened.
She tugged his collar downward.
Alexander bent toward her again.
She whispered near his ear, "What exactly concerns you, Mr. Vance?"
"How would we know without trying them on?"
"Then let's try."
Evelyn released his collar.
They both stepped back half a pace, subtly relieved.
Each took their formalwear to separate changing rooms.
Closing her door, Evelyn leaned against the wall and pressed a hand to her chest.
A silent smile touched her lips.
Two minutes later.
Evelyn emerged in her gown.
Her eyes immediately found Alexander.
The man usually carried professional austerity in his suits, but the tuxedo accentuated his挺拔 figure perfectly.
He resembled nobility stepping from a classical painting, his dignified grace innate.
As they gazed at each other, Eleanor Vance's voice carried from the doorway. "Fiona, look! A perfect match! Their children will be absolutely beautiful!"
The elderly woman was peeking through the door crack.
Evelyn fell silent.
Alexander's ears reddened. He removed his jacket and draped it over his arm. "I'm heading to the office."
Evelyn nodded. "Alright."
He moved toward the door. "See you tonight, my wife."
Evelyn chuckled softly.
He'd suddenly become perceptive today.
She gave a quiet "Mm."
...
Dusk settled as guests began arriving.
Countless luxury cars glided into the Vance estate.
The expansive parking area had been meticulously organized for reception.
Security directed vehicles orderly while staff greeted guests respectfully.
Evelyn entered the main banquet hall for the third time.
Soaring ceilings hung with massive crystal chandeliers. The space felt more spacious than five-star hotels.
Velvet sofas and buffet tables dotted the area. Well-dressed men and women mingled throughout.
The eldest Vance branch greeted guests at the entrance while Eleanor presided from the main seat with Evelyn beside her.
Every guest approached to pay respects to the matriarch.
Noticing Evelyn's discomfort, Eleanor kindly encouraged her to circulate freely.
Just then, Sophia Ashcroft's group arrived. Evelyn rose to greet them.
Isabella Ashcroft escorted her parents. She smiled at Evelyn. "Evelyn, isn't your husband with you?"
Evelyn preferred to ignore her, but responded under Sophia's gaze. "He's at the office."
"But I heard differently." Isabella remarked casually. "Security said he went to fetch his mother. She should arrive soon."
William Ashcroft immediately questioned, "Mrs. Vance has returned?"
"I heard she came back days ago but stayed elsewhere due to poor health. She'll appear for Grandmother's birthday gala today." Isabella smiled sweetly at Evelyn. "Shouldn't you avoid this situation, Evelyn?"
William frowned sternly. "Isabella is right! Your previous scandal with Mr. Vance requires discretion! As your father, I only want what's best for you!"
Evelyn met his gaze directly. "Are you really?"