Evelyn was slightly taken aback.

Alexander quickly moved to her side.

His gaze subtly swept over the card.

"Is it from that person who gave you the token of love again?"

Evelyn smiled lightly and handed him the card.

Seeing the signature was from Mr. Xu, Alexander cleared his throat softly.

"An elder sending red roses? That's unusual."

Evelyn lowered her eyes.

So men only know how to appease people with flowers.

She wasn't actually angry with Mr. Xu.

He had been protecting her mother at the time.

But if her mother knew she had met with Mr. Xu privately, she would probably be upset.

She turned to the butler.

"Place the flowers in the living room."

Nine hundred and ninety-nine roses were simply too many.

The butler nodded, gathered the flowers, and left.

Evelyn surveyed Alexander's bedroom.

This wasn't the master suite of the estate.

That was occupied by Richard and his wife.

Robert had long since given the main residence to his eldest son.

It was a clear intention to pass the leadership to Richard.

Unfortunately, the position of family head was taken by Alexander.

Robert, using Alexander's unmarried status as an excuse, had delayed vacating the room.

Later, he claimed that since his wife was abroad, there was no need to move.

Now, he never mentioned it at all.

Alexander didn't seem to mind.

The main house had four floors with over a dozen rooms, which was more than enough space.

This bedroom was decorated in a minimalist style of black, white, and grey.

Apart from essential furniture, there was only a large bed.

Evelyn looked at Alexander.

"Where will you sleep?"

Alexander glanced at the bed.

Evelyn gave a light cough.

"We're not at the stage of sharing a bed yet."

Remembering their earlier kiss, her ears felt warm.

Alexander pointed to the sofa.

"I'll sleep there."

Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief.

The sofa was spacious; he wouldn't be uncomfortable.

She expected to have trouble sleeping, but the bed was filled with Alexander's scent.

It was fresh, like grass, and she quickly fell asleep.

Alexander on the sofa had a harder time.

The object of his desire was so close, yet he could only look from a distance.

The next morning, Evelyn met his resentful gaze.

Seeing the redness in his eyes, she said generously, "Is the sofa uncomfortable? You can have the bed tonight."

They washed up, went downstairs, and headed to the grandmother's courtyard.

Evelyn checked her phone.

Frank had sent a message.

[President Nan, the investigation confirms Liam embezzled the funds.]

Evelyn's lips curved into a slight smile.

Entrusting the grandmother to Cecilia was a temporary measure for Alexander.

He appeared calm on the surface, but he was constantly worried about his grandmother.

He had checked the surveillance multiple times last night.

Since she developed the medicine, why let Cecilia take the credit?

She replied to the message.

[Bring the medicine to the Vance residence.]

Frank responded immediately.

[Received.]

Richard and Cecilia were standing in the grandmother's courtyard.

Richard asked in a low voice, "Has the old lady agreed?"

Cecilia looked troubled.

"Wasn't she supposed to be confused? She plays dumb whenever the dowry is mentioned."

She sighed softly.

"This opportunity was hard to get. I can't return empty-handed."

Richard sneered.

"The old lady has always favored Alexander. I came prepared."

Cecilia smiled.

"I knew you'd take care of me, Dad."

Richard glanced around.

"The jewelry isn't worth much. The valuable things are in the safe."

Cecilia hesitated.

"What's the combination?"

Richard thought for a moment.

"Try Alexander's birthday."

Cecilia's eyes lit up.

She entered the bedroom and sent Fiona away.

Kneeling in front of the safe, she entered the code.

Error.

She tried entering it backwards.

With a click, the door opened.

Cecilia's eyes sparkled.

The safe was filled with important documents.

A quick glance told her they were extremely valuable.

She took out a bag and started to fill it.

"Woof!"

The Shiba Inu lunged forward and bit her hand.

Cecilia cried out and tried to shake it off.

The dog held on tightly, refusing to let go.

"Let go!"

The Vance family members rushed in at the noise.

Fiona, seeing the safe wide open, hurriedly went to close it.

Richard kicked the Shiba Inu away.

"Damn mutt, daring to bite someone!"

The small dog landed heavily on the ground, rolling several times.

It trembled in pain but still bared its teeth and growled.

"Woof! Woof! Woof!"

It tried to look fierce, but its injuries made it unsteady on its feet.

Fiona's heart ached for it.

This Shiba Inu was bought by the grandmother for Evelyn.

Later, she and the grandmother had taken care of it.

Thankfully, it had intervened in time today.

Picking up the puppy, she saw it was seriously hurt.

"Call the vet, quickly!"

Cecilia looked at the tooth marks on her hand.

They hadn't broken the skin, but it still hurt.

Furious, her face turned pale.

"Why did this dog bite me for no reason?"

Fiona pursed her lips.

"The puppy is protective. It wouldn't have bitten you if you weren't stealing."

"Stealing? I was helping Great-grandmother keep things safe! Am I not part of this family?"

She looked at Richard with委屈.

"Dad, hasn't the Vance family accepted me yet?"

Richard flew into a rage.

"You are a daughter of the Vance family! This beast bit its owner for no reason. Guards! Beat it to death!"

The bodyguards hesitated.

Richard grabbed the puppy and strode outside.

Fiona hurried after him.

"Master Richard, this is the Master and Madam's dog!"

"Whose dog it is doesn't matter! It bit its owner; it must die!"

Richard threw the dog to the ground.

The Shiba Inu lay limp, too weak to struggle.

He raised a wooden stick and brought it down hard!