Evelyn Ross's identity wasn't something that absolutely had to remain secret.
She never intended to hide it from Team One.
As long as it didn't become public knowledge and cause unnecessary trouble, it was fine.
So when Jason Lawrence grew suspicious, she simply admitted it.
Her words made Jason freeze.
He stared at Evelyn blankly.
Suddenly, he snorted with laughter. "You're pretty good at joking."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow.
Jason said, "I've never met Dr. Nan, but I know a top academic like that has to be at least forty. Don't try to fool me."
Evelyn was speechless. "I really am."
"Hah, you think you can bluff your way through like this?" Jason looked her up and down, frowning deeply. "You're not... having an affair with James Klein, are you?"
Evelyn sighed. "Your imagination is wild!"
What nonsense!
Jason advised her seriously. "Don't do that sort of thing. It won't look good if it gets out. I despise cheaters the most... We're all decent people. If you fall out of love, get a divorce first, then find someone else..."
Before he could finish, he felt a chill down his spine. A palpable, murderous aura washed over him!
He turned and saw Alexander Vance striding over, his eyes icy cold.
Jason was confused. "Cousin, did your business deal fall through today?"
Alexander withdrew his gaze. "So noisy."
Jason fell silent.
Evelyn noticed this fearless second-generation heir was only afraid of his cousin.
Just then, a bright yellow sports car pulled up in front of them. James Klein whistled. "Old... Evelyn, just got this car. Need a ride?"
He couldn't wait to show off to his boss.
He imagined her screaming in his car!
Evelyn understood his look and was about to refuse when Alexander suddenly spoke, his voice low. "Probably not on your way."
James laughed. "Wherever she's going is on my way!"
Evelyn sighed, noticing Jason's even more suspicious look.
She didn't notice Alexander's expression darkening further.
The man looked at her, his sharp brows slightly furrowed, and advised quietly. "You've been drinking. Don't get in a stranger's car."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow and said to James, "I'll ride with Mr. Vance."
"Fine."
James's head drooped, his enthusiasm gone. "I'll head off then."
The sports car roared away and disappeared.
Alexander's black Bentley slowly drove up.
The extended body was heavy and steady, much safer than that flimsy sports car.
Thomas Watson ran to open the door.
Alexander motioned for Evelyn to get in first, then followed closely.
When Jason tried to follow, he was stopped. "Don't you have your own car?"
Jason said, "I've been drinking."
"Oh." Alexander's expression was indifferent. "Then call a designated driver."
Jason was speechless.
What happened to not getting in cars after drinking?!
The door closed, and the Bentley drove away mercilessly, leaving Jason alone on the sidewalk.
The car drove smoothly.
Neon lights flashed outside, casting shifting shadows on Evelyn's profile, soft and hazy.
Alexander was momentarily captivated before speaking suddenly. "Ms. Ross, help me change the bandage."
Evelyn was startled. She looked up at him, surprised. "...Now?"
"Yes." Alexander nodded. "If I change it back at the hospital, Grandma will worry."
So that was it.
Evelyn secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay."
The man took off his shirt and turned around.
Evelyn turned on the overhead light and looked at his back.
This was the second time she'd seen him shirtless. He looked slim in clothes, but his muscles were well-defined and powerful without them...
She collected her thoughts and focused on the wound. The blisters hadn't returned. A young body's recovery was strong.
She took out gauze and ointment, skillfully changed the dressing, and prepared to wrap the bandage.
Kneeling on the back seat, she reached her arms around Alexander's body. Just as she was about to pull back—
Screech!
The car suddenly changed lanes. Evelyn threw herself against Alexander's back, her cheek pressing against his shoulder.
Alexander braced himself to steady them.
But he felt the girl behind him holding him, her two small hands instinctively gripping his pectoral muscles, making him tense up instantly.
Then her soft lips lightly brushed over his shoulder...
The man's breath hitched. That patch of skin became hypersensitive, a tingling sensation spreading through his limbs...
Alexander's body stiffened, his mind blank.
Thinking she had pressed on his wound, Evelyn quickly steadied herself and pushed away from him, asking urgently, "Mr. Vance, does the wound hurt?"
Her voice brought Alexander back to his senses. His voice was hoarse. "It's fine."
Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief and finished wrapping the bandage.
Alexander quickly put his shirt back on and sat expressionlessly. The car felt cramped, stuffy, and unbearably hot.
Remembering those two hands, the lingering sensation on his shoulder... He loosened his tie.
As soon as the car stopped at the hospital, he pushed the door open and rushed out, heading upstairs without looking back.
Evelyn got out slowly. Watching his dark expression as he left, she couldn't help but ask Thomas, "Did the negotiation go badly tonight? He seems furious."
Thomas nearly rolled his eyes.
The acquisition tonight saved a hundred million under budget. The boss was very pleased!
But he didn't say anything, just jogged to catch up with Alexander.
Evelyn shook her head and was about to go upstairs when a dark figure suddenly darted in front of her, grinning slyly. "My dear niece!"
It was her uncle, Leo Lowell.
He looked at the Bentley, then at Alexander's retreating figure, his eyes darting around. "Mr. Vance really values you. Did he give you money?"
Evelyn smiled faintly. "Of course. Mrs. Eleanor Vance gave me some too."
Leo's eyes instantly lit up.
Evelyn said slowly, "By the way, about that truth you mentioned last time. Name your price."
Leo was taken aback.
He said earnestly, "I can only sell this truth once. I need a good price to tell you."
Evelyn looked down and operated her phone.
Soon, Leo's phone chimed. Twenty thousand dollars had been deposited into his bank account.
Leo was overjoyed.
Evelyn said, "This is a deposit. I have another two hundred thousand. Tell me the truth, and it's all yours. But I need to judge if it's worth that much first."
"It is! Absolutely! This concerns you!" Leo, afraid the money would vanish, said urgently, "I'll tell you right now!"