Chapter 87

[Third Person’s POV]

Alexander couldn’t believe the news when he’d heard about Evelyn being out of her room.

He’d initially hoped to see her in the dining room for breakfast but was disappointed to see her spot at the table once again empty. However, his displeasure was short-lived when he overheard the staff making a comment about Evelyn.

His ears pricked up with interest and he demanded to know what was being said.

“What about Evelyn?”

“Oh, sir. We were just talking about how pleasantly unexpected it was to see her up and about this morning.”

He was, indeed, shocked. “Where is she now?”

“If I recall correctly, she mentioned something about visiting the greenhouse.”

She’s trying...She’s actually trying to go back to her normal routine.

The feeling he experienced was truly uplifting. Perhaps, there was a chance that she would accept him back into her life. Alexander had to stop himself before he got too carried away.

“Well, that’s good to hear.”

From that point on, Alexander made sure to keep himself scarce. Against his interest, he went to his office. He was able to get a little work done before his thoughts made it too complicated.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

He lifted his head from his desk. “What is it?”

His stomach clenched with anticipation over the possibility of it being Evelyn. Then again, it wasn’t likely that she would come to his office. Even when there wasn’t a horrific amount of tension between them, Evelyn never came to his office.

Oliver stepped through the doorway and gave a curt nod. “Sir.”

From what Alexander could see, there was still a bit of bruising around the Beta’s nose. The broken bone had long since healed but there were still traces of Evelyn’s handiwork.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like seeing any of my people sick or hurt. But knowing that Evelyn had what it took to defend herself, was both reassuring and deeply pleasing.

He wondered if Evelyn would ever be interested in being properly trained like his other soldiers.

“What is it, Oliver?”

“I’ve got a follow-up on Michael’s movements.”

He placed the folder down on the desk and let Alexander examine its contents himself.

“So, what’s the little bastard been up to now?”

Oliver’s sharpened features softened. “Evelyn was right,” he said calmly. “Apparently, Michael had been asking around about a certain type of plant.”

“And what, pray tell, makes this plant so special that it would have my dear Stepbrother asking around?” He read through most of the papers to finally come across the unsettling answer to his question. His eyes nearly jumped out of his head.

“What the fuck is he doing searching for Valerian root?!”

Alexander was by no means proficient when it came to the vast world of plants and their medicinal properties. However, Valerian root possesses the natural essence to relax, sedate, and make someone fall into a drowsy sleep.

If taken by itself, in appropriate quantities, Valerian root would be harmless. However, if blended with other precarious herbs, it could lead to fatal results. Just knowing that Michael was shopping around for the possible base for a, potentially, deathly concoction made his stomach churn.

“What else has he been searching for?”

“So far, just the Valerian root,” Oliver told him. “I’ll inform some of the guards to remain stationed at the market for any further updates. Should Michael go back there and purchase something else, we’ll know.”

Alexander nodded his head. “Have a few of the guards stationed at any nearby pharmacies too,” he said. “Now, has there been any word on that special contact of ours?”

The search for evidence, proving Michael was behind the car accident, was still in the works. Alexander found it strange that when the whole matter took place, it was his Stepmother and Michael who had insisted on taking care of the wrecked vehicle.

Naturally, he would have had the car taken to a mechanic for a thorough investigation. But when Caroline and Michael supposedly took care of the situation, nothing was ever reported.

“Nothing yet, sir. But I have a good feeling that we’re close to finding it.”

The corner of his mouth curved upward.

If we find that damaged car, then we’re one step closer to finding the truth.

...

Alexander wasn’t planning on heading to the dining room for dinner that evening. Much like the previous evening, he was going to stay in his office in case any calls came in. However, around six, Oliver paid him another visit.

“Sir, I’ve been informed that you are expected to take dinner in the dining room tonight,” he said.

Alexander’s brows furrowed in question as he made his way out of his office.

When he reached the dining room he saw that the table was set for two and the lights were ever-so-slightly dimmed. He glanced around and found one of the staff in the midst of filling the water glasses.

“Good evening, sir. Please take a seat, dinner will be served momentarily.”

Alexander took his place at the head of the table, not knowing what was going on. A few minutes passed by before he caught a strange glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye. His heart stalled in his chest.

“Evelyn?”

She stood awkwardly in the archway of the door with her head tilted toward her chest. He was so surprised to see her there that he almost stood up from the wheelchair. That act alone would have made her faint.

“Wendy talked me into doing this,” she said.

Alexander almost chuckled at her blunt honesty. “Well, then it appears I owe her my thanks once more,” he said. “Come sit down.”

Her expression was filled with uncertainty as she took her spot at the table across from him. Her eyes remained locked on the place setting in front of her. It reminded him of the time when she was first learning how to work her way through all the different types of silverware.

He hated to admit it, but she looked rough. After their unexpected conversation the night before, he was really hoping that she would have gotten some rest.

“How are you feeling?” he dared to ask.

“Still uncertain,” she answered.

Alexander’s stomach rolled. Of course, he’d been hoping that she would have come to a more concrete answer to his question from the night before. But in that instance, he was really referring to her health.

“The fact that you’re sitting here means a lot.”

The staff began to serve dinner and the two sat in a semi-comfortable silence as they ate. Alexander would occasionally glance over at Evelyn to see if her guarded expression would ever loosen up. But the line between her brows remained in place.

He feared that when the second dinner was finished she would find an excuse to leave. But to his pleasant surprise, Evelyn remained seated while the plates were being cleared away. She folded her arms over her chest and tucked her head down.

“You said you wanted to know if it was possible for us to start again...”

Alexander was certain that his heart had stopped beating.

“What exactly would that look like?” she questioned.