Evelyn Ross jingled the necklace around her neck. "A token of love."

Alexander Vance's eyes turned icy. "Who gave it to you?"

"Certainly not you."

Evelyn curled her lips into a smile.

Alexander's gaze darkened. "If I didn't give it to you, then throw it away."

"I can't do that." Evelyn looked straight ahead. "I plan to return it someday. It looks quite valuable!"

"Hah, how valuable could it possibly be?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Want to see?"

"No." Alexander turned his face away, but his peripheral vision lingered on her neck.

Evelyn chuckled softly. "Hmm?"

"What?"

"I think I smell something sour."

They bickered all the way to the Vance estate.

Although Cecilia Evans had arranged for them to stay in the main house, they first went to see Eleanor Vance.

Cecilia saw Alexander's stern expression and didn't dare to stop them, allowing them into the room.

Evelyn noticed that aside from the safe, all valuable items in the room had been removed. Fiona quietly informed her that Cecilia had moved everything to her own room.

Fiona whispered her complaints, treating Evelyn as the lady of the house. "...All of these were meant for you by the Madam. Now she's taken everything!"

Warmth spread through Evelyn's heart.

She never had a home growing up. Now the Ashcrofts were renovating a place for her, and the Vance estate was gradually starting to feel like home...

She smiled gently and said softly, "Don't worry. She won't be able to take anything that belongs to us."

Fiona finally felt reassured.

Eleanor Vance was still asleep. Evelyn checked her complexion and the monitor readings. Everything was stable, which put her mind at ease.

She and Alexander left the courtyard and headed toward the main house.

On the way, Alexander asked, "What did Fiona tell you just now?"

Evelyn repeated Fiona's words. Alexander's face turned cold. "She found medicine for Grandma. I won't treat her unfairly. But she shouldn't lay a finger on what doesn't belong to her!"

Evelyn wasn't concerned about the property. She was only worried. "While we're away, will she mistreat Grandma?"

"Don't worry." Alexander's tone was calm. "The old man may not treat me well, but he has always been filial to Grandma. She wouldn't dare!"

If Robert Vance hadn't been devoted to Eleanor, his life would have been forfeited long ago.

When he was young, Robert and Richard Evans were determined to eliminate him, the unwanted burden.

Remembering the past, Alexander felt a chill in his heart. Suddenly, a warm hand grasped his.

He turned and saw the girl pointing at the sky. "Look, the moon is so round!"

Alexander was infected by her cheerful mood and looked up.

The moonlight was bright and beautiful indeed.

But he only glanced at it before his gaze fell on the girl's profile.

Her features were sharp, her skin fair and almost translucent. Long eyelashes... a straight nose that gave her a spirited look, paired with full lips...

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed.

Evelyn was about to walk forward when she noticed the man had stopped.

She turned curiously and instantly fell into the man's deep eyes.

Those eyes were like a vast starry sky, bottomless.

They gazed at each other. Alexander suddenly stepped forward, closing the distance.

The winter night was chilly and quiet. No insects chirped among the trees.

It was so quiet they could hear their own heartbeats.

Evelyn pressed her lips together, her breathing growing heavier.

The atmosphere suddenly became charged.

Alexander lowered his head...

His face drew closer and closer... his breath almost brushing her cheek.

The scent of vanilla from the man enveloped her. Evelyn instinctively closed her eyes.

"Thump, thump, thump..."

Her heart raced.

Was he going to kiss her?

Evelyn was never afraid of anything, but now she felt so nervous her chest tightened...

The next moment, she felt a light touch on her head...

Evelyn opened her eyes in surprise and saw Alexander holding a leaf between his fingers. "...There was a leaf in your hair."

Evelyn: ?

She blurted out, "You came this close just to get a leaf?"

"What else?"

"I thought..." Evelyn stopped.

Alexander chuckled softly. "Thought what?"

"Nothing."

Evelyn turned away angrily.

As soon as she turned, her arm was pulled forcefully, and she fell into the man's broad chest.

Evelyn froze. The next moment, the man lowered his head and kissed her lips!

Evelyn stiffened completely!

Feeling the man's heart pounding like a drum in his chest, she widened her eyes.

After a gentle exploration, the man began to claim her!

The winter wind was cold.

Evelyn struggled to breathe and tried to pull back, but the man's large hand held the back of her head.

She unconsciously wrapped her arms around the man's waist...

After what felt like an eternity, Evelyn felt something nudge her foot. She jolted awake and pushed Alexander away.

Her cheeks flushed, she looked down and saw the Shiba Inu "Kitten" wagging its tail. It looked at them with round, curious eyes, then licked her pants leg.

Evelyn: "..."

Ahhh, this is so embarrassing!

She turned and quickly walked toward the main house, leaving Alexander standing there. He lightly touched the corner of his mouth and chuckled softly.

He made a shushing gesture to the little Shiba Inu. "Shh... Don't tell her. She's shy."

Little Shiba Inu: ?

Alexander then strolled leisurely toward the main house.

Just as he reached the door, he saw the woman looking down and kicking a pebble, shooting him a coquettish glare.

Evelyn had never been to the main house and didn't know where to go.

Alexander quickened his pace and took her hand.

Evelyn pulled back as if electrocuted, cleared her throat softly, and followed him into the living room.

The butler approached with a strange expression.

He gave Evelyn a meaningful look, coughed, and said, "Madam, someone sent you a gift. It's in your room."

Evelyn: ?

She was stunned and looked at Alexander. Seeing his frown, it was clearly not from him.

They went upstairs and entered the room to find a sea of pink roses!

999 roses covered the sofa...

Evelyn walked over and opened the envelope on the bouquet. It was signed: Mr.Valentine.

Evelyn: ?

She suddenly remembered giving that handsome older man advice today, saying that to哄女孩, you should give pink flowers...