CHAPTER 92: A FATHER’S FEELINGS

[Carter Mansion]

The sky had already deepened into a soft indigo when Alexander pulled up in front of the Carter mansion.

The drive back from the hospital had been quiet but peaceful with Evelyn leaning her head against the window, still shaken yet relieved after hearing Margaret was stable.

When Alexander parked, she unbuckled slowly.

"Thank you for today," she said, her voice gentle, a little tired.

Alexander shook his head. "You don’t need to thank me for being with you."

Evelyn’s lips softened into a small smile that made his chest feel strangely warm.

"I will come tomorrow morning," she added.

"I will be there before that," he corrected softly.

She rolled her eyes but it didn’t hide the small flutter she felt.

They were still looking at each other when the front door opened and Gregory stepped out.

His expression wasn’t angry or tense, it was just thoughtful but also unreadable.

He waited until Evelyn walked up the steps and gently kissed her forehead.

"Go inside, sweetheart," he said. "I need to speak to Alexander."

Evelyn blinked. "Dad? Is everything okay?"

"Yes," he assured, giving her a small squeeze on the shoulder. "Go."

She hesitated, glancing back at Alexander, who gave her a reassuring nod.

Once she stepped inside and the door closed behind her, Gregory turned toward Alexander.

"Walk with me," he said.

....

[Inside – Gregory’s Study]

Gregory led him into his study. It was a warm, elegant room filled with shelves, soft lighting and an air of authority.

He gestured for Alexander to sit.

Surprisingly, Gregory sat across from him instead of behind his desk. It already felt more personal than confrontational.

For a moment, neither spoke and then, Gregory exhaled, rubbing a hand over his forehead.

"I saw how you cared for Evelyn before and for the past few weeks," he began quietly. "When the scandal happened, you didn’t leave her side once."

Alexander stayed still but attentive. "I won’t ever leave her side."

Gregory’s gaze lifted sharply. It was not questioning but measuring.

"I misjudged you," he admitted. The words weren’t easy but they were honest. "I let my anger at Benjamin cloud everything around it and in the middle of all that I forgot to see the man my daughter loves."

Alexander’s chest tightened. "Evelyn never said she loves—"

Gregory raised a hand. "She didn’t have to. I know my daughter." His voice softened. "And I know what she looks like when she is finally safe with someone."

Alexander blinked once but did not say anything.

Gregory looked down at his hands. "You have been patient with her, with me and with all the chaos surrounding us. I haven’t thanked you for that."

"You don’t need to thank me," Alexander said quietly. "I don’t do these things out of obligation. I do them because—" He took a deep breath. "Because Evelyn is the only piece of my life that feels like peace."

Gregory froze as the sincerity hit him harder than he expected.

He cleared his throat. "Alexander."

Alexander met his gaze steadily.

"I need you to understand something," Gregory said, leaning forward. "My daughter, she is stubborn, emotional and impulsive at times. But she is also loyal, gentle and carries her heart too openly."

Alexander nodded. "I know."

"And if you ever—ever hurt her intentionally—" Gregory’s voice dropped into a dangerous whisper, "I will end you politely, with a handshake and a smile. But I will end you."

Alexander didn’t flinch. "You won’t ever have to."

Gregory studied him for a long moment, really studied him then very unexpectedly, he reached out and placed a firm hand on Alexander’s shoulder.

It was not a threat or a warning. It was an approval and a father’s cautious blessing.

"You are a good man, Alexander," Gregory said. "Better than I allowed myself to admit."

Alexander’s throat tightened, just a fraction. "Thank you, sir."

Gregory leaned back, sighing heavily.

"There is still a lot ahead," he murmured. "Family, the wedding, my confusion about your father, Evelyn’s fears and my fears. But—" He paused and his expression softened just a little. "If she has to walk into that life, I am glad it’s with you."

Alexander swallowed hard. "I won’t let you down."

Gregory offered a rare, small smile. "For everyone’s sake, I hope you don’t."

Then he stood up.

"That’s all," he said, more gently this time. "Dont leave without having dinner with the family."

Alexander stood as well. He gave a respectful nod before leaving the study.

But the moment the door closed behind him, Gregory exhaled shakily.

He had not expected to feel this much relief.

....

Alexander stepped out of Gregory Carter’s study and the door clicking shut behind him.

The conversation had been calmer than the ones before and surprisingly warm in parts yet heavy enough to leave a thoughtful weight in his chest.

He took two steps down the hallway and stopped because Evelyn was standing there with her hands clasped together.

She looked worried and curious and it looked like she had been waiting the entire time.

A small smile crept onto her lips. "How did it go?"

Alexander exhaled, the tension easing just a little. "Better than I expected."

"Good." She stepped closer. "Mom asked me to tell you, she wants you to stay for dinner."

His lips curved slowly, deliberately. "Does her daughter want me to stay for dinner?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes but her cheeks turned red. "Just say yes."

"Yes." He leaned slightly toward her. "Obviously."

She tried not to smile but failed miserably.

"Come on," she said. "I will show you around. You have barely seen the house."

Alexander lifted an eyebrow. "You didn’t show me your room."

Her steps faltered for half a second and heat rushed up her neck.

"I—I can show you now," she said, trying to sound casual but failing adorably.

"Lead the way," he murmured.

She showed him the family room first, the balcony and the small indoor garden Melissa loved.

Alexander listened to every word she said not because he cared about the plants or the antique furniture but because she was the one talking.

Finally, they stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall.

Evelyn hesitated for a moment then said, "This is my room."

Alexander’s gaze softened. "May I?"

Her heart thudded once before answering. "Yes."

She then pushed the door open.

....