"Evangeline, why don't we go catch a movie?" Jonah Harrison pleaded, his tone sycophantic.

Though they had spent the day together, Evangeline Montgomery remained distant and cold. Jonah was desperate not to waste this rare moment of one-on-one time.

"No, I have things to take care of. Just drop me home," Evangeline replied, her impatience barely concealed.

Her primary goal today was to needle Cassidy. She only endured Jonah’s presence because she had to keep up the charade. She used to think he was gentle, sunny, and handsome—but now, standing beside him, she couldn't help but compare him to Marcellus Alexander. Against Jonah’s "central air-conditioning" personality—offering lukewarm warmth to everyone—she preferred the raw, possessive intensity of a man who made his bias for her painfully clear.

Jonah was reluctant to let her go, but he knew better than to cling desperately and lose his remaining dignity. He drove her back in silence.

When they arrived at the Montgomery estate, Evangeline offered Jonah a rare, genuine smile as she waved goodbye. She had already caught a glimpse of Cassidy lurking by the second-floor window.

Cassidy stared as Evangeline and Jonah shared their intimate goodbye, jealousy clawing at her throat.

"Bitch," Cassidy spat under her breath.

She wasn’t about to let this go. The sheer fury contorted her features, triggering a wave of nausea. She bolted into the bathroom, heaving over the sink.

She gripped the edge of the vanity, staring at her reflection. Her face was stunning—the sharp, polished look of a corporate powerhouse that had charmed countless men. Why was Jonah obsessed with a woman like Evangeline?

After composing herself, Cassidy knocked on Evangeline’s bedroom door. She needed to fish for information, to see just how far things had progressed between the two of them.

"Knock, knock."

"Sister? Can I come in?"

Hearing Cassidy’s voice, a ghost of a smirk played on Evangeline’s lips. She knew Cassidy wouldn't be able to stay away for long.

"Come in."

Cassidy entered to find Evangeline sitting barefoot on the rug, hunched over a small coffee table, sketching out designs.

"Busy, sister?" Cassidy asked.

Evangeline didn't look up, her pen resting against her chin as she appeared lost in thought. "Something you need?"

"Are you planning on getting back together with him?" Cassidy’s voice was small, dripping with feigned vulnerability.

Evangeline straightened up and turned to look at her. "Why do you ask?"

As Evangeline pivoted, Cassidy’s eyes locked onto a dark, prominent hickey on her collarbone. Evangeline had only gone out with Jonah today; the culprit was painfully obvious.

*Hah!* Cassidy seethed inwardly. *Playing the role of the arrogant, untouchable princess, only to turn out to be a cheap slut. She’s been cuckolding the guy for days, and she’s already being manhandled by someone else!*

Seeing Cassidy’s expression darken into a stony silence, Evangeline tilted her head. "Sister? Is everything alright?"

Cassidy snapped out of her trance, swallowing her rage and forcing her tone back to something natural. "I just wanted to say, if you and Jonah are getting back together, I’ll stop holding onto these unrealistic fantasies."

Evangeline watched Cassidy’s display of "letting go" with internal mockery. If only the woman’s heart were as open as her words, she might actually be likable.

"It’s nothing like that. Don’t worry about it," Evangeline replied with a thin, polite smile.

"Understood. I’ll leave you to your work, then." With that, Cassidy turned and left.

She couldn't bear to hear another word. She’d tried to coax Evangeline into admitting she was back with Jonah, only to see the physical evidence of her betrayal. Every word out of Evangeline’s mouth felt like a lie.

Once the door clicked shut, Evangeline flopped onto her bed with a sigh. Playing this cat-and-mouse game was exhausting.

Suddenly, she felt a pang of longing for Marcellus. She wondered if he was still sulking about earlier. She grabbed her phone and fired off a text: *Thinking of you.*

***

At the Alexander Corp boardroom, the atmosphere was suffocating. The CFO stood trembling, sweating as he reported the quarterly figures. Marcellus sat at the head of the table, brow furrowed, radiating a pressure so intense it felt as though he might snap at anyone who breathed too loudly. His finger tapped rhythmically against the mahogany, a death knell for the room’s composure.

*Buzz.*

The phone on the table vibrated. Marcellus glanced down, his eyes landing on the words from her.

*Hah.* At least she had a conscience. Even if he knew she was likely just trying to butter him up, it still did something to his mood. His long fingers tapped out a swift reply: *Come to the office. Keep me company.*

Evangeline considered it for a moment. She’d done enough for the day. *Fine, wait for me. I’ll be there in thirty minutes.*

Upon receiving her reply, the icy, lethal aura surrounding Marcellus vanished instantly. The corner of his mouth quirked up, his mood lifting entirely.

"Dismissed," he commanded, rising from his chair.

The room fell into stunned silence as he strode out. Their boss—the man who hadn't smiled in weeks—was practically glowing. As they grumbled about his erratic temperament, they were burning with curiosity about who had sent that text. Obviously, Preston Wright was the one left to deflect the incoming gossip.

Evangeline drove to Alexander Corp. When she reached the lobby, she saw the same receptionist as last time and felt a twinge of guilt about the lack of an appointment. "Sorry, let me make a quick call."

The receptionist beamed. "Ms. Montgomery, Mr. Wright gave us explicit instructions. You don’t need an appointment. You’re cleared for the private elevator at any time." She ushered Evangeline toward the lift.

*Knock, knock.*

Marcellus looked up as the door opened, his eyes softening as he saw her head peek inside, a playful smile on her face.

"Come here," Marcellus said, turning his chair and opening his arms.

Evangeline didn't hesitate, diving into his lap. She scanned his face, realizing just how much she had missed him over the past few days.

Marcellus grew restless under her intense gaze. He pressed a large hand over her eyes, blocking her view. Her eyes were far too bright, the slightly upturned corners too seductive for a man currently trying to stay professional.

Evangeline pulled his hand away, leaning into his chest, her fingers tracing patterns on his shirt as she gave him a coy, knowing smile.

Marcellus gripped her wandering hand, his voice dropping to a gravelly, dangerous register, his eyes swirling with dark intent. "Evangeline, I know exactly where you’re craving my attention."

He dipped his head and claimed her lips, the kiss deep and bruising. Their temperatures spiked, their breathing grew ragged. Marcellus tore his tie off, swept her up, and carried her into the private lounge behind his desk, abandoning the rest of the workday to speak his longing in a much more physical language.

An hour later, Evangeline pouted at her disheveled state. "Look at this. My dress is ruined. I can’t go home in your clothes..."

Marcellus opened the wardrobe door. "After you stayed here last time, I had your size stocked."

Evangeline gasped as she saw the closet filled with the latest seasonal collections. "Wow, you’re... surprisingly thoughtful." She rewarded him with a peck on the cheek.

"Evangeline," Marcellus pulled her back into his arms, his tone shifting to genuine concern. "Have you had any nightmares these past few days?"

She shook her head. "Not a one. I’m eating and sleeping just fine."

"Hmph. You’re truly heartless," he mumbled, resting his chin on her head. "I’ve been suffering from insomnia at Elysian Estate because you weren't there."

He didn't tell her how many times he had wanted to drag her back by force. But he kept Damian Spencer’s words etched in his mind: *Healthy love isn't about possession.* He didn't want to break her into the same kind of lunatic he was.