Marcellus scooped the woman up, cradling her in his arms. "Are you full, Evangeline?"

"Mhm." Evangeline nodded.

Marcellus arched a brow, a wicked, playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Then it’s time you recharged me."

He strode into the lounge, pressing her onto the plush bed. Their breaths mingled, the air between them thick and stiflingly hot. Marcellus made no effort to mask the raw desire in his eyes, causing Evangeline to swallow hard. She opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her off with a searing, hungry kiss.

He deepened the contact, his tongue expertly parting her lips as he ruthlessly claimed her breath. Evangeline gasped, her body melting against his as soft, breathless whimpers escaped her throat.

Her reaction only spurred him on. His lips trailed downward while his hand moved with possessive intent, stroking her bare, porcelain-smooth thigh. After a storm of passion, Evangeline drifted into a heavy, exhausted sleep. The man, by contrast, looked entirely satisfied, his energy levels peaked.

After she had slept for over an hour, the muffled sound of conversation drifting from the office stirred her awake. It left her feeling frayed and irritable. She strained to listen, catching the high-pitched, incessant drone of a woman talking to Marcellus.

Evangeline pulled on one of his button-down shirts, pulling it tight around her frame, and called out, "Marcellus? I need water."

Hearing her voice from the lounge, Marcellus didn't hesitate. He grabbed his glass and walked inside. The woman standing in his office—Siena Spencer—had her complexion change instantly. Her lips thinned into a line as she followed him, stunned, into the private quarters.

Evangeline looked at the girl hovering behind Marcellus and asked coolly, "And who might this be?"

Marcellus glanced over his shoulder. He hadn't expected Siena to barge in. His brow furrowed, his annoyance palpable. "This is Damian’s sister."

He handed the glass to Evangeline, who took a casual sip, never breaking eye contact with the visitor.

"Oh?" Evangeline asked with a mocking half-smile. "Are you so close with Dr. Spencer’s sister that she has free rein to walk into your private room?"

Siena Spencer’s eyes raked over the woman before her. She saw the oversized shirt, the neckline hanging loose, the faint, incriminating red marks along her collarbone, and her tousled hair. It didn't take a genius to figure out what had been happening in this room just moments ago.

"Marcellus? What is she to you?" Siena demanded.

Ignoring the girl’s petulance, Evangeline walked barefoot to Marcellus’s side. She rested a small hand on his chest, leaning her head against his arm. "Is it really that hard to tell?"

Marcellus remained silent, watching his woman bristle like a threatened cat. He was thoroughly enjoying the show. Evangeline shot him a sharp look.

"Take the little Spencer girl out. I need to get dressed."

Marcellus obeyed instantly, turning his glare toward Siena. "Get out. Now."

Back in the main office, Siena was seething. She stomped her foot and shouted, "Who even is that woman?"

"Why? Do I need to report my associations to you now?" Marcellus’s voice was like ice.

Sensing his rising temper, Siena softened her tone. "I just think she’s a manipulative little siren. She isn't good enough for you!"

"That is my future wife. Watch your tongue," Marcellus growled, his voice a lethal warning.

At that moment, Evangeline emerged, looking polished and radiant. She stepped up to Marcellus and brushed a light kiss against his lips. "Mr. Alexander, I’m heading out. Let me know when you need another recharge."

She waved a dismissive hand and left, perfectly aware that Siena had been watching with eyes full of jealous venom. She had enjoyed every second of the provocation.

Siena watched the retreating figure, her teeth gritted in silent rage. *Vixen!*

"Still here?" Marcellus asked, his eyes cold.

"Fine..." Siena pouted, stomping away.

Once she was out of the corporate building, Siena immediately dialed Damian Spencer.

"Brother, I ran into some woman at Marcellus’s place today. Who is she?"

"You went to see Marcellus again? I told you, he’s been in love with someone for years. Stop obsessing over him!"

"But he’s in love with someone, yet he’s still sleeping with other women!"

Siena refused to believe that this woman was the legendary unattainable crush of Marcellus's life. If he was willing to be with someone else, why couldn't that someone be her?

"Don't talk nonsense! Mind your own business, or I’m cutting off your allowance!"

"Click."

Siena stared at her phone as the line went dead, stamping her foot in frustration. "I won't just let this go."

Back at Montgomery Enterprises, Evangeline sat in the conference room, taking notes as she had been for the past few days, learning the ropes under her father.

Cassidy Montgomery had been watching her sister’s recent transformation, and the mounting pressure was beginning to show. Once the meeting adjourned, she cornered Evangeline. "Sister, how has the learning been going?"

"It’s so difficult," Evangeline said, affecting a weary, pained expression.

"Oh, really? I always thought you were better suited for design anyway. And Father supports you in that, doesn't he?"

"Perhaps, but someone has to take over eventually," Evangeline replied with a gentle, calculated smile. "Better to start early and get familiar with the ropes, so the transition isn't total chaos later on."

*She’s actually planning to come back to the company? How can I let that happen?* Cassidy thought, her eyes darkening. She realized she needed to make her own moves.

"True, that makes sense. You’ll have to put in real effort, then," Cassidy said, feigning lightheartedness.

"I will," Evangeline replied.

Once back in her office, Evangeline opened her laptop to track the internal data. After a long look, finding nothing out of the ordinary, she let out a soft, mocking laugh. Her dear sister was truly excellent at holding her cards close.

Meanwhile, at Elysian Estate, Marcellus returned from work to find an elderly man waiting on the sofa.

"Grandfather, what are you doing here?"

"Hmph. You brat. If I didn't come, when exactly would you have thought to visit me?" the old man huffed in feigned anger.

"The company has been busy."

Leland Alexander let out a heavy sigh. He knew exactly why his grandson avoided the family estate—the forced sacrifices made for the family name, and the people living there whom Marcellus couldn't stand to look at.

"Marcellus, are you seeing someone?"

Marcellus looked at his grandfather. "Did Siena Spencer run to the estate to tattle?"

"Oh, hush! She’s been fond of you for years. If you didn't have anyone, she would have been a suitable match."

"I don't need a marriage of convenience."

"I know my grandson is capable, but you can't stay a bachelor forever!" Leland was genuinely worried the man would end up alone for the rest of his life.

"I am already in a relationship," Marcellus said, unbothered.

Leland’s eyes lit up. He leaned forward, burning with curiosity. "Which girl is it?"

"Evangeline Montgomery."

Marcellus didn't hide it; he intended to marry her sooner or later.

"Evangeline Montgomery?"

Leland ran the name through his head before he suddenly reacted, eyes widening with excitement. "Edward Montgomery’s granddaughter?"

"Yes."

Leland let out a booming laugh. "I always used to envy Edward for having such a darling little granddaughter. Who would have thought, all these years later, my own grandson would have snatched her up! Hahaha!"

"After hearing that girl from the Spencer family, I was worried you were seeing someone… improper." Leland finally exhaled, relieved.

"The one I’ve chosen is, naturally, the best," Marcellus said, raising a brow with a smug, proud grin.

"Good, good. Bring her to the estate to visit me when you have time. It’s been years."

Leland recalled the adorable little girl from his memories, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Mhm," Marcellus replied.

"Alright, I’m heading back."

Leland walked with a spring in his step, clearly in the best mood he’d been in for years.