[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-227":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},227,13,"Chapter 13: She’s My Future Wife.","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus scooped the woman up, cradling her in his arms. \"Are you full, Evangeline?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mhm.\" Evangeline nodded.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus arched a brow, a wicked, playful smirk tugging at his lips. \"Then it’s time you recharged me.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline pulled on one of his button-down shirts, pulling it tight around her frame, and called out, \"Marcellus? I need water.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline looked at the girl hovering behind Marcellus and asked coolly, \"And who might this be?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus glanced over his shoulder. He hadn't expected Siena to barge in. His brow furrowed, his annoyance palpable. \"This is Damian’s sister.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He handed the glass to Evangeline, who took a casual sip, never breaking eye contact with the visitor.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus? What is she to you?\" Siena demanded.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus remained silent, watching his woman bristle like a threatened cat. He was thoroughly enjoying the show. Evangeline shot him a sharp look.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Take the little Spencer girl out. I need to get dressed.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus obeyed instantly, turning his glare toward Siena. \"Get out. Now.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back in the main office, Siena was seething. She stomped her foot and shouted, \"Who even is that woman?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Why? Do I need to report my associations to you now?\" Marcellus’s voice was like ice.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Sensing his rising temper, Siena softened her tone. \"I just think she’s a manipulative little siren. She isn't good enough for you!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"That is my future wife. Watch your tongue,\" Marcellus growled, his voice a lethal warning.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Siena watched the retreating figure, her teeth gritted in silent rage. *Vixen!*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Still here?\" Marcellus asked, his eyes cold.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Fine...\" Siena pouted, stomping away.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Once she was out of the corporate building, Siena immediately dialed Damian Spencer.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Brother, I ran into some woman at Marcellus’s place today. Who is she?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You went to see Marcellus again? I told you, he’s been in love with someone for years. Stop obsessing over him!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"But he’s in love with someone, yet he’s still sleeping with other women!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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?\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't talk nonsense! Mind your own business, or I’m cutting off your allowance!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Click.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Siena stared at her phone as the line went dead, stamping her foot in frustration. \"I won't just let this go.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It’s so difficult,\" Evangeline said, affecting a weary, pained expression.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, really? I always thought you were better suited for design anyway. And Father supports you in that, doesn't he?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"True, that makes sense. You’ll have to put in real effort, then,\" Cassidy said, feigning lightheartedness.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I will,\" Evangeline replied.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Meanwhile, at Elysian Estate, Marcellus returned from work to find an elderly man waiting on the sofa.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Grandfather, what are you doing here?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hmph. You brat. If I didn't come, when exactly would you have thought to visit me?\" the old man huffed in feigned anger.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"The company has been busy.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, are you seeing someone?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus looked at his grandfather. \"Did Siena Spencer run to the estate to tattle?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, hush! She’s been fond of you for years. If you didn't have anyone, she would have been a suitable match.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I don't need a marriage of convenience.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I am already in a relationship,\" Marcellus said, unbothered.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Leland’s eyes lit up. He leaned forward, burning with curiosity. \"Which girl is it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline Montgomery.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus didn't hide it; he intended to marry her sooner or later.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline Montgomery?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Leland ran the name through his head before he suddenly reacted, eyes widening with excitement. \"Edward Montgomery’s granddaughter?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yes.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"After hearing that girl from the Spencer family, I was worried you were seeing someone… improper.\" Leland finally exhaled, relieved.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"The one I’ve chosen is, naturally, the best,\" Marcellus said, raising a brow with a smug, proud grin.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Good, good. Bring her to the estate to visit me when you have time. It’s been years.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Leland recalled the adorable little girl from his memories, a warm smile spreading across his face.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mhm,\" Marcellus replied.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Alright, I’m heading back.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Leland walked with a spring in his step, clearly in the best mood he’d been in for years.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272911054]