Why were his eyes so different today? Evangeline soon found out. Normally, Marcellus was remarkably restrained, but today was different.

He had worn her out, time and time again. By the time noon rolled around, Helen Meyer felt too embarrassed to even call them down for lunch. Evangeline didn't wake until the late afternoon, the room dimming with the coming dusk. She sat up, rubbing her sore lower back.

"I have to go home."

"We're married. You can't stay with your husband?"

Marcellus calling himself "husband" caught Evangeline off guard; she nearly choked on her own saliva. Her face flushed a deep crimson, and she lowered her head, whispering shyly, "I can't."

The man turned away, his back to her, clearly sulking.

Ha. So, the great CEO was throwing a tantrum? Mr. President, your professional facade is slipping!

Evangeline slid back under the covers, wrapping her arms around him from behind. Her small hands traced the ridges of his abs. "Be good, okay? It’ll all be over soon."

She pressed a soft kiss to his spine.

The damp warmth of her lips against his skin ignited a fresh wave of heat. Feeling his muscles coil with sudden tension, Evangeline scrambled backward, bolting out of the bed. "No way! You’ll break me!"

She fled the room like a fugitive. Behind her, the man let out a low, amused chuckle.

When Evangeline arrived home, it was just in time for dinner. Marilyn Montgomery sat alone at the table, staring blankly at her plate, clearly having lost her appetite.

"Mom, what’s wrong?" Evangeline asked, wrapping her arms gently around her mother’s shoulders.

"Cassidy hasn’t eaten a thing since last night," Marilyn said, her voice heavy with heartache.

"Has she come downstairs at all?"

Marilyn shook her head.

"Nancy, could you prepare a tray? I’ll bring it up to my sister." Evangeline directed the request toward the housekeeper, who was busy in the kitchen.

"Of course, dear."

"Evangeline, do you think we're being too harsh?"

Her mother’s pained, self-reproachful look made Evangeline’s heart ache.

"Once Cassidy realizes the gravity of her mistakes, Dad will let her out. But it can’t be now. If she truly attempts to sabotage Montgomery Enterprises, it will be too late to stop her," Evangeline comforted her softly.

"I understand," Marilyn nodded.

Nancy brought out the meal, and after giving her mother a reassuring look, Evangeline carried the tray upstairs.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Cassidy, I’m coming in."

Evangeline stepped inside to find the room in total disarray. Cassidy looked a mess, her hair matted and tangled, still wearing yesterday’s clothes. Her eyes were swollen and red, looking like bruised peaches.

Cassidy glared at her, her expression venomous. "Evangeline, are you here to gloat?"

"Cassidy, I’m here out of concern." Evangeline’s lips curved into a half-smile.

Cassidy scoffed, catching the change in her expression. "Hah. What’s wrong? Tired of playing the sweet, innocent sister?"

Evangeline ignored the bait. She walked over and set the tray down beside her. "You should eat something. After all, you have the baby to think about."

With a final, cool look of disdain, Evangeline turned and walked out of the room. Cassidy stared daggers at the door as it closed.

There was something… different about her.

The scent of the food wafted over, causing Cassidy’s stomach to growl. She touched her abdomen, weighing her options for a moment before finally picking up the tray and finishing the meal. Evangeline was right; starving herself to win pity was useless. She needed her strength to figure out her next move. She had been watching from the window—there were security guards stationed in the front and back yards. Her father was dead serious about keeping her locked up until the baby was born.

Meanwhile, at Montgomery Enterprises, a meeting was underway to select a new Director of Marketing. Everyone knew the previous director was the chairman’s daughter. The rumors floating around the office lately were true; the drama of a family power struggle was far more intense than any gossip.

Inside the office, Evangeline asked, "Dad, are you really going to strip Cassidy of her position?"

"She had malicious intentions. A person's character dictates the rise or fall of a family. She’s no longer fit to remain in this company."

Edward Montgomery sounded exhausted, rubbing his temples. He was deeply hurt by the decision. He had groomed his daughter for years, only for her to throw it all away and act like a fool over a man.

Up in her room, Cassidy was lying on the bed, bored out of her mind, when a vibration from her phone snapped her back to reality. She grabbed the device and stared at the incoming text for a long time. Ten minutes later, she finally typed a reply. As she hit send, she gripped the phone tightly, a vicious, calculated look crossing her face.

Over the next few days, Cassidy seemed to have capitulated. She started coming downstairs for meals and occasionally read or sketched in the courtyard. Seeing that Cassidy was finally focusing on the pregnancy, Marilyn felt a wave of relief, hoping for some peace in the household.

Evangeline, however, sensed that this was merely the calm before the storm.

One afternoon, while she was chatting with her mother in the living room, her phone rang.

"Hello? Remi."

"Evangeline! I have great news! Luna Hughes’s team confirmed she’s wearing our designs for the Cannes Film Festival red carpet!"

Remi’s ecstatic voice over the phone was contagious, and Evangeline couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

"Really? That’s incredible! This is the first real step toward our success!"

"I know! I’m already imagining us counting our money by the bagful!"

"Haha, you!"

"We should go out and celebrate early. Grab a couple of drinks?"

"Sounds like a plan. I’ll get ready and head out!"

Even after hanging up, Evangeline couldn't wipe the smile off her face. Her mother looked on, clearly happy for her. "My darling, I knew you were the best."

"Mwah! Thanks, Mom!" Evangeline gave her mother a quick kiss.

The warmth and joy in the room grated on Cassidy’s nerves, her gaze turning cold and jagged. *Evangeline, why are you always the center of attention while I’m stuck here like a rat in the dark? I won’t let you be happy for long.*

Feeling a sharp, icy gaze on her back, Evangeline turned, but the hallway was empty. She shook her head, dismissing the feeling as paranoia.

They were set to meet at the bar at 8:00 PM. With three hours to spare, Evangeline showered, styled her hair in soft waves, and pulled on an off-the-shoulder blouse paired with light-wash jeans that highlighted her slender waist. The outfit was a perfect mix of youthful energy and subtle allure.

As she prepared to leave, her mother reminded her, "Don’t drink too much. Ask the butler to have someone drive you, and come home early."

"I will, Mom."

Evangeline arrived at The Neon Lounge as planned. She scanned the room and spotted Remi in a corner booth. The moment Evangeline stepped inside, she became the center of attention. Most people in this establishment were looking for drinks or a hookup, and her stunning features instantly caused a stir.

"Evangeline, maybe we should get a private booth? The way these guys are looking at you… it’s like they want to eat you alive!" Remi whispered, looking uneasy. It was dangerous enough for two young women to be this conspicuous.

"It’s fine. The security here is top-notch. No one will dare cross the line. Besides, if we hide in a booth, we lose the atmosphere."

"True, I suppose," Remi agreed.