[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-232":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},232,18,"Chapter 18: The Message That Changed Everything","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Why were his eyes so different today? Evangeline soon found out. Normally, Marcellus was remarkably restrained, but today was different.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I have to go home.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"We're married. You can't stay with your husband?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The man turned away, his back to her, clearly sulking.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Ha. So, the great CEO was throwing a tantrum? Mr. President, your professional facade is slipping!\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She pressed a soft kiss to his spine.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She fled the room like a fugitive. Behind her, the man let out a low, amused chuckle.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mom, what’s wrong?\" Evangeline asked, wrapping her arms gently around her mother’s shoulders.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Cassidy hasn’t eaten a thing since last night,\" Marilyn said, her voice heavy with heartache.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Has she come downstairs at all?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn shook her head.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Of course, dear.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, do you think we're being too harsh?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Her mother’s pained, self-reproachful look made Evangeline’s heart ache.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I understand,\" Marilyn nodded.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Nancy brought out the meal, and after giving her mother a reassuring look, Evangeline carried the tray upstairs.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Knock, knock, knock.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Cassidy, I’m coming in.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cassidy glared at her, her expression venomous. \"Evangeline, are you here to gloat?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Cassidy, I’m here out of concern.\" Evangeline’s lips curved into a half-smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cassidy scoffed, catching the change in her expression. \"Hah. What’s wrong? Tired of playing the sweet, innocent sister?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">With a final, cool look of disdain, Evangeline turned and walked out of the room. Cassidy stared daggers at the door as it closed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">There was something… different about her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Inside the office, Evangeline asked, \"Dad, are you really going to strip Cassidy of her position?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline, however, sensed that this was merely the calm before the storm.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">One afternoon, while she was chatting with her mother in the living room, her phone rang.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hello? Remi.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline! I have great news! Luna Hughes’s team confirmed she’s wearing our designs for the Cannes Film Festival red carpet!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi’s ecstatic voice over the phone was contagious, and Evangeline couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Really? That’s incredible! This is the first real step toward our success!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I know! I’m already imagining us counting our money by the bagful!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Haha, you!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"We should go out and celebrate early. Grab a couple of drinks?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sounds like a plan. I’ll get ready and head out!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mwah! Thanks, Mom!\" Evangeline gave her mother a quick kiss.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Feeling a sharp, icy gaze on her back, Evangeline turned, but the hallway was empty. She shook her head, dismissing the feeling as paranoia.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I will, Mom.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"True, I suppose,\" Remi agreed.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272911463]