[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-234":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},234,20,"Chapter 20: \"The 'Gigolo' is the Head of the Spencer Dynasty\"","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus returned to the bedroom after showering to find Evangeline sprawled across the bed. She had lazily thrown on a silk camisole, one strap slipping down into her armpit.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Knock, knock.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Young Master, your hangover soup is ready.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus opened the door, took the bowl, and walked to the bedside, nudging her gently. \"Evangeline, wake up. Drink this, or you’ll have a splitting headache tomorrow.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline sat up, downed the soup in one go, shoved the bowl back at him, and collapsed into the pillows again. Marcellus finally realized what she was doing—the girl was playing turtle, hiding in her shell.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He set the bowl aside and climbed in behind her, wrapping his arms around the woman who was pretending to be dead to the world. \"Evangeline, you still haven’t answered my question.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She kept her neck stiff and her eyes squeezed shut, refusing to make a sound.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"So, you’re asleep, are you? That makes it so much easier to... do whatever I want.\" He traced the outline of her jaw with his knuckle.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s eyes snapped open in alarm. \"What do you think you're doing?!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Not sleeping anymore?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I'm... I'm awake now.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Great. So, are you going to answer me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What?\" Evangeline feigned ignorance.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Is my body not good enough for you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline glanced down at his bare chest and swallowed hard. \"It's perfect!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Her reaction satisfied him. As long as he still held that kind of sway over her, he was going to make damn sure this body of his was put to good use.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"And yet, you were drooling over some other guy's pecs earlier today.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I was not! Truly! He was dressed like a public nuisance; I didn't mean to look at him!\" Evangeline protested, her voice rising in urgency.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Fine. I’ll let it slide this time. Go to sleep.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I can't. I promised Mom I'd be back early.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline Montgomery, do you really think I’m that easy to bargain with?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing the genuine flash of anger in his eyes—he’d even used her full name—she quickly wrapped her arms around his waist. \"Marcellus, don't be like that. Mom knows I went out for drinks; if I don't come home at all, she’s going to panic.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus ground his teeth, then swung his legs out of bed to get dressed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing him move, Evangeline scrambled up, tossing on her clothes in a rush, terrified he might change his mind. The drive back was dead silent. Evangeline tried everything to sweet-talk him, but he remained a statue. In a moment of frustration, she leaned in and lightly bit his Adam's apple.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, if you keep acting up, I’m going to tell Wylder to turn the car around.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh,\" she whispered. Hearing the strained, gravelly tone in his voice, she didn't dare push her luck again. \"Hey, where’s Waylen? I haven't seen him in a while.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Wylder, who was listening through the rearview mirror, coughed awkwardly. \"Uh, he... he went home for a blind date.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, well, that’s important, I suppose!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus panicked internally, caught off guard by her sudden question. When they neared the Montgomery estate, Evangeline asked to be dropped off a block away.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m sorry, Marcellus. I still can't have you dropping me off at the front gate.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus tapped his lips with a finger. \"Then I’ll need some compensation.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline leaned over and planted a firm kiss on his mouth.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">On the return trip, Marcellus spoke to Wylder. \"Get Waylen back. Then you can go on your blind date.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wait—oh, right! Understood.\" Wylder caught the hint immediately.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The next morning, Remi Crawford woke up with a pounding head. As the memories returned, she grabbed her phone and dialed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hello? Remi?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Hearing the lazy, milk-drunk tone on the other end, Remi asked cautiously, \"Evangeline, are you okay?\" She clearly remembered Evangeline being carried off by some man, and she’d been sent home by a gigolo.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m fine. My friend came to pick me up, and he had a friend take you home. Don't worry about it!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh! Oh, thank god. You scared me!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"If that's all, I’m hanging up. I need more sleep.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Fine, but come to the studio when you wake up. We have a lot of details to finalize.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Got it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline didn't roll out of bed until past ten. She headed downstairs. \"Nancy, I'm starving.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Anything in particular you'd like, Miss? I'll get it ready.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Just a bowl of mini wontons.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Coming right up. Take a seat.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Just then, Cassidy Montgomery walked in, carrying flowers she’d just clipped from the garden. Evangeline raised an eyebrow. *So casual.* She knew Cassidy was likely laughing internally, waiting for the Montgomery family to burn to the ground after the little schemes she’d pulled recently.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The two locked eyes. Neither spoke. *Ugh, can't even be bothered to play nice anymore? Little traitor.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Here’s your wontons. Careful, they're hot!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline took a breath of the steam and her appetite flared. \"Wow, smells amazing. Thanks, Nancy.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The warm broth settled her stomach. Alcohol was a dangerous game—fine for a sip, but a nightmare in excess. That afternoon, she and Remi buried themselves in work, refining the clothing line until the sun began to dip behind the horizon.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline stretched, her shoulders clicking. \"Whew. Finally done.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Now, we just sit back and see what happens.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They high-fived. Working with a kindred spirit was always a delight.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Let’s order some drinks,\" Evangeline called out to the staff.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I want milk tea.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Same here.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Good. Happiness demands something sweet!\" Evangeline placed the order. \"I’m telling you, this is a hidden gem of a shop. All original designs. Gorgeous stuff.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As a customer walked in, the clerk rushed over. \"Welcome! How can I help you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline looked up and locked eyes with a familiar face. *Oh, look who it is.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What are you doing here? Do you work here?\" Siena Spencer sneered, looking Evangeline up and down.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Siena, do you know her?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Khloe, she’s the one—that little home-wrecker I told you about!\" Siena looked at Evangeline with utter disgust.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi stepped forward, ready to snap back, but Evangeline held her hand, giving her a look that said, *I’ve got this.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh! Is she the one who’s been trying to snatch your boyfriend?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The commotion drew the attention of other customers, who started shooting judgmental glares toward Evangeline.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Two little girls, making wild accusations without a shred of proof?\" Evangeline said, cool as ice.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What? Can't handle the truth?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Why don't you tell me exactly who this 'boyfriend' of yours is?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Siena faltered, not daring to say the name, so her friend Khloe stepped up. \"Her boyfriend is Marcellus Alexander, the CEO of Alexander Corp!\" she declared, chin held high.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Siena, though internally shaking, stood her ground, not wanting to look weak.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The surrounding crowd shifted instantly. Everyone in the city knew Marcellus Alexander. He was notorious for being untouchable; any woman who had tried to throw herself at him over the years had met a miserable end.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Are you suffering from a delusion, or are you just stupid?\" Evangeline asked, a mocking smile on her lips.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You home-wrecking witch!\" Siena lunged, her hand raised to strike.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline caught her wrist mid-air, squeezed, and shoved her away with a disgusted grunt. \"I’m letting this slide solely out of respect for Damian Spencer! Get out, now!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Respect for my brother? You’re just terrified! Just you wait, I’m calling my brother to deal with you!\" Siena stomped out with Khloe.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hello? Brother? I was just shopping and some clerk hit me! Get down here!\" Siena wailed into her phone the moment she was outside.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Are you causing trouble again?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No! Just get here, I sent you the location!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">When Damian arrived, he found his sister pouting, clutching her wrist. \"Brother, look!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian felt his temper flare. His sister might be spoiled, but people usually gave the Spencers a wide berth. To see her assaulted by a shop clerk was an insult he wouldn't tolerate. \"Where is she?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I'll take you.\" Siena dragged him back into the store.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"That guy! It’s the gigolo!\" Remi blurted out.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline looked at the door and nudged her, speechles. \"Remi, don't be rude. This is the heir to the Spencer family.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian, having been called a 'gigolo', felt his face turn a dangerous shade of dark.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Brother, that's her!\" Siena pointed an accusatory finger at Evangeline.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline raised an eyebrow. \"What is it, Dr. Spencer? Here to play the protective brother?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ms. Montgomery, would you care to explain?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Your sister claims I stole her boyfriend and tried to slap me. I simply... didn't let her succeed,\" Evangeline said, calmly admiring her manicure.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian glared at Siena. \"My apologies, Ms. Montgomery. Please forgive the intrusion.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Brother! She hit me, and you're apologizing to her?!\" Siena shrieked.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Shut up! We’ll deal with this at home!\" He dragged her toward the exit.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Siena broke free. \"Why are you taking her side?!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian gestured toward the storefront.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wylder? What’s he doing here?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Still don't get it? She’s Marcellus’s woman. Pray to god Wylder hasn't already reported today’s little stunt to him.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Brother! Brother, you have to help me!\" Siena grabbed his arm, terror finally sinking in.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Scared now? I warned you before!\" Damian yanked his arm away and walked off.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272911537]