It was nine in the morning when Evangeline Montgomery finally drifted back to consciousness. Her throat felt dry and raw, like she’d spent the night screaming.

"Marcellus... water," she rasped.

The sound of her own voice—husky and gravelly—startled her. She clamped a hand over her mouth, glaring at the man beside her and kicking him with a sharp flick of her ankle. Marcellus offered a sheepish grin and handed her a glass of lukewarm water.

She took a sip, the coolness soothing her throat, and shot him a look that could melt steel. The man was a absolute menace; he’d been relentless last night, as if he were fueled by some kind of stimulant. If he kept this up, her fragile constitution wouldn't survive the week.

"I’m sorry, Evie. I just missed you so much," he purred, pulling her into his arms. He knew exactly how to play the part of the devoted, soft-spoken partner—the one she was most susceptible to.

Evangeline ignored his attempts at affection and scrambled out of bed to head for the bathroom.

"Marcellus Alexander!"

Her furious roar echoed from the bathroom. Moments later, Marcellus came jogging in, his expression one of mock panic. "What’s wrong?"

"Are you part wolf? Look at this!" She pointed at the vibrant red marks marring her shoulder and neck.

"My bad. I’ll try to be more careful next time," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and swaying gently.

"Get off! I need to get to the office," she snapped.

"You forgot, didn't you? Tonight is Grandfather’s birthday gala."

Evangeline tapped her forehead. She had, in fact, completely forgotten. "Then I need to go home and head over with my father."

"Stay for lunch, and then I’ll take you," he pleaded, his voice dripping with that pathetic, irresistible charm. She hated how easily she caved.

"Fine. I’ll tell Remi."

Once he got his way, Marcellus’s face lit up with a grin that made him look a decade younger. Evangeline stared for a second, momentarily struck. "You know, Marcellus, you really are handsome when you stop acting like a lunatic."

He preened, satisfied. He knew his face and physique were the only things keeping him in her good graces. "Go get ready. I’m all yours for the morning."

The hours slipped away as they lounged on the sofa, watching a movie. By the time noon rolled around, Marcellus looked like he was being physically torn away as he gripped her tight in one last embrace. She patted his back, sighing. *Note to self: find a way to handle a husband who clings like a toddler.*

After a lingering, heated kiss that left her breathless, she finally escaped to the car.

When she arrived back at the Montgomery estate, her parents were lounging on the sofa, whispering to each other like newlyweds. It was a dynamic she had always envied.

"Mom! Dad! I’m home!" Evangeline sprinted over and buried her face in her mother’s shoulder. "I missed you guys so much."

Marilyn Montgomery stroked her daughter’s hair, her brows knitting in concern. "Oh, my darling, have you lost weight? You look so pale."

"It’s just the workload at the office. But everything is finally back on track, so I can finally take a breath."

"That’s my girl," Edward Montgomery said, pride radiating from him.

"Evangeline," Edward said, checking his watch, "go get changed. We’ll be leaving soon."

She bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time. For the Alexander gala, she needed to strike a balance—nothing too trendy, nothing too casual. She settled on an elegant, emerald-green silk floor-length gown that hugged her curves perfectly. She pinned her hair up with a delicate pearl-encrusted hair piece, applied minimal makeup, and stood back to admire the effect. She looked refined, radiant, and dangerous.

When she descended the stairs, her mother’s eyes widened. "Stunning. Even prettier than I was at your age."

Edward stood up and pulled his wife into his side. "When I first saw you, you were wearing a white dress by the lake. I knew the moment I laid eyes on you that it was a lifetime commitment."

Marilyn blushed and playfully shoved him. "Stop it, the kids are watching!"

Evangeline just smiled, long since used to her parents' public displays of affection. "Ready to go?"

"Yes, let's."

Evangeline paused, looking back. "Mom, you're not coming?"

"I’m not in the mood to deal with those socialite vultures today," her mother replied with a wave of her hand.

Edward had the chauffeur load the gifts into the car, and they set off for the Alexander manor. The estate was built into the mountainside, the winding cobblestone driveway leading to a sprawling, contemporary mansion that seemed to blend seamlessly into the wild landscape.

Inside, the ballroom was already packed. It was a sea of industry elite, clinking crystal glasses and trading hollow pleasantries. As Evangeline walked in, the room seemed to tilt toward her. Her silhouette and poise drew stares from across the hall.

A handsome man in a sharp tuxedo approached Edward. "Mr. Montgomery, a pleasure. I’m Xavier Robinson, with Alpha Group."

"Ah, Xavier. I’ve heard great things about your leadership. A pleasure to finally meet," Edward replied.

Xavier’s gaze shifted to Evangeline, his curiosity piqued. "And who is this?"

"My daughter, Evangeline."

"A pleasure, Miss Montgomery," Xavier said, his voice lowering with interest. "Please, call me Xavier."

The conversation was standard corporate pleasantry, but as more men circled in, Evangeline felt the air getting thin. Excusing herself, she slipped out into the garden. The air was crisp, and the silence was a welcome reprieve. She closed her eyes, tilting her head back to catch the last of the evening glow.

Benedict Alexander was heading toward the ballroom when a movement in the garden caught his eye. The girl standing there, bathed in the soft dusk light, looked like a spirit caught between worlds.

He stepped closer, his voice soft. "Evie?"

She opened her eyes and looked at him. He had the same sharp jawline and piercing eyes as Marcellus—a family resemblance that was unmistakable.

"Benedict?"

He beamed, the recognition clear. "It really is you! Look at you, all grown up." He reached out to ruffle her hair, a gesture of old-fashioned affection.

From the corner of the garden, a cold gaze took in the entire scene.

"Why are you out here?" Benedict asked.

"Just needed some air. It was getting stuffy in there."

"Mind if I join you? It’s been ages. We have plenty to catch up on." He moved to sit on the bench beside her.

Marcellus appeared from the shadows, his presence suffocating. The tension spiked instantly.

"Evie."

Evangeline stood immediately and linked her arm through his, sensing the shift in his mood. "Marcellus."

Benedict looked at their joined hands, his expression dropping into a mask of melancholy. "So, you two are really together?"

Marcellus didn't bother to answer him. He simply grabbed Evangeline’s hand and pulled her deeper into the garden.

"Marcellus," she whispered, sensing his dark mood. "I was just making small talk with Benedict."

Marcellus stopped, spinning to face her. "Benedict?"

"I've called him that my whole life," she said, genuinely confused.

"But you used to call me 'brother' too," he muttered, his jaw tight.

Evangeline blinked. In her memories, she had been terrified of him as a child; they had barely exchanged two words. Watching her struggle to recall something that wasn't there, Marcellus let out a defeated sigh.

*Forget it,* he thought. *If she doesn't remember, let it stay that way.*

"Let’s go inside. Grandfather will be out soon."

They returned to the ballroom. The guests who had been eyeing Evangeline earlier suddenly turned away, their eyes darting nervously toward Marcellus. No one was foolish enough to covet the woman attached to the "Prince of Kyoto."

The heavy silence was shattered by a familiar voice.

"Evangeline."

Jonah Harrison approached with a polite smile, though his eyes flickered with undisguised fear when he saw who stood beside her.

"You really are a magnet for trouble, aren't you?" Siena Spencer drifted over, her voice dripping with venom. She turned her gaze to Marcellus, adding, "It seems you’ve become the heartbeat of the party, Evie."

"Siena! Shut your mouth!"

Damian Spencer charged over, grabbing his sister by the arm and hauling her away. "If you make a scene today, I’m shipping you out of the country."

"Brother, she’s just a dressmaker! She’s not good enough for Marcellus!"

"Who told you that? She is the sole heiress of Montgomery Enterprises!"

"What?!" Siena went pale.

"I’m warning you," Damian hissed, his grip tightening. "Neither Marcellus nor the Montgomery family is someone you can afford to cross."

Siena ground her teeth together, forcing a jagged "Fine" through her jaw.

Damian heard the commotion in the main hall and shot her one final, warning glare before turning to head inside. At the head of the room, Leland Alexander emerged, his eyes scanning the crowd until they locked onto Evangeline.

"Hahahaha! Evie, come here, my dear!"

"Grandfather," Evangeline said, walking straight to him. "Wishing you health, long life, and endless joy."

"Good, good! Such a sweet girl. Come, let me look at you—you’ve grown into such a stunning young woman!"