"Happy birthday, Dad!"

The room fell into a sudden, awkward silence. Heads turned toward the entrance, followed by a flurry of hushed whispers.

"Is that...?"

"Shh! Marcellus is sitting right over there. Keep your voice down!"

Everyone’s gaze flickered reflexively toward the man lounging on the velvet sofa. Marcellus Alexander sat with his legs crossed, exuding an air of dangerous, effortless authority.

The woman who had just entered was Greta Palmer, a socialite whose age had done little to dull her sharp edges. Evangeline Montgomery recognized her instantly.

"Oh, look at that! The little Montgomery princess. It’s been years, hasn’t it? You’ve grown into quite the young lady," Greta said, beaming as she strode toward Evangeline and caught her hands in a tight grip. "Have you seen Benedict yet?"

Evangeline offered a tight, polite smile and nodded. "I have."

"You naughty girl, you stopped coming around! That boy was heartbroken for ages after you left, you know."

Evangeline offered a brittle laugh.

"Back when you were children, you even joked about marrying Benedict. Just look at you two now—a match made in heaven. You look perfect together."

"It was just a childhood joke, Greta."

"But Benedict has been holding onto that 'joke' for years."

Greta’s smile didn’t reach her eyes; she was digging in, her tone sharpening. Around them, the social climbers in the hall began to chime in, sensing the shift in the wind.

"The young lady and Benedict really do look like a power couple."

"Absolutely, a match made in heaven!"

"Enough!" Leland Alexander’s voice cut through the chatter like a whip. He glared at the room, his eyes dark with irritation.

Evangeline didn't flinch. She turned to Greta, her expression calm and radiant. "Greta, you might not be aware, but Marcellus and I are currently dating. So... perhaps we should drop the childhood jokes."

The room went deathly quiet.

Across the floor, Marcellus suddenly lifted his head. His eyes, usually cold and detached, caught a spark of something raw and intense. He rose to his feet, walking toward her with a stride that made the crowd part like water. He looked at her, his expression a mix of shock and utter devotion.

Evangeline shot him a soft, reassuring smile.

The interaction played out for all to see. Some offered polite congratulations, others looked on in stunned disbelief, and a few eyes burned with pure, green-eyed jealousy.

"Hah! Good! Very good! Come, sit beside me!" Leland laughed heartily, gesturing to the seats near the head of the table.

Benedict lowered his gaze, his face pale as he hid the sting of rejection.

"If you want her, go take her! Sitting here moping like a coward isn't going to get you anywhere!" Greta hissed, her facade finally shattering.

"Mother, you should go home. Stop causing scenes," Benedict retorted, his voice strained.

"Benedict! You useless, pathetic wretch! You’re no son of mine!" Greta spat the words before storming out, her face twisted in rage.

The gala’s minor tremor was smoothed over quickly. The guests returned to their champagne and polite performances, though many kept glancing toward the corner where Marcellus and Evangeline sat. Every time someone dared to approach Marcellus to strike up a business conversation, a single icy glare from him sent them scurrying away.

Finally, Marcellus had enough. He grabbed Evangeline’s hand and pulled her toward the exit.

"Phew—Marcellus, I had no idea your social obligations were so exhausting."

"I never 'socialize,'" he replied flatly.

Evangeline chuckled, leaning into him. "God, you’re insufferable. But the way you look at everyone like they’re beneath you? It’s strangely attractive."

Marcellus pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Evangeline, I’m so happy today."

"Hmm?"

"Because you claimed me in front of everyone."

Evangeline pressed her face against his chest, her heart aching slightly. "I saw you sitting there alone earlier. The way you looked... it broke my heart."

"Thank you. Now I can finally stand by your side in the light."

"Marcellus, I don't want you to ever have to humble yourself for anyone, not even for me."

She understood. Only the one who loved more was forced to be careful, to tread on eggshells and swallow their pride.

Jonah Harrison stood in the shadows nearby, watching the pair with a hollow, haunted expression. He knew, with sudden, crushing finality, that he had lost her for good.

"Mr. Harrison, how about we form an alliance?"

Jonah didn't even look at the voice. He kept his eyes locked on Evangeline.

"I can help you get her back," Siena Spencer whispered, sliding up beside him.

Jonah finally turned, his eyes narrowing. "How?"

Siena leaned in close, whispering her plan into his ear. As she spoke, Jonah’s face darkened. He looked at her with pure, cold disgust. "I never knew a lady of the Spencer family could be so vile."

Siena blinked, caught off guard. "You’re saying no?"

"Don't you dare touch Evangeline with your schemes. If you do, I’ll make sure you regret it." He shot her a final, warning glare and stalked away.

Siena stood frozen, her face contorting with rage. *Vixen,* she cursed inwardly. *She has everyone wrapped around her little finger!*

The party was winding down. Edward Montgomery called his daughter, letting her know he was ready to leave.

"Marcellus, I have to go."

"I understand."

They walked back into the hall hand-in-hand, crossing paths with Edward. Seeing them with their fingers locked, Edward gave a dry, awkward cough. Marcellus moved to let go, but Evangeline gripped him tighter.

"Dad, this is my boyfriend, Marcellus Alexander."

Marcellus offered a polite, respectful nod. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir."

Edward looked at his daughter, then at the man known as the city’s most dangerous heir. The "Young Death God" was acting like a polite, humble suitor, which only made Edward more unsettled. "Ah, yes. A pleasure," he stammered.

"I’m going to go say goodbye to Leland, and then we’re heading out," Evangeline told Marcellus.

"Alright."

They made their way to the主位. Edward took the lead. "Leland, it’s getting late. We shouldn't keep you any longer."

"Oh? Leaving already? We haven't had nearly enough time to talk!"

"It really is getting late, Leland. I’ll come back to visit properly next time," Evangeline added with a warm smile.

"Fine, fine. You’d better come back soon and share a meal with this old man, you hear?"

"I will."

As they left the Alexander estate, Edward looked at his daughter with a worried expression. "Evangeline... that boy from the Alexander family..."

"He’s a good man, Dad. And I love him," Evangeline said, cutting him off before he could voice his concerns.

Seeing the resolve in his daughter's eyes, Edward sighed, his features softening. "Fine. If my daughter chose him, he must be worth it."

Evangeline beamed, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Thank you, Dad."

Back inside, Wilson Alexander finally made his appearance long after the guests had dispersed.

"Happy birthday, Dad."

Leland tapped his cane against the floor, his face sour. "Hmph! I figured you’d forgotten you even had a father!"

"Dad, don't be like that. It’s a celebratory day. Don't ruin your health over it." Wilson set down a gift, turned, and walked away. As he passed Marcellus, he cast a lingering look at him, but didn't stop.

"Ugh, is he going to hate me for the rest of his life?" Leland sighed.

"Grandfather, he doesn't hate you," Marcellus said, his expression empty. "He hates himself."

There was no tremor in Marcellus's voice. For the father who had abandoned him, there was no longer any love, and consequently, no expectations left to break.

"Wilson? Is that Wilson?" Greta was pacing the hall, her eyes frantic.

"He’s already gone!" Leland barked, shooting her a cold look.

"Gone..."

Greta slumped, her shoulders dropping as if the life had been drained right out of her.

"What a mess," Leland muttered to himself, turning his back on her as he walked away.