[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-247":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},247,33,"Chapter 33: \"He’s My Boyfriend.\"","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Happy birthday, Dad!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The room fell into a sudden, awkward silence. Heads turned toward the entrance, followed by a flurry of hushed whispers.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Is that...?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Shh! Marcellus is sitting right over there. Keep your voice down!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline offered a tight, polite smile and nodded. \"I have.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You naughty girl, you stopped coming around! That boy was heartbroken for ages after you left, you know.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline offered a brittle laugh.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It was just a childhood joke, Greta.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"But Benedict has been holding onto that 'joke' for years.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"The young lady and Benedict really do look like a power couple.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Absolutely, a match made in heaven!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Enough!\" Leland Alexander’s voice cut through the chatter like a whip. He glared at the room, his eyes dark with irritation.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The room went deathly quiet.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline shot him a soft, reassuring smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hah! Good! Very good! Come, sit beside me!\" Leland laughed heartily, gesturing to the seats near the head of the table.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Benedict lowered his gaze, his face pale as he hid the sting of rejection.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mother, you should go home. Stop causing scenes,\" Benedict retorted, his voice strained.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Benedict! You useless, pathetic wretch! You’re no son of mine!\" Greta spat the words before storming out, her face twisted in rage.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Finally, Marcellus had enough. He grabbed Evangeline’s hand and pulled her toward the exit.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Phew—Marcellus, I had no idea your social obligations were so exhausting.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I never 'socialize,'\" he replied flatly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head. \"Evangeline, I’m so happy today.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hmm?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Because you claimed me in front of everyone.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Thank you. Now I can finally stand by your side in the light.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, I don't want you to ever have to humble yourself for anyone, not even for me.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She understood. Only the one who loved more was forced to be careful, to tread on eggshells and swallow their pride.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mr. Harrison, how about we form an alliance?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jonah didn't even look at the voice. He kept his eyes locked on Evangeline.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I can help you get her back,\" Siena Spencer whispered, sliding up beside him.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jonah finally turned, his eyes narrowing. \"How?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Siena blinked, caught off guard. \"You’re saying no?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Siena stood frozen, her face contorting with rage. *Vixen,* she cursed inwardly. *She has everyone wrapped around her little finger!*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The party was winding down. Edward Montgomery called his daughter, letting her know he was ready to leave.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, I have to go.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I understand.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Dad, this is my boyfriend, Marcellus Alexander.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus offered a polite, respectful nod. \"It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m going to go say goodbye to Leland, and then we’re heading out,\" Evangeline told Marcellus.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Alright.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They made their way to the主位. Edward took the lead. \"Leland, it’s getting late. We shouldn't keep you any longer.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh? Leaving already? We haven't had nearly enough time to talk!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It really is getting late, Leland. I’ll come back to visit properly next time,\" Evangeline added with a warm smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Fine, fine. You’d better come back soon and share a meal with this old man, you hear?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I will.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As they left the Alexander estate, Edward looked at his daughter with a worried expression. \"Evangeline... that boy from the Alexander family...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"He’s a good man, Dad. And I love him,\" Evangeline said, cutting him off before he could voice his concerns.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing the resolve in his daughter's eyes, Edward sighed, his features softening. \"Fine. If my daughter chose him, he must be worth it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline beamed, leaning her head on his shoulder. \"Thank you, Dad.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back inside, Wilson Alexander finally made his appearance long after the guests had dispersed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Happy birthday, Dad.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Leland tapped his cane against the floor, his face sour. \"Hmph! I figured you’d forgotten you even had a father!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ugh, is he going to hate me for the rest of his life?\" Leland sighed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Grandfather, he doesn't hate you,\" Marcellus said, his expression empty. \"He hates himself.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wilson? Is that Wilson?\" Greta was pacing the hall, her eyes frantic.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"He’s already gone!\" Leland barked, shooting her a cold look.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Gone...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Greta slumped, her shoulders dropping as if the life had been drained right out of her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What a mess,\" Leland muttered to himself, turning his back on her as he walked away.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272912113]