[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-271":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},271,57,"Chapter 57: The Locked Drawer in the Study","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Stop sulking in front of me. It’s exhausting to look at!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, I’m in a foul mood and you don't even offer a word of comfort, let alone that attitude?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus Alexander lifted his eyes to survey the sour face before him, a dry chuckle escaping his lips. \"I’m afraid human joy and sorrow aren’t always connected. My apologies.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus! Is that even human language?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Damian, honestly. So Remi Crawford isn't interested in you—is that really such a catastrophe?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian Spencer bolted upright, stabbing a finger in his direction. \"You! You!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus struggled to suppress the smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. \"Enough. Go home. I have work to finish, and then I’m taking my wife to visit her parents.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, you’re such a total simp! I am officially severing our friendship!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">With a huff of indignation, he stomped toward the door, shoving it open just as Evangeline Montgomery was about to walk in.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing his thunderous expression, Evangeline blinked, curious. \"Dr. Spencer, is everything alright?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Let me tell you something, Ms. Montgomery—that dog-hearted bastard Marcellus, how on earth did you fall for him?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Uh, wasn't it you who persuaded me to go for him in the first place?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh... oh, was it?\" Damian awkwardly scratched his nose, looking sheepish.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, don't mind him. Come here.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline spared one last glance at Damian, then turned to the desk, whispering, \"What's wrong with the doctor?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus stifled a laugh, feigning a look of pathetic grievance. \"He’s just using me as his punching bag!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hey! You dare to lodge a preemptive complaint?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian, who had already been halfway out, strode back and reclaimed his seat on the sofa. \"Let me clue you in, Ms. Montgomery. You need to watch your back with this man. He’s devious. Those missing hair clips and water bottles back in college? All his handiwork! Total creep!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian crossed his legs, folded his arms over his chest, and leaned back with an air of smug satisfaction, arching a brow at the man behind the desk. *Come on then. Let's hurt each other.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus’s face darkened, his glare sharp enough to draw blood. But he wasn't worried now. Evangeline was here. That \"tea-drinking simp\" had to maintain some level of decorum, and Marcellus was certain he wouldn't dare do anything drastic.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, is what he said true?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing the look of genuine astonishment on her face, Marcellus felt his heart thumping against his ribs like a drum, his pulse racing.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Of course it's true! Go back to Elysian Estate and check the third drawer in the right leg of his study desk. You’ll see for yourself!\" Damian added, clearly eager to see the world burn.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Damian Spencer, you’re a dead man!\" Marcellus ground his teeth. If Evangeline hadn't been standing right there, he would have loved to punch the lights out of him.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh! Trying to threaten me? Ms. Montgomery is watching, you know. If I get a single scratch, she’ll know exactly who did it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus was about to explode when he suddenly realized something. A low, mocking laugh bubbled up. \"Heh. Look at your pathetic face. No wonder Remi doesn't want you!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">That single shot sent Damian leaping to his feet. \"Marcellus, you absolute dog! We are done!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He stormed out, his footsteps echoing with rage.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The office quieted, the atmosphere instantly heavy.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m sorry, I...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline cut him off, her expression serious. \"Marcellus, what is it that I’ve forgotten?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What you’ve forgotten is only what you didn't want to remember.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Silence descended upon them again. Evangeline pondered for a long while before finally sighing.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Forget it. How it all started doesn't matter. As long as it's you for the rest of my life, that's enough.\" She offered him a brilliant, wide smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus pulled her into his arms, his hand stroking her hair with slow, rhythmic tenderness. *How can she be this good to me?*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After a few moments of quiet intimacy, Evangeline tilted her head up. \"Are you done with work? I want to go home early.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It's done. Let's go.\" He stood, grabbing his coat from the back of the chair and draping it over her shoulders. \"Keep it on. It’s cold outside.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mhm.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back at the Montgomery estate, they had barely crossed the threshold when Evangeline called out, \"Mom! I’m home!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn Montgomery hurried over to greet them. \"Oh, my sweet girl is back!\" She pulled her daughter into a warm embrace, then pulled back to study her, eyes brimming with pity. \"Look at you, you’ve gotten so thin!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mom, I’m doing it on purpose! I’m dieting!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn tapped her forehead, feigning annoyance. \"Nonsense. Do you think I don't know you? You definitely haven't been eating while you're busy.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Once the mother and daughter finished their reunion, Marcellus stepped forward. \"Mom.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh! Marcellus is here too. Come inside, don't stand in the doorway!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline settled onto the sofa with her mother, curling into her side like a child. \"Mom, I missed you so much~\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I missed you too. I wanted to come visit, but your father wouldn't let me. He said your company was at a critical stage and I shouldn't bother you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Well, I’m on break now. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll just stay home and keep you both company, okay?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn glanced at her son-in-law, checking his reaction. Seeing his calm, agreeable expression, she sighed in relief.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mom, wherever Evangeline is, that's where I’ll be. You don't have to worry about me.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline sat bolt upright, stunned. \"Wait? You're not going back home?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus didn't answer her, focusing instead on his mother-in-law. \"Mom, would it be alright if I stayed here for a few days?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Of course! Why wouldn't it be? The bed in Evangeline’s room is large enough for the both of you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mom!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline wanted to crawl into a hole. Her mother was saying things that were far too suggestive!\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Then, I’ll be bothering you for the next few days.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"We’re family. Don't speak such nonsense.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*My dearest mother, could you please wait until Dad gets home before making these decisions? You're letting him stay, but are you truly not afraid Dad will throw him out in the middle of the night?*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline blinked furiously at her mother, trying to transmit a silent plea, but her mother just looked back with a confused, innocent expression. \"Is your eye bothering you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Forget it. I'm exhausted.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Finally, before dinner, Edward Montgomery arrived. The smile he had just put on for his daughter stiffened the moment he saw the \"intruder.\" *Why is this flower thief here again?*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Dad~\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Hearing his daughter’s sweet voice, his annoyance evaporated.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I saw your company’s latest ad, Evangeline. It was well done. My daughter is truly impressive!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Of course. Like father, like daughter. I can't be out here embarrassing you, right?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Indeed! Your father has been walking around with his chin held high lately. I’m just so proud!\" As he spoke, his eyes darted toward the eyesore in the room.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus caught the look and offered a stiff, \"Dad.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mhm.\" His voice was neither cold nor warm.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">At that moment, the housekeeper, Nancy Green, arrived. \"Madam, dinner is ready.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Good. Let’s go, everyone to the dining room.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">At the table, the atmosphere was surprisingly warm and harmonious. For once, Marcellus managed to eat a full meal.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After dinner, Marilyn turned to the couple. \"You’ve finally got a break. You two should go upstairs and get some rest early.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What? He’s sleeping here too?\" Edward’s eyes widened to the size of brass bells, his voice hitting a high note of disbelief.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"They are a legally married couple, obviously they should stay together. If you don't want him here, then let our daughter go back with him!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I... that's not what I meant,\" Edward stammered.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline mentally cheered for her mother. *That’s it, Mom! Amazing!*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Go on upstairs, you two. Don't worry about him.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Okay.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline grabbed Marcellus’s hand and scurried upstairs, her heels clicking against the floor. \"Mom is just too brilliant. One sentence and Dad was silenced. I really thought you were going to get kicked out tonight.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She laughed, sliding her arms around his waist.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Indeed. I shall have to be very dutiful to my mother-in-law in the future.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They stood there, wrapped in each other's warmth. Marcellus caught the scent of her hair, leaning in to whisper against her ear, \"Do you remember what I told you last time I was in your room?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s face flushed a deep, vibrant crimson. \"Shut up!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">...\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The moon tonight was beautiful, but the woman bathed in its silver light was even more so.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272913296]