"How do sparks fly when a high-end luxury jewelry brand crosses over with a rising streetwear label?"

After a month of strategic integration, this fashion headline had dominated the social media feeds, capturing everyone’s attention. The launch event had been a spectacle, blending the two product lines through a high-octane runway show. Luna Hughes, the brand ambassador, stood front and center, her elegance cementing a sophisticated new image for the partnership. Fans flooded Twitter/X with praise, and the resulting industry buzz—and subsequent profit margins—sent the company’s valuation into the stratosphere.

"Evangeline, I feel like I'm dreaming. This past year has moved so fast, I haven't even had a second to process it. One day I was struggling, and the next, I’m a multi-millionaire CEO."

Remi Crawford leaned lazily against Evangeline’s shoulder, her gaze unfocused. The breakneck speed of their success had been exhausting; her mind and body were struggling to keep up.

Evangeline smiled softly, tucking a stray lock of hair behind Remi’s ear. "Sounds like our Remi is finally burned out."

That was all it took. The dam broke, and Remi let out a shaky sob. "This year has been nothing but pure tension. I swear, I traded my soul for this net worth, *sob*..."

"How about we take a break? I’ll take you somewhere to unwind."

Remi suddenly sat up, the tears still glimmering in her eyes, though they were now bright with excitement. "But... what about the team back at the office? Is it okay to just walk away?"

"We’ll let them rotate shifts when we get back. I might be a bit of a novice at running the ship, but I can hold the fort for two or three days easily."

"Yes!"

Remi spun around in a circle, her laughter infectious. Evangeline couldn't help but feel a surge of genuine excitement herself.

"I want to go horseback riding! I want to feel the wind, the adrenaline, the pure freedom!"

"Deal. I’ll go wherever you want."

Remi hugged her tightly. "Evangeline, you are the absolute best."

"And you are the champion of pouting and playing cute," Evangeline teased.

After a few minutes of affectionate banter, they sent a quick message to Noah Mitchell to handle the schedule for the next two days. With that settled, they clocked out early, determined to get a good night’s sleep and enjoy their hard-earned freedom.

As Evangeline stepped out of the office, she looked up at the sky. A sudden idea struck her. She’d been so buried in work for the last few months that she’d essentially been coming home to Elysian Estate just to collapse into bed. She’d been neglecting her man. It was still early—why not surprise Marcellus at Alexander Corp?

Her heart skipped a beat at the thought, and the corners of her mouth tugged upward. She couldn't wait to see him.

When she arrived at Alexander Corp, the receptionist greeted her with a bright, professional smile. "Good evening, Mrs. Alexander!"

"Good evening," Evangeline replied with a warm smile of her own.

She headed straight to his office, but found him in a meeting. Deciding to wait, she sat in his leather executive chair and peered out the window at the city skyline. She didn't intend to fall asleep, but fatigue took over, and before she knew it, she drifted off.

When Marcellus returned, he froze the moment he saw her. His expression softened instantly, a smile playing on his lips as he walked toward her. Her face looked a little thin, and the dark circles under her eyes were a silent testament to how hard she’d been pushing herself.

He couldn't bring himself to wake her. He was about to retreat to the sofa to finish his paperwork when his hand was suddenly caught.

"Marcellus?"

"Did I wake you?"

Evangeline reached out with both arms, and he scooped her up effortlessly, settling back into the chair with her cradled in his lap.

"I’m already well-rested," she murmured.

Marcellus stroked her cheek, his eyes filled with tenderness. "You've got bags under your eyes, sweetheart."

"It's fine. I’m taking the next two days off."

"Staying home with me?"

"Taking Remi horseback riding. She’s been under too much pressure; she needs to blow off some steam before she breaks." Evangeline looked at him apologetically.

"And you’re not worried about me breaking, then?"

Though they slept in the same bed every night, she had been so exhausted lately that he hadn't wanted to disturb her. God knew how hard he’d been holding back.

Seeing that resentful, pouty look on her usually composed husband was almost too much to bear. Evangeline stared into his eyes, a mischievous, knowing smile playing on her lips.

"Marcellus, I’ve missed you so much."

As she spoke, she reached out and flicked open the top button of his shirt, her hand sliding inside. It was a clear, bold provocation—the kind that no red-blooded man could ignore. Marcellus certainly didn't.

His breathing hitched, and his muscles tightened instantly.

"Does it feel good?" he rasped, his voice dropping to a low, seductive growl against her ear. His hot breath sent shivers down her spine.

"It feels amazing."

"Then... I’ll let you have your fill."

Marcellus pressed a quick, firm kiss to her lips and flashed a wicked grin. They retreated to the private lounge, where the outside world ceased to exist.

By the time the sky had turned ink-black outside, Evangeline’s hair was damp with sweat, clinging to her forehead. She was too tired to even lift her eyelids, but she felt a profound sense of release and relaxation. She drifted off into a deep, contented sleep. Marcellus watched her for a long time, satisfied. The flush on her cheeks had yet to fade, and her tangled hair was a beautiful testament to the chaos they’d just shared. He savored the memory before finally heading to the shower.

Evangeline didn't wake up until the next morning. She let out a long, languid stretch. The bed was empty, but she felt refreshed. After a quick shower, she walked out to find Marcellus already hard at work at his desk.

"Marcellus, if you're not too busy, come with us? We’re bringing Damian Spencer along."

"He already called me first thing this morning. Ugh, that man is such a tag-along!"

Evangeline laughed. "Are you not going to tag along, then?"

"...I’m going!"

"Haha..."

"Are you laughing at me? Are you itching for a little discipline again?"

Evangeline immediately sobered up. "No more jokes."

"Good. Have a seat and wait for me. I’ll be done in a minute."

"Mm-hmm."

Evangeline sat on the sofa, watching him work. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly; there was something undeniably magnetic about a man so focused on his craft. The way his pen moved across the paper was effortless, and the sight sent her heart into overdrive. Before she realized it, she was staring at him with undisguised adoration.

When Marcellus finished his task, he looked up and caught her expression.

"Sweetheart, you might want to wipe that drool off."

Evangeline blinked, her mind rushing back to reality. She actually reached up to wipe her mouth, completely falling for the joke.

Marcellus’s chest shook as he let out a low, melodic laugh. Evangeline’s face turned bright red.

"You're so handsome, it's not my fault I’m drooling in broad daylight!"

"Evangeline! Shut up!"

"Fine, fine. I’ll be quiet. I’d hate for you to actually melt from the heat."

Marcellus laughed softly, walking over to squeeze her cheek. "Let's go."

Remi and Damian were already waiting in the car. The four of them met up and set off for the equestrian club.