[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-282":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},282,68,"Chapter 68: \"If You Had a Tail, It Would Be a Propeller\"","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mr. Alexander, we’ve already prepared the finest, most docile horses for your party.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The club manager scurried over, his face plastered with an obsequious grin the moment the four of them stepped out of the car.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline Montgomery glanced at the man beside her, brows furrowed. \"When did you book this?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, no, no! No appointment necessary,\" the manager stammered, shaking his head frantically.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus Alexander chuckled, offering a simple explanation: \"Because this place belongs to us.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wow, your business empire really is everywhere, isn't it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Watching Remi Crawford’s eyes turn into literal heart emojis, Damian Spencer felt a surge of professional jealousy. \"Remi, my reach is broad too! Plus, my line of work serves the country and improves lives!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sure, you’re impressive too!\" Remi gave him an encouraging thumbs-up.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian beamed, tossing a smug chin-tilt toward Marcellus.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus shot him a look of pure disdain. \"Childish. If you had a tail, it would be wagging like a propeller right now.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Tsk! Such a sharp tongue—must be miserable living with that attitude, huh?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline and Remi caught each other’s eyes. They simultaneously slipped their arms out from their partners’ grips, linking arms to drift a few paces ahead, sinking into hushed tones.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Did you ever know Dr. Spencer was this... well...\" Remi gestured vaguely, her face twisted in a look of profound disbelief.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline followed her gaze, shaking her head. Back in the day, he’d played the role of the brooding, psychotic captor—a man so cold he’d chilled her to the bone. She couldn’t help but make a clicking sound of dissatisfaction with her tongue.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What are you two whispering about?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi laughed awkwardly. \"Nothing! Come on, let’s go. I’m dying to get on a horse.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After changing into their riding gear, the group followed the manager to the stables, where staff were already waiting with the horses. Remi sprinted toward the animals, her eyes scanning each one with excitement.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, look at this chestnut one! He’s so handsome. I want him!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"His coat is glossy, his posture is regal—he really is a stunner.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi took the reins from a groom and swung into the saddle with an effortless grace that made Damian turn pale.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, wait! Let's ride the same horse!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Not a chance!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi gave a light kick to the horse's flanks, and they took off, galloping with a wild, infectious energy.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline turned to the shell-shocked Damian. \"Don't worry, Dr. Spencer. Remi is an excellent rider.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She picked out a sleek black horse, mounted with practiced ease, and stroked its mane. \"Take care of me, little speedster.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus watched her, his gaze softening into pure adoration as he mounted his own horse to give chase.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The horses tore across the track, their riders leaning into the wind. The physical exertion stripped away their stress, leaving nothing behind but the sharp, exhilarating thrill of the ride.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Whoo-hoo!\" Remi whipped her reins, pushing for more speed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, slow down!\" Damian’s frantic cries were swallowed by the wind, completely ignored by the woman lost in the rush.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline kept her horse at a steady, rhythmic trot, with Marcellus hovering nearby, a constant, watchful presence.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After thirty minutes of high-speed riding, Remi’s mount finally slowed, its heavy breathing signaling it needed water and rest. Reluctantly, she handed the reins to a staff member.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, watching you ride nearly gave me a heart attack.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh please, was it me, or were you just bouncing around like a sack of potatoes?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian pulled out a tissue, gently dabbing the sweat from her forehead. Her eyes still sparkled with an unspent intensity, her cheeks flushed, breathing coming in ragged, heated gasps. The raw, athletic pheromones she radiated were enough to make Damian’s head spin. He grabbed her hand and led her to a secluded corner, possessively shielding her from the gaze of others.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Rest here.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"But I want to go over there for water.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You sit. I’ll go get it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi watched him jog away, muttering, \"What a weirdo.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back in the shade, Evangeline rested a hand on her hip, a faint frown creasing her brow.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What's wrong? Your back?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She gave a small nod. \"A bit sore from the bouncing. Just a dull ache.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Then we’re done.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It’s fine. I promised Remi we’d help her blow off some steam. We’ll go back once she’s had her fill.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus scrutinized her face closely until he was certain the discomfort was minor, only then letting out a relieved breath.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">There was a twelve-mile ring-track ahead that simulated an open-country trail, ending back where they started. The scenery was breathtaking.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi was already impatient, so they set off again, with two trainers tailing the group for safety. The path was lined with lush, towering trees, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and greenery. It wasn't a place for reckless galloping, but the leisurely trot through the blooming flora had its own refined charm.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I feel like a wanderer heading for the horizon,\" Remi mused.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"If that’s what you want, we can wander anywhere you like,\" Damian replied.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi tilted her chin. \"Someone’s already promised to take me.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Who?!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Me, obviously. Dr. Spencer and I have a dream: take our company, C&R Atelier, to the top, and then travel the world.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"And if you two are off traveling the world, what happens to me and Damian?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline offered a sheepish, awkward grin to the man beside her. \"Heh... I’ll come back to visit you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The moment those words left her lips, Marcellus’s expression darkened visibly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s internal alarm bells went off. \"I was joking! I’ll bring you with us, okay?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline Montgomery! Your future plans don't include me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Nonsense! That was just some spur-of-the-moment bragging. Nothing is set in stone. No matter where we go or what we do, you’re always my first priority.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Honestly, Marcellus, look at you—you’ve scared the poor woman to death.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus shot Damian a cold look, then leaned over and gave the back of Damian’s horse a sharp, sudden smack.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ah—! Marcellus, you dog! Are you trying to kill me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian’s shouting faded into the distance. Marcellus, trailing behind with Evangeline, wore a smug, cunning smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Ten minutes later, they found Damian’s horse tied to the roadside. Remi dismounted to find him.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They were near a small ridge overlooking a pond, where Damian was lounging on the grass, looking entirely too relaxed. Remi sat down beside him, bracing her arms behind her and leaning back to soak in the breeze.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"This is so peaceful.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">It was the true magic of nature—the way every shred of stress simply dissolved into the wind.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian pulled her into his arms. \"One day, I’ll find a place like this, nestled against the hills and water. We’ll build a home there. What do you think?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi looked at him, catching the raw, tender devotion in his eyes. Without a word, they leaned into each other, their lips meeting in a natural, seamless kiss.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline watched from a distance, covering her mouth to stifle a giggle. \"So sweet.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"We can be just as sweet.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus pulled her waist into his side, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yes, Marcellus. It’s good to know I have you for the rest of my life.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They shared a look, their fingers interlacing as they strolled down the path. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating the air, leaving not a single speck of dust in their path.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272913859]