Watching them leave, Evangeline leaned into Marcellus’s space, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Marcellus, you’re a completely different man these days."

If this had happened in the past, the mere mention of her giving a gift to another man would have sent him into a jealous, brooding rage.

Marcellus tilted his head, genuinely curious. "Different how?"

"Before, you were a paranoid, short-tempered little demon king." Evangeline paused, cupping his face in her hands and kneading his cheeks. "Now? You’re the very picture of a polished, gentle gentleman."

"Only the insecure are terrified," he replied, his eyes crinkling with warmth as he leaned down to press his forehead against hers. He pulled her flush against his chest, his voice dropping to a low, satisfied murmur. "You’ve given me enough love that my heart is finally at peace."

The next morning, the sun was already high when Evangeline finally stretched, shaking off the lingering haze of sleep. She blinked, her brain struggling to come online. Ten minutes of staring at the ceiling later, she finally grabbed her phone from the nightstand.

"Ten o’clock already? Why have I been sleeping like the dead lately?" she muttered to herself. Her stomach gave a sharp, demanding growl, and she laughed, patting her flat stomach. "Oh, eating and sleeping like a piglet, aren't we?"

Helen, the housekeeper, stood up the moment she heard footsteps on the stairs. "Are you hungry, Mrs. Alexander?"

"Starving. I want spicy wonton soup."

"Coming right up. I’ll have it ready in a flash."

Evangeline sat at the table, eyes fixed on the kitchen door. The hunger wasn't even the worst part—it was the craving. Her mouth was watering so hard she could practically taste the vinegar and chili oil.

Helen was fast. Within minutes, a steaming bowl of seafood wontons hit the table.

"Helen, bring the chili sauce."

"Right away."

Evangeline took the jar and ladled two massive, generous scoops into the broth. The sharp, pungent scent of oil and crushed peppers hit her nose, and she swallowed hard. She didn't bother waiting for it to cool; she popped a piping-hot wonton into her mouth and groaned at the sheer, fiery bliss.

"Heavenly."

She had always loved bold, spicy food, but lately, the cravings were bordering on manic. She needed that sharp, stinging heat to feel alive.

Helen watched her, visibly wincing at the sight of the broth, which was now stained a deep, dangerous red. "Mrs. Alexander, eating something that spicy on an empty stomach? Is your stomach going to handle that?"

Evangeline didn't even slow down, shaking her head. "I had to have it. I couldn't stop thinking about it!"

"Well, you know what they say: sugar for a boy, spice for a girl. Looks like a little princess is on the way!"

Evangeline’s eyes sparkled. "You really think so?"

"That’s what the old folks say. If you're that curious, you could always have the doctor check the gender in a few months."

"Nah," Evangeline said with a grin. "I’ll keep the surprise. It’s like a little mystery gift waiting for the birthday."

By the time she finished the bowl, she was leaning back in her chair, patting her belly with deep, unadulterated satisfaction. Just then, her phone buzzed. Helen answered and passed it over. "Mrs. Alexander, the Young Master says everything is handled."

"Perfect. I’m heading to the office."

Upstairs, she changed into a crisp, white summer dress, pinning up her soft waves into an effortless, high ponytail. She studied herself in the mirror, poking at her face. The glow was undeniable. Compared to the gaunt, exhausted woman she had been in her previous life, she looked vibrant, healthy, and entirely untouchable.

She grabbed the lunch box Helen had packed and headed for the Alexander Corp headquarters.

As she stepped into the lobby, the receptionist beamed at her. "Good morning, Mrs. Alexander!"

"Good morning," Evangeline replied with a genuine smile. As she walked past, she could hear the hushed, excited whispers trailing in her wake.

"She looks incredible, doesn't she? No wonder she’s the only one who could melt the Ice King."

"Right? She looks… softer? More radiant. Is that what true love does to you?"

"Shh, keep your voice down!"

Evangeline entered Marcellus’s office still wearing that small, triumphant smile.

"What’s got you looking so pleased?" Marcellus asked, not looking up from his files.

"The receptionist told me I was pretty." She lifted her chin, looking smug.

Marcellus finally looked up, his gaze sweeping over her with possessive intent. He nodded slowly. "Indeed. Your skin is flawless, and your figure… hmm… has become significantly more… curvaceous."

Evangeline crossed her arms, blocking his gaze from roaming lower. "Marcellus! Are you being a creep right now?"

"Is it creeping if it’s my own wife?" He stood, pulling her into his lap, his hand coming to rest firmly over her stomach. "Feeding the troops before the march?"

Evangeline glanced down at her own chest, a hot blush crawling up her neck. "Shut up!"

"Fine, fine. I’m quiet." He was, but the rumble of laughter in his chest made her want to kick him. She swung a playful fist at his shoulder.

"Trying to kill your husband, Mrs. Alexander?"

"Who told you to tease me?"

"I’m not teasing. I’m just… deeply appreciative of the view."

"Ugh, you’re impossible. I’m not talking to you anymore." She snatched up the contract on the desk and marched out, leaving him to laugh at her retreating back.

She arrived at QX right at lunch break. She and Remi had arranged to meet at Noah Mitchell's office.

"Come in," Noah called out at their knock.

"Senior, I’m here!"

Noah glanced up, having not seen her in over a month. "You look well. That rest really did you good."

"I’m trying. You need to take care of yourself, too."

They exchanged a few pleasantries before Evangeline slid a folder across the desk. "Senior, this is a gift from Remi and me."

Noah opened it, eyebrows shooting up. "A car? For me?"

"Do you like it?"

"It’s far too expensive."

Remi jumped in before he could protest further. "Oh, stop it. The company relies on you. It’s just a token of our appreciation. Don't be so stuffy."

"We’re partners, senior. There's no need to stand on ceremony," Evangeline added.

Noah weighed his options for a second. Pushing back now would just make him look small-minded. He grabbed his pen and signed the transfer papers with a flourish.

Remi and Evangeline shared a look. The gift was officially delivered.

Later that afternoon, once everyone was back at their desks, Evangeline called a quick meeting for her department.

"I’ll be in and out sporadically from here on," she told the room. "I expect you all to hold yourselves to the same standard. Don't get lazy just because I’m not breathing down your necks."

"Understood!"

"Mrs. Alexander, what are you going to be busy with?" one of the younger associates asked.

Evangeline placed a hand over her stomach, a soft, maternal smile spreading across her face. "Busy with the baby."

The office erupted into a chorus of surprised cheers.

"Oh my god! Is that why you look so glowy lately? Congratulations!"

"We’ll work extra hard, don't you worry about a thing!"

Evangeline laughed, feeling the warmth of the room. "I appreciate that. And because I’m so happy, everyone gets a double bonus this year!"

The office turned into a scene of pure, unadulterated chaos as the staff cheered, their ambition and energy crackling in the air.