[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-290":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},290,76,"Chapter 76: Two Scoops of Chili","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Watching them leave, Evangeline leaned into Marcellus’s space, a playful glint in her eyes.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, you’re a completely different man these days.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus tilted his head, genuinely curious. \"Different how?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen, the housekeeper, stood up the moment she heard footsteps on the stairs. \"Are you hungry, Mrs. Alexander?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Starving. I want spicy wonton soup.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Coming right up. I’ll have it ready in a flash.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Helen was fast. Within minutes, a steaming bowl of seafood wontons hit the table.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Helen, bring the chili sauce.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Right away.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Heavenly.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She had always loved bold, spicy food, but lately, the cravings were bordering on manic. She needed that sharp, stinging heat to feel alive.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline didn't even slow down, shaking her head. \"I had to have it. I couldn't stop thinking about it!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Well, you know what they say: sugar for a boy, spice for a girl. Looks like a little princess is on the way!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s eyes sparkled. \"You really think so?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Nah,\" Evangeline said with a grin. \"I’ll keep the surprise. It’s like a little mystery gift waiting for the birthday.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Perfect. I’m heading to the office.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She grabbed the lunch box Helen had packed and headed for the Alexander Corp headquarters.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As she stepped into the lobby, the receptionist beamed at her. \"Good morning, Mrs. Alexander!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Good morning,\" Evangeline replied with a genuine smile. As she walked past, she could hear the hushed, excited whispers trailing in her wake.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"She looks incredible, doesn't she? No wonder she’s the only one who could melt the Ice King.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Right? She looks… softer? More radiant. Is that what true love does to you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Shh, keep your voice down!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline entered Marcellus’s office still wearing that small, triumphant smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What’s got you looking so pleased?\" Marcellus asked, not looking up from his files.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"The receptionist told me I was pretty.\" She lifted her chin, looking smug.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline crossed her arms, blocking his gaze from roaming lower. \"Marcellus! Are you being a creep right now?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline glanced down at her own chest, a hot blush crawling up her neck. \"Shut up!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Trying to kill your husband, Mrs. Alexander?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Who told you to tease me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m not teasing. I’m just… deeply appreciative of the view.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She arrived at QX right at lunch break. She and Remi had arranged to meet at Noah Mitchell's office.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Come in,\" Noah called out at their knock.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Senior, I’m here!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Noah glanced up, having not seen her in over a month. \"You look well. That rest really did you good.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m trying. You need to take care of yourself, too.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They exchanged a few pleasantries before Evangeline slid a folder across the desk. \"Senior, this is a gift from Remi and me.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Noah opened it, eyebrows shooting up. \"A car? For me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Do you like it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It’s far too expensive.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"We’re partners, senior. There's no need to stand on ceremony,\" Evangeline added.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi and Evangeline shared a look. The gift was officially delivered.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Later that afternoon, once everyone was back at their desks, Evangeline called a quick meeting for her department.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Understood!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mrs. Alexander, what are you going to be busy with?\" one of the younger associates asked.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline placed a hand over her stomach, a soft, maternal smile spreading across her face. \"Busy with the baby.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The office erupted into a chorus of surprised cheers.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh my god! Is that why you look so glowy lately? Congratulations!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"We’ll work extra hard, don't you worry about a thing!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline laughed, feeling the warmth of the room. \"I appreciate that. And because I’m so happy, everyone gets a double bonus this year!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The office turned into a scene of pure, unadulterated chaos as the staff cheered, their ambition and energy crackling in the air.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272914251]