[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-306":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},306,92,"Chapter 92: The Husband Who Demanded a Bedtime Story","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">It was nine o’clock at night. Evangeline Montgomery was tucked into bed with her little treasure, reading a bedtime story.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"...The rabbit, in its panic, lost its footing in the tree. It tumbled down, knocking out the three hunting dogs that were looking up, and managed to make a clean escape...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jemma Riley’s eyelids fluttered shut, lulled by her mother’s soft, gentle voice. Seeing her daughter so peaceful, Evangeline couldn't resist pressing a lingering kiss to her velvety-soft cheek.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She carefully eased her arm out from under the covers, but before she could even stand up, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. She hastily declined it, silenced the device, and crept out of the room only after confirming her daughter remained sound asleep.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back in the primary suite, she returned the video call.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">On the other end, Remi Crawford raised an eyebrow with a playful smirk. \"Evangeline, what were you up to just now? Was it...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You little pervert, what’s running through your mind all day? I was just putting Jemma to sleep.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi flipped her camera around to show her surroundings. \"Guess where I am?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The venue on the screen was a kaleidoscope of flashing neon lights and chaotic energy. On stage, \"beauties\" in extravagant gowns and elaborate feathered headdresses were strutting, showing off their curves.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Are you at a cabaret show in Thailand?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yeah, they’re stunning! It’s making me so restless,\" Remi grumbled, her face scrunching up as she bounced on her heels.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Restless?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It’s like being a eunuch in a brothel—I’ve got the energy, but nowhere to put it!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Pfft, ha-ha...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline had thought the background noise was just the crowd. She should have known; Remi’s brain was always on a different wavelength.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hey, look at Damian.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The camera panned over. Damian Spencer was trapped in the middle of a group of sultry performers. He stood with his hands behind his back, his expression as stoic and determined as a saint facing temptation.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ha! I never thought I’d see a six-foot-one hunk look so small and helpless.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi sounded genuinely annoyed. \"He’s a massive hit. He’s surrounded by three layers of them, and I can’t even squeeze in.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline lowered her voice, teasing her friend. \"You’d better keep a close eye on him. If he gets whisked away for the night, he might not be left with a single bone in his body.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh? Right, gotta go—gotta save my man!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The video call cut out instantly. Evangeline burst into laughter.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus Alexander walked in from the bathroom, rubbing his hair with a towel. \"Who’s got you laughing like that?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi. Sharing some fun gossip.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Those two and their 'honeymoon' tour—it’s been going on forever.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline chuckled, prodding his abs with the tip of her toe. \"Marcellus, why so sour?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Seeing him act all smug is grating.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Jealous?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus shook his head, a hint of melancholy in his eyes. \"A world tour was your dream, too. It’s my fault for upending your plans.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Everything has its time. A vacation can happen twenty years from now.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, stop being so mushy. I told you, it’s fine.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus chuckled, pulling her hand away from his lips. \"Is that disdain I hear?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yeah. You used to have such personality—the 'forced, domineering love' act. It had me completely bewitched...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline kept babbling, completely unaware of the dangerous glint darkening her husband’s eyes.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh? So that’s what you like? Well, then, your husband will just have to put in some extra effort tonight.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Sensing the shift in his tone, Evangeline tried to bolt, but Marcellus’s large hands clamped around her ankles. The veins on his forehead throbbed with suppressed intensity.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline went soft, slowly inching backward. \"I was just joking! Who doesn't like a gentle, sophisticated gentleman? Right?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus flashed a wicked grin. \"Wrong. I think the adoration in your eyes is so much more intense when you talk about my 'domineering' side.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wait! Wait!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline pressed her hands against his encroaching face. During the standoff, she felt a wet, ticklish sensation on her palm. A jolt of electricity surged through her, leaving her limbs weak. She jerked her hand back, giving him the perfect opening.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, the more you push back, the more excited I get. What are we going to do about that?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Just kill me now.\" She held her head high, feigning a posture of unyielding defiance.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A low, resonant laugh spilled from the man’s throat. He used one hand to grasp her delicate, swan-like neck.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"In that case, I won't hold back.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Like a predator hunting, he delighted in teasing his prey before the final descent, purely to savor the erosion of her composure.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The next morning, Jemma Riley trotted over in her bare feet, drumming on the master bedroom door. \"Mommy! Open up!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus opened the door and scooped the little one up. \"Hey, treasure. You’re up early.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jemma put her hands on her hips, her face twisted into a fierce pout. \"Daddy, you’re hogging Mommy again!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Haha, well, Daddy wants bedtime stories too. Can’t you share a little?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hmph!\" Jemma turned away in a huff. \"You’re shameless, Daddy. You’re a grown man and you still need Mommy to cuddle you to sleep.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Well. The kid was growing up; she wasn't so easy to fool anymore.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline pulled her daughter into the bed, her eyes still closed. \"Good girl, come nap with Mommy a bit longer.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"But... won't I be late for school?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline groaned, shifting under the covers. \"So sleepy...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus smiled, stroking Jemma’s cheek. \"Sweetheart, I’ll take you to school. Mommy’s tired.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Okay~\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No, I’ll do it. I promised her, and I can't break a promise.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She forced herself up, fighting the lingering exhaustion. She wasn't entirely sure how she managed to get ready, but she successfully dropped Jemma off at school. As she turned to get back into her car, a female voice stopped her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline? Is Jemma going to school here, too?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mrs. Harrison?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing Evangeline’s dazed, unfocused gaze, Angela Harrison feigned annoyance. \"It’s been a while, but have you forgotten me already?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline looped her arm through Angela’s and pouted playfully. \"How could I? I was just a bit dizzy and didn't see clearly.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing her tired face, Angela patted her hand with genuine concern. \"Is caring for the child tiring? You should let the help take over more; don't wear yourself out.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Well... a beautiful misunderstanding,* Evangeline thought. She gave an awkward laugh. \"Hehe... I’ll keep that in mind.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Go home and get some sleep. Your eyes look like they’re struggling to stay open.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I will. See you later, Mrs. Harrison.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Angela watched her walk away, lost in thought for a long time. Why did everything and everyone else change, while her own son remained anchored in the past, unable to let go? Everyone praised him as a gentleman of unparalleled character, but as a mother, she only ever wanted him to be happy.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ma'am, shall we head home?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"To the office.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yes.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Outside the window, traffic flowed like water—like the passage of time. Everyone had their own destination in life. But if you’ve taken a wrong turn, how do you find your way back to the right path?\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">In the president’s office at Harrison Enterprises, Jonah Harrison was hunched over his work. He looked thin, his expression one of total detachment. Even though he sat perfectly still, it felt as if he could vanish into thin air at any moment.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Jonah.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He looked up, his cold, isolated eyes devoid of life. \"Mom, why are you here?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I saw Evangeline at the kindergarten just now. She was dropping off Jemma.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mm.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">His gaze didn't waver, his tone didn't change. That detached expression really made it seem like he had finally let go. But how could a mother not understand her own son? That once-sunny, gentle boy was now like an iceberg—remote and untouchable.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Angela’s throat tightened. \"It’s been five years, Jonah. How much longer are you going to torture yourself?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Has it been five years?\" Jonah stared blankly into the distance.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline is happy. No one cares that you're like this—it only hurts me! Jonah!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You should go.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jonah returned to his files. He was genuinely trying to be a capable heir. He had tried his best to make sure his choices didn't seem so ridiculous.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He was as immovable as ever. Angela was used to it; she turned away and squeezed her eyes shut to steady her emotions.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mom. Keep an eye on Owen Harrison.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Angela didn't understand this sudden, nonsensical instruction and looked at him in confusion.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"That woman is coming out soon.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Right. Five years. That woman was due to be released from prison.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Angela’s voice turned firm. \"Don't worry. I will.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After his mother left, Jonah leaned back in his chair, gripping his pen so hard his knuckles turned white.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">An assistant knocked and entered. \"Sir, you called for me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Assign someone to protect Owen Harrison around the clock. Report anything suspicious immediately.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yes.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wait.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jonah stopped the assistant who was turning to leave, then added, \"And have someone follow Miss Montgomery, too. Do it discreetly.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Understood.\"\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272914845]