[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-308":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},308,94,"Chapter 94: The Sour Wine Secret","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline teased her with a playful glint in her eyes. \"Remi, didn’t the head office tell you that you're supposed to be pulling overtime today?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ugh, please! I just got back. How could you expect me to dive straight into the grind? Come on, Evangeline, let me start tomorrow. Pretty please?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi clung to Evangeline’s arm, acting like a spoiled brat—shaking her, cooing, and wheedling until she was breathless. She had completely forgotten that there was a massive, walking pressure cooker of jealousy standing right next to them.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ms. Crawford!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The sharp, sudden command made her jump, snapping her spine straight in an instant.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You bastard, you scared my wife!\" Damian Spencer surged forward, pulling the startled woman into his arms and glaring daggers at his friend.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Meanwhile, Marcellus was already busy with a tissue, meticulously wiping a speck of nothing off Evangeline’s cheek.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Pfft. Stop wiping. I’ve already kissed every inch of her face while you were gone,\" Remi said, licking her lips with a mischievous grin intended to set him off. \"Mmm, Evangeline tastes like sugar.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus’s face darkened with the speed of an approaching storm.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mommy is definitely sweet,\" little Aurora chirped, landing a perfectly timed blow to her father's pride.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The atmosphere in the office turned frigid. Evangeline rubbed her temples in defeat. Who was the sadistic author who wrote the script where the best friend and the husband are sworn enemies? Being trapped in the middle was absolute torture. She had to play peacemaker every single time.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*They’re at it again,* she thought. *Honestly, just let the world burn.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Let’s go. I’m hungry,\" Evangeline said, taking Remi’s arm and leading the way out of the office.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian raised an eyebrow. \"Looks like those two are a match made in heaven.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Aren't you going to do something about it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Nah. I’m not as petty as you are,\" Damian replied with a shrug, sauntering after them.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus was left standing there in the middle of the office, holding Aurora and looking thoroughly frazzled.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Daddy, come on! I want to go to Mommy,\" Aurora urged.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"…Fine.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">When they arrived at Crestview Villa, Evangeline’s eyes lit up. She looked around in genuine awe. \"Remi, this place is entirely designed around your taste, isn't it? It’s absolutely stunning!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Auntie’s house is so pretty! Can I stay here tonight, Mommy?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">With the woman and the child both gushing over the house, Marcellus felt a sharp pang of envy.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, if you like this style, we can build another one,\" he muttered.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, Aurora, if you like it here, just stay! My home is your home,\" Remi chimed in.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Absolutely not,\" Marcellus snapped, his voice cold.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Their eyes met—sharp as blades, ready for a duel.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, let's go prep the food. We’re doing a sunset barbecue tonight. Let’s have a proper drink,\" Damian said, shooting a wink at Remi.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ha! See? Damian is so much more relaxed. Your guy is just too controlling!\" Evangeline agreed with Remi in her head, though she dared not say it aloud. If she provoked Marcellus while he was already in a mood, he would be impossible to handle later.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She pretended to sigh with resignation. \"Oh, I’ve just spoiled him too much.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hmph! Well, that’s your fault for coddling him!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The two women curled up on the sofa, laughing and chatting, while the two men tended the grill. Little Aurora sat on the rug, playing quietly with her toys. For the first time in a while, Remi felt like she was truly home. The glitz and glam of the outside world had lost its luster; only here, on her own turf, could she finally find peace of mind.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Aurora, honey, want to see what I brought you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Aurora scurried over and dove into Remi’s arms, looking up with wide, expectant eyes. Remi dragged a massive 33-inch suitcase from behind the sofa.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ready for the big reveal? Are you ready?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Aurora is ready!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Click-clack.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The suitcase popped open, revealing 56 intricately crafted international costume dolls lined up in perfect rows. Aurora gasped, her small hands reaching out to gently touch the delicate porcelain features.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wow… they’re so pretty.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi ruffled the little girl’s hair. \"I’m glad you like them, sweetie.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Thank you, Auntie! Mwah!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Aurora planted a soft, sugary kiss on her cheek. Remi wiggled with happiness. \"Oh, Evangeline! You have to give me a mini-me like Aurora. I’m obsessed!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"In your dreams,\" a deep voice cut in.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi looked up to see Marcellus looming over them, his hand possessively draped around Evangeline’s waist as if to mark his territory.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Pfft,\" Remi scoffed, stomping off to find Damian. \"Damian!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What’s with the pout? Your lips are sticking out a mile.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"How are you even friends with Marcellus? He’s seriously unhinged!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian chuckled, pulling her into his arms. \"Do you know where I met him? It was in a psychiatric ward. Evangeline isn't just his wife—she's his lifeline.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi blinked, stunned. *Oh.* So he really was a bit... unstable. Maybe she should go easy on him next time.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh. Right. Well, fine, I won’t provoke him anymore.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*So he’s not just a cold-blooded corporate shark; he’s just a broken soul.* She decided to be the bigger person and let it go. It was essentially charity work at this point.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The barbecue was ready. The smell of searing meat drifted over, and Aurora couldn't resist. She drooled slightly, staring at the glistening skewers. \"That smells so good!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi picked up a skewer that had cooled down and handed it to her. \"Here you go, the first bite for our little princess.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Aurora took a cautious bite, nodding happily. \"Yummy, yummy!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"If it’s good, you can have a few more later.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Okay!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They gathered around the table. Remi looked at her wine glass with excitement. \"Come on, come on! I’ve been craving a glass of this all day.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She took a sip, her face twisting instantly. She smacked her lips, trying to process the flavor, but her brow furrowed. \"Why does this wine taste so sour?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Does it?\" Evangeline took a sip of her own. \"I don’t think so. It tastes fine.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi tried again, but this time, the revulsion was too much. She spit it out onto the grass. \"I can't. It’s gross.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Try mine, then.\" Damian held out his glass, but before he could even get it close, Remi covered her mouth, her face turning pale.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ugh, the smell—it's awful. Maybe it’s just jet lag or my stomach acting up from the flight. Whatever, I’ll just stick to the meat.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Suit yourself.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline, busy putting Aurora to bed, didn't drink either. The three of them hung out for a while longer, chatting away. Before long, Aurora was rubbing her sleepy eyes, burying her face in her mother’s chest.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Aurora is sleepy.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Alright, let's go to bed.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I'm coming too,\" Remi added.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They said goodnight to the men still nursing their drinks and headed inside. Following their nightly ritual, Evangeline tucked Aurora in, her voice low and soothing as she told a bedtime story. Remi propped her chin on her hand, watching the scene with a mix of envy and warmth.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Once the little one was sound asleep, the two women tiptoed out to the balcony. The quiet of the night brought a rare sense of calm. Evangeline took a deep, steadying breath of the night air.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"The design here is perfect. It’s so relaxing.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">If Elysian Estate was a cold, lonely fortress, Crestview Villa felt like a sanctuary.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Then move in! We can be together every single day.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline laughed. \"Haha, I can't do that. I don't want to spend my life jumping back and forth between you and Marcellus.\"\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272915111]