[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-310":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},310,96,"Chapter 96: \"It's A Boy, Auntie.\"","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back at the office, Remi clung to Evangeline’s arm with a cheeky grin. \"I’m off the hook for overtime tonight, right?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sure, but knowing the head designer’s work ethic, he’ll probably have you working until the end of time the moment you get back from maternity leave.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wait, seriously? He wouldn't.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline pursed her lips to hide a laugh. \"You want to bet on that?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">You can delay the inevitable, but you can’t outrun it. Remi gritted her teeth. \"Whatever. At least it isn't happening right now!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Even during her trip, Remi hadn't stopped sketching, so jumping back into the workflow wasn't too jarring. Her mind remained razor-sharp, her pen scratching rhythmically against the paper. The assistant at the desk next to her watched, mesmerized.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wow, Remi, your hands are moving so fast they're blurring.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi glanced up, batting her eyelashes with a playful, wicked glint in her eyes. \"Careful, darling. Don't fall for me—it never ends well.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The young girl’s face flushed apple-red, and she immediately looked down, shyly twisting the hem of her sweater.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi: *Note to self: tone down the flirting, you're going to give the kid a heart attack.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She looked away, pretending she hadn't noticed, and buried herself back in her designs.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">At five o'clock, Evangeline came to collect her. \"Remi, I'm heading to pick up Jemma, then grabbing a bite. Want to join?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi didn't even look up as she grabbed her bag and headed for the door. \"Count me in. I’m starving.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You’re acting like a fugitive,\" Evangeline teased. \"What’s wrong? Is someone haunting you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Once they were clear of the department, Remi finally exhaled. \"Man, I accidentally charmed the pants off that girl back there.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"And you panicked?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi chuckled, looking sheepish. \"I’m a flirt, sure, but I’m strictly into men. God, the things I get myself into.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline smirked. \"You seem disappointed.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi reached out, hooking a finger under Evangeline’s chin with a suggestive wink. \"Oh, absolutely. If I were into women, I’d have married you ages ago.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Careful, don't play with fire. What if you actually turned me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Then I’d be living the dream, wouldn't I?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline pressed further. \"And between me and Damian, who would be the 'husband' in that scenario?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wait, Evangeline, are you actually playing along with this?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Scared?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi puffed out her chest. \"Scared? Please!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s gaze turned sultry as she traced the line of Remi’s jaw. \"Then why is your voice shaking? Hmm? You little flirt.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ugh, fine, you win! I’ll behave next time, I swear!\" Remi grimaced, rubbing her arms as goosebumps erupted across her skin.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Haha...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A few paces away, Waylen Shaw’s expression looked like he’d just bitten into something rancid. His face was twisted into a knot of disbelief.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Waylen thought: *Report to the boss: The Lady is flirting with another woman again. Yes, it’s definitely happening. Please send backup.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After picking up Jemma, the trio headed to a nearby dessert shop. The place was elegant and quiet, known for its dainty, exquisite confections—a favorite spot for Evangeline and Jemma to share quality time.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jemma used her tiny spoon to scoop up a piece of strawberry mousse and held it out to Remi. \"Auntie, this strawberry mousse is delicious.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi tasted the cream from the spoon and sighed in delight. \"Wow, you’re right. Thanks, Jemma.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"How can you be this sweet, Jemma? You’re melting my heart.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I like you, Auntie. You’re pretty.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi grabbed Evangeline’s hand and shook it excitedly. \"Evangeline, tell me, what’s the secret formula for Jemma? How can a kid be this adorable?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline smiled warmly at her daughter. \"Probably a hundred percent love and a hundred percent patience.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"That’s amazing. I really want a daughter now.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Auntie has a little brother in her tummy,\" Jemma chimed in, her head dipped low as she focused on her dessert. It sounded like a casual observation, but a chill went down Remi’s spine.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, how did Jemma know I was pregnant?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline was equally stunned. \"I have no idea. That’s… actually pretty eerie.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"My god, are you telling me that when science ends, the supernatural begins?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hey, don't say that, it’s giving me goosebumps. She’s probably just trying to make you happy.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ms. Montgomery?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline looked up to see a familiar face. \"Raven?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, is that a relative of yours?\" Remi whispered. \"She looks so much like you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Raven offered a sad, thin smile. \"No, I'm not.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline gestured to the empty seat beside Remi. \"Are you alone? Why don't you join us?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No, thank you. I… I’m here for a blind date.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Raven lowered her gaze, her eyes losing their luster as she gripped her bag strap tightly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You are?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’ve tried. It’s been three years. I think I’ve done enough for my own heart.\" She tried to force a smile, but it was painfully bitter.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Raven, you…\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline swallowed the words of comfort she had prepared. Everyone knows the rational advice, but feelings are rarely rational. There was nothing more to say; Raven had to process this in her own time.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Go on, then,\" Evangeline said softly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Right.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi watched the girl walk toward a corner table and sit down. She leaned in, whispering, \"Who is she?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline was staring blankly at her coffee, absentmindedly stirring it, and didn't hear her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline!\" Remi’s voice spiked, snapping her back to reality.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh? What is it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Why are you zoning out? I asked who that girl was.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s mood dimmed. \"She’s Benedict Alexander’s secretary. She’s been in love with him for three years. I guess she’s finally giving up.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"And why does that have you looking so miserable?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I just wanted Benedict to have a happy ending.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi took a sip of coffee, unimpressed. \"The story isn't over until the final page, Evangeline. You’re getting sentimental way too early.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s eyes flickered. \"You’re right. Who knows what the next chapter holds? You’ve always been the perceptive one, Remi.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As she spoke, she noticed a man walking toward the entrance and signaled for Remi to look behind her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He was fair-skinned and slim, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a crisp, tailored suit. He walked with a steady, composed gait toward Raven’s table.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline muttered under her breath, \"He’s handsome, but he’s still miles behind Benedict.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Is Benedict that handsome?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mhm, very! He looks about thirty or forty percent like Marcellus.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Pfft!* Remi sprayed a mouthful of coffee, frantically grabbing napkins to wipe the table. \"Haha… seriously, Evangeline, who are you even complimenting right now?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hehe, both of them!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The blind date ended quickly. Judging by the man’s stiff expression, it hadn't gone well.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Raven walked past, nodding at their table. \"Ms. Montgomery, I’ll be going now.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Of course. Take care.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi replayed the girl’s features in her mind. \"Damn, she really does look like you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Auntie, my mommy has beautiful little dimples,\" Jemma piped up.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, you're right! Jemma, you’re such a sharp observer.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jemma tilted her head, thinking for a moment. \"And the beauty mark Daddy likes.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Hearing that, Remi leaned in to observe Evangeline’s face closely. The slightly upturned outer corners of her eyes matched with that iconic teardrop mole were incredibly alluring, yet the soft, graceful curve of her jaw and those dimples kept her looking innocent. The combination hit Remi with one word: *Siren.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The girl, Raven, had almond eyes and a gentle temperament; she shared the same face shape and features, but the overall vibe was entirely different.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, have you only just met me?\" Evangeline asked, crossing her arms with a cold, mocking grin.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi licked her lips, looking at her friend. \"The more I look, the more beautiful you get. I can't look away.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi! You’re doing it again, aren't you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oops! Sorry, sorry! Force of habit, you know! Haha...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Evangeline thought: Even with that innocent face, she still knows how to pull off that slick, oily charm. Honestly, it’s weirdly captivating.*\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272915326]