While Evangeline was immersed in business discussions, a sudden wave of hunger washed over her. Her gaze landed on the table adorned with an array of decadent desserts prepared for the party. Feeling the irresistible pull of her cravings, she gracefully excused herself from the conversation.Jeremy observed as Evangeline gracefully made her way to the dessert table, her movements fluid and elegant amidst the bustling crowd of business tycoons. As he sensed her need for a moment alone, he decided to discreetly follow her, ensuring she had the support she needed."Eva, need a hand with those?" Jeremy offered as he approached, a warm smile playing on his lips.Evangeline glanced up, her expression softening at the sight of her brother. "Thanks, Jer," she replied gratefully, gesturing towards the array of delectable treats spread out before them. "I couldn't resist indulging in a little dessert."Jeremy's eyes widened in realization. "Ah, the cravings strike again," he remarked with a kno
Evangeline dabbed her mouth with the handkerchief Zach had given her, silently grateful for the distraction it provided from Klein's probing question. Just in time, Jeremy burst into the restroom, holding a bottle of water, his concerned gaze sweeping over the trio."Here's your water," Jeremy announced, handing the bottle to Evangeline."Thanks, Jerry," she replied softly, twisting off the cap and taking a sip."Feeling better?" Jeremy inquired, his worry evident in his voice, as Evangeline nodded and made her way out of the restroom.Klein couldn't shake the feeling that Evangeline was avoiding his question. As he watched the three exit, his gaze sharpened, reminiscent of a predator studying its prey's every move.He couldn't fathom the audacity of the hand subtly placed on Evangeline's waist, as if claiming ownership over her. The sight irked him.Klein silently trailed behind Evangeline, his presence unnoticed by her.Evangeline's surprise was palpable as she felt a hand on her wa
As Evangeline settled into her work, flipping through pages of contracts signed during Jeremy's management, and scanning future developments, there came a knock on the door.Without looking up, she granted permission for the person to enter."Good morning, Mrs. Salazar. I am Sylvie, your newly hired secretary. I'd like to inform you of your updated schedule for today," she began."Thank you, Sylvie. Please, go ahead," Evangeline replied, finally looking up from her papers.Sylvie handed her a neatly organized schedule for the day. "You have a meeting with the marketing team at 10 a.m., followed by a conference call with our international partners at 2 p.m. Then, there's a dinner reception with potential investors at 7 p.m."Evangeline nodded, taking in the information. "Hm. Please remind me of the meetings fifteen minutes prior.""Of course, Mrs. Salazar. Is there anything else you need?"Evangeline paused for a moment, contemplating whether to tell her that she is not a Salazar anymo
"Are you in love with Klein?" Zach's question cut through the tension, his tone laced with frustration and hurt."What?" Evangeline asked in disbelief, her brows furrowing."Are you suspecting me of cheating? Zach, you're the one who cheated. Don't act like I'd do the same," she spat, her words dripping with resentment."You're acting so strong and stubborn, Evangeline. You think you're almighty just because you own this high-end company? I would like to remind you that I could take all of this away in just a snap," Zach threatened, his voice cold and calculated.Evangeline flinched at his words, a surge of fear coursing through her veins. Zach had always wielded his power over her effortlessly, and she couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability that washed over her.But she refused to back down. "Don't you dare," she opposed, her hands clenched at her sides, her eyes blazing with defiance."Try me, Evangeline, my love," Zach smirked, his touch soft as he brushed her cheek."I told y
As Evangeline groaned and turned in her sleep, the haunting memories of her childhood flooded her dreams like a relentless tide.She found herself standing in the dimly lit hallway of their family home, her younger self clutching onto her siblings as they begged their father not to leave."Daddy, please don't go," her voice pleaded, thick with tears as she looked up at the man she once idolized. "We need you here with us."But her father's face remained stoic, his eyes betraying the pain of his own inner turmoil as he tried to justify his actions."I'm sorry, kids," he muttered, his voice strained with emotion. "I have to do what's best for me."Evangeline's heart shattered at his words, the betrayal cutting deeper than any knife could. Beside her, her brother, Jeremy sobbed uncontrollably, their cries blending with the sound of their mother's broken wails from the adjacent room."Mama, please don't cry," Evangeline whispered, her voice trembling as she approached her mother's bedsid
Klein took a deep breath, his frustration evident as he spoke her name with a hint of annoyance, "Evangeline."But Evangeline remained focused on her task, refusing to acknowledge him as she continued to prepare dinner."Evangeline," he repeated, his tone growing more insistent.Frustrated by her lack of response, Klein stood up and approached her, only to be met with resistance as Evangeline stepped back, her tone firm, "Don't bother me."Raising a skeptical eyebrow, Klein crossed his arms over his chest. "I will keep bothering you until you actually 'talk' to me."Evangeline halted at his words, turning to face him with a stubborn resolve."I don't think communicating with you is part of the contract, Klein," she sighed, her demeanor unwavering."Ah, ah. You're mistaken. Condition number 3 states that you are not to deny my needs, and I need you to talk to me," Klein countered, stepping closer to her.Evangeline sighed in surrender, setting the ladle down as she finally faced Klein,
As Klein watched Evangeline curl up on the couch, he couldn't help but feel a sense of concern overwhelm him. Despite their recent feisty interactions, seeing her vulnerable like this tugged at something deep within him. There was a part of him that wanted to comfort her, to ease whatever pain she was feeling.When he saw her finally close her eyes, succumbing to sleep, a small sense of relief washed over him. She looked so peaceful in that moment, her features softened by sleep, her breathing steady and calm. It was a rare sight, one that made him realize just how much he cared about her well-being, despite their differences.With a gentle sigh, Klein decided to act on his impulse. Carefully, he scooped Evangeline up into his arms, cradling her close to his chest. She stirred slightly at the movement, but didn't wake, lost in the depths of her dreams.Klein made his way to the bedroom and laid Evangeline down on the bed, taking care to tuck her in snugly. He watched her for a moment
Evangeline scrutinized her reflection in the mirror, her dress cascading down to her ankles in a gentle flow. Her hand brushed over her pregnant belly, a sigh escaping her lips.She now realized that living with Klein might not have been the best decision after all. While she was grateful that her company was secure and her ex-husband's threats neutralized, a part of her couldn't shake off the sadness lingering within."Goodness," she muttered, shaking her head slightly as she made a final adjustment to her hair. With a sigh, she left her room, intending to wait for her brother downstairs. However, upon reaching the living room, she was surprised to find Klein already dressed for work, sitting on the couch with his arms and legs crossed.Evangeline was on the verge of questioning why he remained, but she opted not to. After all, it was his house, so his presence there was expected.She avoided speaking to him or meeting his gaze as she walked past, a move Klein quickly picked up on."