Chapter 13
Evelyn looked up to see Zeal standing a few steps away.
He wore a casual shirt and slacks, a bag slung loosely over his shoulder. He didn't look like he was on a business trip—more like he was here to unwind.
"Mr. Jennings?" Evelyn was surprised. "What a coincidence."
"Pretty wild, right?" Zeal walked closer, a smile in his eyes. "Here on business?"
Evelyn nodded. "Something urgent came up with the project. Need to handle it."
"The Sparkle testing grounds?" Zeal asked directly.
Evelyn was startled. "How'd you know?"
Zeal smiled with a hint of resignation. "Small world in this industry. The site issue is probably Soar Tech pulling strings behind the scenes."
"I'm actually in S City visiting a friend. Not too busy—I can come with you to check it out." He paused, then added, "The locals here can be tricky. Going alone to negotiate, you might get the short end of the stick."
Evelyn hesitated. She definitely needed help, and Zeal's background and capabilities would be a huge asset. But she didn't want to owe him favors.
"Don't overthink it." Zeal saw through her concerns and added, "This is also Atlantis International's project. If it works out, I benefit too."
Evelyn finally nodded. "Thanks, then."
On the way to the site, Evelyn briefly explained what she'd learned from Sam.
Zeal listened carefully, his questions hitting all the key points. His familiarity with local power dynamics secretly surprised Evelyn.
This guy was far more than the carefree playboy he appeared to be.
---
The Sparkle site was on the city's outskirts, at the edge of an open wasteland where some temporary facilities had been set up.
When they arrived, a group of villagers were still making a scene.
According to Sam, these villagers were just a front. The real puppet master behind them was a guy named Johnson.
Johnson was sitting under a nearby canopy smoking, and when he saw Evelyn, his eyes lit up instantly.
"The Perkins Group sent someone? And such a pretty young lady at that?" He grinned wide.
Evelyn ignored his gaze and pulled out documents. "Mr. Johnson, I'm the project lead, Evelyn. This is a copy of our previous agreement. Your side promised to ensure our exclusive usage rights during this period."
Johnson didn't even glance at it before tossing the agreement to someone beside him.
"Miss Arden, that agreement was signed before. Situation's changed now. The villagers are making noise—my hands are tied. But..." He rubbed his hands together and leaned in closer. "Things can always be worked out, you know? How about dinner tonight? We can talk it over slowly?"
The smell of cigarette smoke wafted over. Evelyn held her breath and waved him off. "Dinner won't be necessary."
"I've scheduled a meeting with your party tomorrow afternoon. I'm sure your lawyer notified you."
Seeing her cold demeanor, Johnson's mouth twisted. "Fine, we'll talk tomorrow. But whether we reach an agreement depends on your... sincerity."
Zeal took half a step forward, positioning himself slightly in front of Evelyn.
"Mr. Johnson, see you tomorrow." His tone was mild but carried an invisible pressure.
Only then did Johnson notice Zeal. His expression shifted before he turned and left.
On the drive back, Zeal spoke up. "That Johnson has gang connections. Be careful dealing with him. Try not to be alone."
Evelyn's heart sank. "It's that complicated?"
"Local protectionism, conflicting interests—pretty normal." Zeal looked out the window. "But don't worry too much. I'll go with you tomorrow."
This time Evelyn didn't refuse. "Thank you."
---
Meanwhile, at the Perkins family estate.
Matthew's younger sister Jasmine was celebrating her seventh birthday. The family had thrown a small party, and Marigold attended as his fiancée, graceful and appropriate throughout.
But Jasmine seemed subdued and unhappy the whole time.
When unwrapping presents, she suddenly tugged on Matthew's sleeve. "Matt, why didn't Eve come?"
Matthew's movements stilled.
Marigold's smile didn't waver as she said gently, "Jas, Eve's probably busy with work. Look, I got you the newest starlight projector."
"I don't want it!" Jasmine suddenly threw a tantrum. "I want Eve! I want Eve!"
The child's crying made the situation awkward. The elders all looked over.
Matthew rubbed his temples and pulled out his phone, dialing Evelyn's number.
"Mr. Perkins?" Evelyn's voice came through with noisy background sounds, like she was in a car.
"Jas wants to see you for her birthday. Where are you? I'll have my assistant pick you up." Matthew was brief.
Evelyn paused. "I'm not in the city."
Matthew frowned. "You're not home resting?"
Evelyn didn't answer. After thinking for a moment, she had Matthew switch to video call.
Her voice gentle, she coaxed Jasmine and promised to bring her double presents when she got back.
Jasmine sniffled through the phone screen for a bit before finally calming down.
After the video ended, the party continued. But Matthew was clearly distracted. He walked out to the terrace and sent Evelyn a message:
[Where did you go?]
Evelyn didn't reply.
Even after the party ended and he was in the car taking Marigold home, his phone remained silent.
Matthew stared at the traffic outside the window, that indescribable irritation growing heavier.
She was obviously not feeling well, yet she went somewhere. What was she doing?
Just then, his phone buzzed. But it wasn't Evelyn—it was an email from an anonymous account.
Opening it revealed over a dozen photos of Evelyn and Zeal together.
The email ended with a message:
[Mr. Perkins, did you know your little lover left you to meet up with another man in S City?]
Matthew stared at the photos, his expression instantly turning to ice.
"Stop the car." His voice was hard and cold.
The driver jumped and pulled over. Marigold beside him turned in surprise. "Matthew?"
Matthew didn't explain. He just pushed the door open and told the driver, "Take Miss Quinn home safely."
"Matthew! Where are you going?" Marigold couldn't help leaning out the window.
Matthew had already flagged down a taxi and left.
Marigold sat alone in the back seat, watching the taxi disappear, her face slowly turning pale.
---
The next day was the appointment Matthew and Marigold had made to try on wedding attire.
She and her mother Emma waited at the shop for hours, but Matthew never appeared.
Emma consoled her gently. "Mary, don't be upset. Matthew must have an emergency at work, had to travel suddenly."
"He's like this when he works—can't think about anything else. I'll scold him later."
Marigold ran her fingers over the white dress, asking softly, "Mrs. Perkins, I heard... this Evelyn who's been by Matthew's side, she's been with him for many years?"
Emma's expression cooled slightly as she patted her hand. "That's all in the past. Evelyn was just a plaything to pass the time. Nothing serious."
"Don't worry, the only daughter-in-law the Perkins family recognizes is you. Men, once they're married, they settle down naturally. Those irrelevant people—I'll handle them."
Marigold looked up with an obedient smile. "Yes, I trust you, and I trust Matthew too."
She leaned closer. "Then let's wait until Matthew's back to try on the dress. Mrs. Perkins, will you go shopping with me? I want to pick out a gift for you."
Emma nodded with satisfaction.
---
S City.
Evelyn had been holed up in her hotel room all morning preparing for the negotiation.
She was just about to head out for lunch when the doorbell rang.
Thinking it was Zeal, she called out and opened the door.
The moment it swung open, Matthew stood there, his expression dark and stormy.