Chapter 52
Evelyn frowned at him. "You know my stomach hasn't been good lately. The doctor specifically told me not to drink."
"I'm not asking you to drink," he said. "Eve, I just want you with me. Just be there by my side."
Evelyn nodded. "Alright."
At eight o'clock that evening in the banquet hall, Matthew's arrival immediately drew a crowd.
"Mr. Perkins, what an honor to meet you!"
Eyes shifted from him to Evelyn beside him, dressed in an elegant haute couture gown.
"Mr. Perkins, and this is...?"
Matthew lightly pressed his hand against Evelyn's waist, guiding her forward. "Evelyn Arden. She's Vice President of Limbo Inc. and the lead for Sparkle."
He paused, his tone full of pride. "She's also my most important partner."
Evelyn froze, unable to help glancing at him.
The partners' expressions showed clear surprise—this was the first time Mr. Perkins had introduced someone this way! And they remembered Evelyn had previously attended as his assistant. Now she was already VP! Truly accomplished at such a young age, and clearly valued by Mr. Perkins. This was someone they needed to cultivate connections with.
They privately made up their minds and crowded around Evelyn with bright smiles.
"Limbo Inc. has unlimited potential. Miss Arden, you're so accomplished for your age!"
"We've all heard about Sparkle. Miss Arden, impressive work!"
Evelyn responded to each one with poise and confidence.
Matthew stood beside her, watching. She wore a dark green silk gown today, her hair loosely pinned up—professional yet elegant. When she spoke with partners, her gaze was focused. She'd occasionally offer her insights, her words concise but hitting right to the core.
He could clearly feel the shift in how people looked at her. No longer scrutinizing "Matthew's assistant," but truly seeing "Evelyn Arden."
He smiled slightly and thoughtfully ordered her a glass of sparkling water.
All evening, Matthew guided her through the crowd, introducing her to partner after partner. Evelyn could sense this wasn't mere formality—he genuinely wanted to pave the way for her.
She looked at him, an unfamiliar feeling stirring in her chest. He was speaking with another executive, but sensing her gaze, the corners of his mouth visibly lifted.
Evelyn lowered her eyes and looked away.
Midway through the reception, she went to the restroom to touch up her makeup. Standing before the mirror, she looked at herself.
The evening's scenes still played in her mind. When he'd introduced her, his eyes had been bright. When he spoke of her, his tone had been full of pride. That sincerity couldn't be faked.
Suddenly her stomach churned with nausea. She dry heaved a few times but nothing came up. She couldn't help smiling slightly, thinking the baby was reminding her to rest and not overwork.
She took a deep breath, rinsed her mouth, and pushed the door open.
The hallway lighting was dim. She'd just turned the corner when someone blocked her path. It was Jack, one of the partners.
He leaned against the wall, looking like he'd had quite a bit to drink. His cheeks were flushed, but his eyes were alarmingly bright. Seeing her, he smiled and took a step forward.
"Miss Arden, I've been waiting for you."
Evelyn stepped back, creating distance. "Mr. Jack, can I help you?"
Jack looked at her, his gaze sweeping slowly from top to bottom. "At tonight's dinner, you didn't drink at all," he said. "Are you not feeling well, or did you not want to drink with me?"
Evelyn didn't respond. Jack took another step forward. "I really admire your talent," he said. "Truly. At our last meeting, you really impressed me."
Evelyn replied coolly, "Thank you for the compliment. If there's nothing else, I should get back."
She tried to move past him, but Jack reached out to block her. "Don't rush off. I heard..." He leaned closer, his demeanor changing, his voice turning suggestive. "I heard you've been with Matthew for three years?"
Evelyn's gaze turned cold.
Jack smiled, that smile carrying drunken flirtation. "Three years isn't short. Have you ever thought about... trying someone new?"
Evelyn looked at him.
"Like me?" Jack pointed to himself. "I'm no less than Matthew. And I know how to respect women. Whether in life, or... in bed." Jack winked at her, his eyes carrying naked seduction.
"Sorry, I'm not interested in your bedroom skills." Evelyn felt a wave of disgust. She pushed his hand away and tried to leave.
But Jack suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. "Don't go," he moved closer, his breath reeking of alcohol. "You smell so good, and you're talented. What man wouldn't like that?"
Evelyn turned her head away, dodging his approaching face. "Mr. Jack," her voice turned cold, "there are security cameras here. Please conduct yourself appropriately."
Jack paused, then laughed. That laugh was low, carrying a note of indifference.
"So what about cameras?" he said. "I just want to get to know you better. If you're unwilling, I won't force you."
He said this, but his hand didn't release her.
Evelyn stared at him, her gaze even colder. "Let go."
Jack looked at her, those eyes carrying both drunkenness and a condescending appraisal. "Miss Arden," he said slowly, "when it comes down to it... you're just a bed warmer."
Evelyn's fingers clenched tight.
Jack continued, "If I wanted you, I believe Matthew would give you to me. You know why?"
He leaned close to her ear, lowering his voice. "Because people like him value profit above all else. He wouldn't hurt our partnership over a woman."
Evelyn's breathing paused.
"If you don't believe me," Jack stepped back, smiling meaningfully, "let's test it. But I still don't like forcing women. It would be better if you willingly chose to be with me. Whatever Matthew can give you, I can give you more."
Evelyn stood there, looking at him. His words pierced her heart like needles, suddenly reminding her of something from three years ago.
Back then, she'd just started following Matthew. At a business dinner, a drunk executive made inappropriate jokes about her. Matthew sat at the head of the table, his expression blank, saying nothing.
The man thought he'd tacitly approved and laughingly moved closer, saying he wanted to toast her. Then Matthew spoke, his face expressionless, his voice low. "You're welcome to try."
Evelyn's face had visibly paled at Matthew's words. She bit her lip hard, her fingernails digging into her palms. The executive, seeing Matthew's lack of reaction, made no effort to hide his desire and reached toward Evelyn.
But that's when Matthew moved. He was fast—so fast no one could react. He slammed the man's face against the table, alcohol spilling everywhere, then stabbed his hand with a dinner knife.
The man's screams echoed through the entire private room, while Matthew just looked at him coldly, his gaze sharp as a blade. The partnership naturally fell through. Evelyn wasn't clear on the man's ultimate fate, only that it had been very, very bad.
But that night on the drive home, Matthew had looked at her with that same indifferent gaze, carrying a piercing coldness. That look seemed to say: You really cause trouble—even at dinner with me, you manage to attract men.
Evelyn gradually understood—perhaps he hadn't been protecting her. He simply never allowed anyone to touch what belonged to him. It wasn't care. It was just because she was his. Nothing more.
Evelyn pulled herself from the memory and looked at Jack. Her gaze was calm, calm as still water.
"If you want to test it," she said, "go right ahead."