Chapter 91
Evelyn agreed just like that.
But if Matthew thought she'd play both the hardworking employee and the secret mistress serving him on the side, he could dream on!
Evelyn hung up on Matthew with a cold expression, fully committed to phoning it in.
She didn't even pack her laptop—just tossed a few changes of clothes into a bag and headed downstairs.
Thomas was already waiting. When he saw her, relief washed over his face.
On the flight to Serenity Island, Evelyn kept her eyes shut the entire time.
She didn't want to talk to Matthew. Didn't want to look at him. Didn't want any interaction whatsoever. Pretending to sleep was her best option.
Matthew sat beside her, watching.
Her eyes were closed, lashes casting delicate shadows beneath them. Her brow furrowed slightly, as if even her dreams offered no peace.
He didn't dare disturb her.
But his mind kept drifting back to the past against his will.
On business trips before, she'd always keep him company, thoughtfully bring him a blanket, and massage his shoulders when he was tired from reviewing documents.
Traveling with her had always been... comfortable.
He'd brought this on himself.
He sighed and opened a file folder.
Can't rush it. Take it slow.
By the time they landed on Serenity Island, it was nearly dawn.
But the moment Evelyn stepped out of the airport, she froze.
A crowd stood at arrivals—all in tailored suits, faces plastered with smiles.
Leading them was a middle-aged man who hurried forward the instant he spotted Matthew.
"Mr. Perkins! We've been waiting for you!" He pumped Matthew's hand enthusiastically. "This multi-party collaboration—it all hinges on the Perkins Group taking the lead!"
Matthew gave a curt nod.
The man's gaze shifted to Evelyn, curiosity flickering across his face. "And who might this be?"
At the question, Matthew slid an arm around Evelyn's waist and pulled her close.
Evelyn's body went rigid.
"This is my wife, Evelyn." Matthew raised his voice, speaking with deliberate gravity. "The love of my life."
Everyone present went still.
They'd just heard about the Perkins family and the Quinn family calling off their engagement, and now Matthew had a wife?
What kind of elite family drama was this?
But seeing Matthew's solemn expression, the crowd swallowed their questions and launched into flattery.
"Mrs. Perkins! What a perfectly matched couple—a union made in heaven!"
Someone who recognized Evelyn chimed in: "Mrs. Perkins used to work at the Perkins Group. Her capabilities are exceptional!"
"Mr. Perkins is truly blessed to have such a wife!"
The praise lifted Matthew's mood. He instinctively glanced at Evelyn.
Her face showed no expression whatsoever—cold as ice.
Matthew didn't seem to mind. He kept his arm around her as they headed out.
Once in the car, Evelyn immediately shook off his hand.
"I'll play along in public and save your face." Her voice was arctic. "But in private, don't push it. I can't do it."
She turned her face toward the window.
Matthew stared at her cold profile. He wanted to be angry, but couldn't. Wanted to snap at her, but didn't dare. He could only swallow his frustration.
At the hotel, Matthew had only booked one room.
Evelyn didn't bother arguing. She grabbed the key card and headed upstairs.
After her shower, she emerged to find Matthew slouched on the couch, looking listless, his face pale.
Evelyn knew exactly what he was waiting for.
In the past, when he was tired, she'd always proactively show concern. But now?
She pretended not to notice and walked right past him.
Matthew's expression darkened. He looked even more dejected.
"Eve." He lowered his voice, speaking weakly. "I stared at documents too long on the plane. My head's killing me. Could you... like before... massage it for me?"
Evelyn's steps faltered.
She turned to look at him.
Matthew lay pathetically on the couch—not a trace of the domineering CEO left.
Evelyn almost laughed.
He was really selling it.
But since she'd agreed to this business trip, she couldn't outright blow up at him. She walked over and sat on the couch.
Matthew immediately settled in, resting his head in her lap.
Evelyn raised her hands and began working on his head.
She'd specifically learned this technique years ago because of his frequent headaches.
But now?
She deliberately increased the pressure.
Matthew sucked in a sharp breath.
Evelyn feigned ignorance. "What's wrong? Am I not doing it right? Should I stop?"
"No, no." Matthew quickly said, "I'm just a bit cold. Keep going."
The corner of Evelyn's mouth curved upward.
Cold? In this island weather hovering around seventy degrees?
Of course, Matthew knew she was doing it on purpose.
But if this helped her blow off steam, what was a little discomfort?
Evelyn continued, each stroke harder than the last.
Matthew grimaced in pain but didn't make a sound.
Finally finished, Evelyn withdrew her hands.
"Satisfied?" she asked.
Matthew took a long moment to recover before speaking. "Very... satisfied."
Evelyn stood, dusting off her hands. "Good. I'm going to bed."
She shoved his head aside and walked into the bedroom without looking back.
Matthew lay on the couch, watching her resolute retreating figure, and sighed helplessly.
How much longer would Evelyn stay angry with him?
Only after he figured she'd fallen asleep did Matthew quietly slip into the bedroom.
He felt his way onto the bed in the darkness, turned on his side, and tentatively placed a hand on her waist.
Evelyn forcefully swatted his hand away.
Matthew froze.
In the past, he would've grown cold and angry. But now...
He silently withdrew his hand, lay flat on his back, and stared at the ceiling.
A sleepless night.