Chapter 236
"Evelyn, the team building is so important. Can't you reschedule your date?" Wendy West cooed, batting her lashes while glancing toward Xavier Stapleton.
Evelyn Sinclair kept organizing her desk files without looking up. "Sorry, it's already set."
"Then bring them along!" Wendy pressed, encouraged by Xavier's subtle nod. "The more, the merrier."
"Not a friend." Evelyn paused, sweeping her gaze across the office. "My husband."
The air turned to ice.
"You're... married?" Wendy's jaw dropped.
Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "Headquarters knows. It's clearly stated on my employment forms."
Xavier's face cycled through several shades before settling on a strained smile. "Invite your husband then. Let's all get acquainted."
"He dislikes socializing." Evelyn grabbed her bag. "By the way, Manager Xavier already approved my half-hour leave."
Xavier blocked her path. "Team buildings happen maybe twice a year! You see your husband daily—missing one dinner won't kill you."
"We haven't shared a meal in weeks." Her tone remained even. "He's busy."
She wasn't lying. Alexander Kingsley's text had arrived at the perfect moment—two blunt words: 【Dinner tonight.】
The man never used questions. But Evelyn mentally added the unspoken mark. She could have refused. Until Xavier announced the team building, she'd been undecided.
"Using leave just for a date?" Xavier's voice dripped with envy.
"Prenatal checkup." The truth slipped out. Today's appointment at Alexander's private clinic had flexible timing.
Xavier's eyes gleamed like a cat spotting prey. "Let me drive you?"
Evelyn nearly laughed.
"Does Manager Xavier pamper all employees like this?" She emphasized the last two words, turning away before he could respond. "But I don't need such... consideration."
The office erupted the moment the door clicked shut.
"Married? Why's no one seen her husband?"
"Total lie! Just avoiding us."
"Right! 'Husband dislikes socializing'—who buys that?"
Wendy tugged Xavier's sleeve. "Boss, we can't cancel just because of her! How humiliating!"
"Proceed as planned!" He waved irritably. After the cheers faded, he locked his office and dialed Hugo Lee.
"Uncle Lee, is Evelyn actually married?"
"Paperwork says yes, but no spouse on record." Hugo's chuckle turned icy. "Probably the Crown Prince's smokescreen to pressure the Ashfords."
Xavier perked up. "So she's husband-free?"
"Your progress?" Hugo pivoted sharply.
"She's immune to charm or threats..." Xavier whined.
"Useless!" Hugo snapped. "Fail and you're replaced! Remember who holds your secrets!"
Hanging up, Xavier stormed out looking murderous. En route to Ocean Palace, he noticed an absence.
"Where's Roman?"
"He said seafood allergy—"
"Tell him to get here now or clear his desk tomorrow!"
......
The ultrasound technician smiled, handing over the scan. "Perfectly healthy."
Evelyn traced her flat stomach. "I worried about slow growth."
"Every pregnancy differs." The doctor gestured. "You'll feel more pronounced movement after six months."
"Doctor, my past..." Evelyn hesitated.
"Conceiving proves everything." The doctor patted her shoulder. "Relax. You're doing wonderfully."
At the hospital entrance, the Kingsley car waited. Lewis Bright opened the door respectfully. "Madam, Lord Alex is detained at a meeting. I'll take you to Ocean Palace."
"Ocean Palace?" Her brow arched.
"Ethan caused... an incident." Lewis suppressed a grin. "Lord Alex insisted on personally apologizing to the owner."
Evelyn instantly understood—terrorizing staff then dining for free. Classic Alexander.
The moment they entered Ocean Palace, familiar shouts erupted.
"Why can't we have the Ocean Room? Fetch the manager!" Xavier ranted at reception.
Wendy shrilled beside him: "Other rooms insult us!"
The Horizon Media group noticed Evelyn. Gasps spread.
Xavier's stare landed on Lewis, lips twisting. "This your husband?"
Lewis recoiled. "Sir, mind your words! I'm merely the chauffeur!"
No one believed him. The exchanged glances said it all—Evelyn's "husband" was an elderly servant?