The Billionaire's Rental Wife Is A Hot Shot

"Sure," Evelyn agreed with a smile, though she was equally surprised by Natalie’s request.

Natalie smiled in gratitude and got up from the couch. Evelyn glanced at Zevian before following Natalie to the drawing room.

As the two ladies left, Jonathan turned to his wife and asked, "What does she want to talk about?" He was still upset about Natalie’s decision regarding Aracemia, and Damien tagging along made things even more stressful.

"I don’t know," Rosalind shrugged, equally confused, which made Jonathan sigh.

Zevian had assured them that Damien was going solely for his mission, strengthening his base there and that the marriage drama was just to protect Natalie from potential dangers. Fredrick, a lawyer who often worked with the Mafia, could expose Natalie to deep trouble if she was introduced as his daughter-in-law. But going as Damien’s wife, a part of the Valenti family, would keep her safe from harm. Still, it didn’t sound convincing, and Jonathan was struggling with the situation, still hoping Natalie would change her mind.

Evelyn followed Natalie into the drawing room, where a maid promptly arrived to assist them. Natalie requested some tea, and once the maid had left, she turned to Evelyn, who was watching her with concern.

"It’s nothing serious, don’t worry," Natalie said with a chuckle. "We’ve never had a real chat, so I thought we should. By the time you return, I think I’ll be in Aracemia," she added.

Evelyn sighed softly and nodded with a smile. She had heard from Avery that the doctor suggested transferring Dominic next week, and Fredrick had already arranged for Natalie and Emily to accompany him. Dominic still had no memories, except that Natalie was his wife. He felt comfortable only around her, so it made sense that she wanted to help him one last time. They all needed to respect her decision.

"We’ll visit you from time to time once I’m back, so don’t worry about anyone," Evelyn said, her words taking Natalie by surprise. When Evelyn smiled, Natalie couldn’t help but feel a weight lift from her heart. Avery was right—this girl had a way of healing people’s worries and wounds. Perhaps that was why her designs touched her clients so deeply.

"Did Zev speak about it?" Natalie asked, referring to her marriage to Damien.

Understanding her concern, Evelyn nodded. "This marriage was planned to protect you from Fredrick’s clients, who might see you as a pawn. With Damien around, no one will be able to harm you or Emily," she explained, repeating what Natalie already knew. Natalie sighed softly.

"And Damien is going for his personal reasons as well. His family wants to strengthen their base in Aracemia, so you don’t need to worry too much about him," Evelyn added, trying to reassure her. Unlike the others, she knew there was more to Damien’s decision, his personal reasons were deeply tied to Natalie. But that was something he needed to discover for himself.

"I hope so," Natalie murmured. The maid returned with a tray of tea and snacks, momentarily pausing their conversation. Once she left, Natalie spoke again, "And about what Kiana babbled that day in the hospital..."

Evelyn hid her smile by sipping her tea and nodded, recalling how Kiana had let one of her secrets slip. It seemed even Zevian hadn’t known about Damien’s proposal in Qubarc, and Evelyn had to admire how well Natalie and Damien had kept it hidden over the years.

"He was drunk and frustrated that I was stuck with Dominic. It wasn’t exactly a proposal..." Natalie paused, and Evelyn let her take her time. She had all the patience in the world for their little tea party. "He mocked me and said some harsh things that night. Kiana must have misunderstood it."

Evelyn nodded, allowing Natalie to sigh in relief. As long as there were no misunderstandings, it would be easier for her in Aracemia. She didn’t want Damien to behave as he had in Qubarc when Natalie had stayed for over a month to care for baby Kiana.

Setting down her cup, Evelyn replied slowly, "But don’t you think it’s odd for him to be so harsh with you? Why would someone be so frustrated about their friend’s sister’s ruined marriage?" When Natalie looked at her, Evelyn continued, "Damien doesn’t strike me as the type to care about other people’s affairs. You two are practically strangers."

"There’s really nothing between us, Evelyn," Natalie insisted, not wanting to be romantically linked with Damien.

"Don’t close your heart, Natalie," Evelyn replied with a small smile. "You’ve been through a lot, sacrificing for a man you liked. Now, I think it’s time for you to find someone who will actually like you and chase after you, not the other way around."

"Are you rooting for Damien?" Natalie joked, sensing Evelyn’s eagerness to set them up.

"No. I’m just cheering for whoever treats you like you deserve," Evelyn replied, her words touching Natalie. With a cheeky smile, she added, "So don’t close your heart. You’re still young, and who knows? Your prince charming might be out there searching for you."

Natalie laughed. "Looks like Kiana’s fairy tales have gotten to you too," she said, aware of her niece’s love for such stories.

Evelyn laughed and nodded. "Yeah, reading them to her every day has turned me into a fan too."

"I wish you had come into his life sooner," Natalie murmured after a pause, feeling that if Zevian had pursued Evelyn instead of going to Qubarc, things would have been different now. Evelyn had brought light back to the Reign family—and into Natalie’s life too.

"I’m just glad I got the chance now," Evelyn replied with a smile. Natalie smiled back, and the two enjoyed their tea, both hoping for more such conversations in the future.

———

The evening passed quickly, and Rosalind sent some homemade dishes with Evelyn. She knew Italian food tasted different and thought it might make Evelyn miss home a little less.

John stopped the car in front of the airport. He glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Kiana hugging Evelyn tightly, while his boss held onto their Madam’s hand just as tightly. His heart warmed at the scene but also ached for the father-daughter duo, who still seemed reluctant to let Evelyn go.

Avery, who had arrived in another car, knocked on the window. Zevian and Kiana both glared at her before Evelyn gently broke free from their hold and got out of the car.

"Our staff members will arrive on tomorrow’s flight. I’ll send the extra luggage with them," Avery said, handing Evelyn her suitcase.

Evelyn smiled and hugged her best friend while John took the suitcase. They all walked inside the airport, heading toward the departure area, where Ronan and his team were already waiting.

A victorious smile spread across Ronan’s face as he locked eyes with Zevian. He couldn’t ignore the little girl in Avery’s arms, glaring back at him. It only made his success feel even sweeter.

"I’ll miss you, Evy. FaceTime me every night," Avery said, hugging her tightly.

"Me too!" Kiana chimed in.

"It’ll be morning for you guys, but I’ll try," Evelyn replied with a smile. She then turned to Zevian, who still hadn’t let go of her hand, his expression tugging at her heart.

"Don’t skip meals," Zevian said, his voice low and filled with sadness.

Evelyn nodded before turning to Kiana. The little girl immediately pounced into her arms, sobbing softly. "Be good, okay?" Evelyn whispered, patting her head. Kiana nodded but clung to Evelyn’s neck tightly.

"Boss, we’re running late," Ronan’s assistant interrupted, clearly uncomfortable with the family moment. His boss looked frustrated for some reason, and he knew they couldn’t afford to linger too long—or someone might end up getting punched.

Evelyn sighed and let Avery take Kiana from her arms. She glanced at Zevian, and when he nodded reluctantly, she turned to leave. Ronan motioned for his men to take the bags from John, smirking at Zevian one last time before turning to escort Evelyn toward the gate.

Evelyn paused as they neared the gate. Murmuring something to Ronan, she turned and ran back toward her family. Kiana’s face lit up, thinking her mommy had changed her mind, but that hope faded when Evelyn stopped in front of her daddy instead.

Grabbing Zevian’s coat, Evelyn tiptoed and planted a small kiss on his lips. "I’ll be back soon," she whispered with a smile, hoping it would make up for her absence tonight.

But it only irritated Zevian more. His arm wrapped around her waist, holding her tightly. How could he let go of her after being teased with just a small kiss?

"I want a kiss too!" Kiana whined, jealous that only her daddy had received one.

Evelyn smiled at her words. Breaking free from Zevian’s hold, she moved to Kiana and pecked her on the cheek. A satisfied smile spread across the little girl’s face, and tears quickly welled up in her eyes.

"I don’t need one. You can leave," Avery joked, lightening the mood. If Evelyn stayed any longer, she was sure she’d start crying like Kiana.

Evelyn chuckled and after one glance at Zevian, she turned around to leave. Ronan sighed as the torture was finally over and he escorted Grace toward his private jet.

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