The Billionaire's Rental Wife Is A Hot Shot

Evelyn’s hand trembled and the phone almost slipped out of her hand. She tried to maintain her composure, but the words daunted her mind. It didn’t stop the unease from spreading to her chest, causing her to hold onto her breath.

Zevian, right beside her, gently pried the phone from her grasp. His other hand slid protectively around her shoulder, grounding her in the moment. "It’s fine," he assured, his voice steady and soothing

Kiana who was seated between them looked in confusion. Her bright eyes twinkled with a curiosity and she turned to her Daddy. "What’s going on?" The little girl asked, leaning closer to the phone.

Zevian clicked the power button, effectively stopping her from reading the next. "Nothing you need to know, little one," he replied, nuzzling her nose.

But Kiana pouted in response. "Daddy, that’s not fair!" Kiana exclaimed. Getting up, she stomped her foot lightly and crossed her arms.

Zevian merely smirked at her, unfazed. "Not everything is for curious little ears," he said before signaling toward Avery. "It’s about her company" he added in a low tone.

"Really?" Kiana asked in suspicion.

"Let’s go to study, Zevian. I have something to discuss with you." Jonathan said, standing up. Theodore followed the suit and Zevian nodded at them. He glanced over at Avery who quickly nodded, understanding her task.

Rising from her seat, she moved to sit beside Evelyn, who looked shaken. As Zevian, Jonathan, and Theodore exited the room. Avery took Evelyn’s hand gently in her own. Her eyes fell on the phone Zevian had left on the couch but they needed to shoo off the little first first.

"It’s nothing serious," Avery said softly to Kiana. "Just some work stuff."

Kiana, still sulking, didn’t believe a word from her aunt. Grinning mischievously, she asked Evelyn, "Mommy, is Daddy hiding something? Is it about a new surprise party?"

Evelyn blinked, startled, before breaking into a small, tired smile. "No, sweetheart. It’s just boring adult things."

"Hmm, boring things..." Kiana trailed off dramatically. She sulked, believing Evelyn’s words. "I am not interested. You guys can carry on," she said with a smile.

Evelyn and Avery smiled back in relief. "Now go check on your grandmothers. I’m sure they’re talking about interesting stories." Avery said, clearly distracting Kiana.

Kiana gingerly nodded in excitement. "Yes! I should join them and tell about my princes to Grandma Gracie." The little girl chirped, before running toward the kitchen, a maid following closely behind her.

Once alone, Evelyn’s faint smile vanished. Her shoulders sagged as she sighed heavily. "The person who gave us Mom’s location... they’re texting again," she said, passing her phone to Avery.

Avery’s brows furrowed as she read through the messages. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. "Lucius will find them soon. Let’s wait," she said firmly, leaning her forehead against Evelyn’s trying to comfort her.

Evelyn nodded silently, her expression troubled yet with hope of tracking the person quickly.

-----

The rest of the afternoon was spent with everyone busy in their own little worlds. Penelope and Rosalind hadn’t stopped chattering since morning, telling Gracia about everything including Kiana’s birth secret and Evelyn’s love tale. Meanwhile, Zevian had left for work, leaving Avery and Evelyn to focus on designs for a client.

Their session was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Are you two working?" Gracia asked with a smile, standing at the door frame.

Evelyn smiled at Gracia warmly. "Come in, Mom!" she called back.

"Did they finally leave you alone?" Avery asked with a chuckle, referring to the other two ladies.

"Somewhat," Gracia replied with a laugh replied. "Am I disturbing you guys?" she asked, taking a seat beside Avery.

"Nah, we’re just finalizing designs for a client’s book-themed café. They’re backed by some big names and want something unique." Avery replied, showing her the laptop.

Gracia’s eyes lit up with interest. "That sounds amazing. You both are so talented," she said, pride evident in her voice. A flicker of longing crossed her face, a reminder of the architectural projects she used to be part of.

Evelyn noticed and smiled. "Just a little longer, Mom," she said gently. "Once things settle, you’ll be back to doing what you love."

Gracia nodded in response. "I hope so." Her dream to build homes was still alive in her heart and if things were patched up between her family, she could go work at Wright Corporation again.

-----

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Reign and Cartwell family gathered for dinner in the garden. Fairy lights twinkled above the long table, casting a warm, cozy glow. The atmosphere was light, filled with laughter and banter.

Evelyn was the last to arrive, having stayed back to complete some work and also waiting for Zevian to return. Kiana, already seated, stood up and waved. "Mommy! Over here! I saved you a spot!"

Smiling, Evelyn walked over and helped Kiana back into her chair before taking the seat beside her. Across the table, Zevian was forced to sit near Jonathan, far from his wife.

Kiana smirked, clearly pleased with her seating arrangement. But her antics hadn’t gone unnoticed by Gracia, who watched her granddaughter thoughtfully.

Dinner progressed with lively conversations, but as dessert was served, Kiana clung to Evelyn’s arm. "Mommy, can I sleep with you tonight?" she asked sweetly.

"Kiana. Haven’t we been through this discussion already?" Avery began, her tone weary. "Mommy and Daddy need their time too."

"But stupid Daddy always gets more time with her!" Kiana pouted, shooting a sharp glare at her father.

Rosalind chuckled, siding with her granddaughter. "Alright. Just for tonight," she said, making Zevian groan inwardly. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

But Gracia sensed the trouble this trio had between them and decided to intervene. "Kiana, how about you sleep with me tonight?" she smiled warmly.

Kiana hesitated, her sharp mind weighing her options. An idea popped and she nodded. "Yay! We all can sleep together!"

"How about just the two of us?"

"But-"

"It’s fine if you want to sleep with, Eve." Gracia cut the girl, pulling out a pity card. "I just wanted to spend some time with you alone." She continued, making everyone look at her in confusion. But Zevian smiled warmly at her, grateful that the heavens had finally shown him some mercy. He had someone take his side against this little devil.

"Fine." Kiana agreed with a smile. Avery grinned and gave a thumbs up to Gracia, glad someone would not just pamper this girl but also understand certain things.

Once the dinner ended, Evelyn and Zevian shared good nights with Kiana before walking to their room.

"Look at you all smiling." Evelyn teases her husband as they enter their room. Zevian closes the door and pulls her closer, "Wh wouldn’t I be? There is someone finally understanding my pain unlike you."

Evelyn laughs out loud, feeling she had really been unfair to him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she asks, "So, how can I make up for it?"

Zevian smirked in response. But before he could reply, his phone started ringing making him groan. Evelyn laughs out loud, feeling that even if her mother had taken his side, fate still wanted to torture him.

Zevian took the phone from his pocket, and his expression changed when he saw Lucius. Evelyn’s smile faded, and she moved closer as he answered.

"I’ve sent you the location of the caller," Lucius said briskly.

Zevian immediately opened his laptop on the coffee table, Evelyn leaning over his shoulder. The tension in the room grew as he read out the address.

Evelyn’s breath hitched. "Zoom in," she urged.

Zevian complied, and as the image on the screen became clearer, Evelyn’s hand flew to her mouth.

"No..."

"What is it?" Zevian asked, turning to her.

With a trembling finger, Evelyn pointed at the screen. With her voice barely a whisper, she replied, "It’s the old Wright mansion."