The Billionaire's Rental Wife Is A Hot Shot

Evelyn couldn’t help but smirk at the woman’s confidence. Laila—no, Annabelle—was a master of her craft. She played her roles too well, almost like a chameleon slipping from one skin to the next.

"So you’re no longer Sophia’s pawn?" Evelyn asked with an amused lilt.

Annabelle chuckled, leaning back with a smugness that radiated her true self. "Pawn?" she scoffed. "She was my pawn. Do you really think I’d let myself be at her mercy? As a certified con artist, it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t con her, too. Don’t you think?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed but not fully convinced. "So, the artist finally outplayed her employer?"

"As an artist, the price was tempting," Annabelle admitted, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers. "But stepping into your shoes? The luxury was far more tempting. That poor woman never stood a chance once I decided to betray her."

"That explains a lot." Evelyn’s smile was sharp as she leaned forward. "So, when’s the wedding?"

Annabelle’s eyes gleamed with amusement. She knew Evelyn had pieced it together—why she had gone to such lengths last night just to trap Vincent. Evelyn knew exactly why this woman was so desperate. Edmund had written his will, leaving half of his fortune to his grandson’s wife. The rest would go to his children once he left the family to pursue a peaceful life in Buddhism. Annabelle’s motive was clear. Sophia had been equally desperate, fearing the marriage would leave her at a disadvantage and snatch away William’s inheritance.

Annabelle didn’t miss a beat. "I just need to pull off the pregnancy act, and voilà, everything will be sealed." She waved her hand like it was the easiest thing in the world. "Consider this an advance invitation, Evelyn. Oh, and perhaps an opportunity. I could be your greatest ally if you want. I can confess everything and help you expose Sophia, but only after my marriage."

Evelyn nodded, but her gaze remained sharp. She couldn’t trust her. This woman had betrayed Sophia for a larger prize. Who’s to say she wouldn’t do the same to her?

"I’ll think about it."

"Great!" Annabelle’s smile was wide, but her eyes remained cold as she pulled out a pen. "Here’s my number. Call me when you’ve made up your mind." She scribbled it down on a tissue paper and slid it across the table. "And, Evelyn," she added as she stood to leave, "you should be thanking me."

Evelyn blinked in confusion, and Annabelle continued, her grin turning wicked. "Your husband’s neck is now the second hottest topic in town, after my marriage surprise."

Heat rushed to Evelyn’s cheeks, and Annabelle laughed. "I helped you to close that six-year gap, darling. You should be grateful."

Evelyn straightened, her composure returning swiftly. "And you should be thanking me for putting up with you until now and for providing such a good soon-to-be-husband."

"True, indeed," Annabelle replied with a playful chuckle. "I suppose we’re even."

Evelyn watched her leave, letting out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. This woman was dangerous, but she was smart. Too smart. As Evelyn stepped outside, John was already waiting by the car, his professional demeanor a welcome change after the cat-and-mouse game she had just endured.

Evelyn slid into the backseat and was immediately greeted by a squeal of excitement.

"Mommy!" Kiana’s little arms wrapped around her tightly, her eyes shining with joy.

Evelyn smiled, her heart melting at the sight of her daughter. Zevian sat just behind her, his presence grounding them all.

"It was supposed to be just the two of us," Kiana huffed, turning to scowl at her father.

"But sweetheart," Evelyn smoothed over the tension with a smile, "we need a good photographer, don’t we? That’s why he’s here."

Kiana eyed Zevian suspiciously but slowly nodded. "He can also help us carry our bags," she added with a sly grin, causing Evelyn to laugh while Zevian’s smile faded in defeat.

John smiled from the front seat, enjoying the family dynamic, but the lightness of the moment was shattered when Zevian’s phone rang. His face darkened as he answered.

"We need to get to the mansion. Now."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted at the look on his face. "What happened?"

"Sabrina and Dominic are there," he said grimly. "Unannounced."

The air in the car grew heavy. Kiana, sensing the tension, sank into her mother’s side, her small fingers gripping Evelyn’s hand tightly. Evelyn sighed softly, kissing her daughter’s forehead before nodding at John.

"Let’s go."

---

As they approached the mansion, their car was immediately met with a swarm of reporters and cameras flashing from all sides. The gates were completely blocked by a throng of people shouting questions and trying to push past the guards.

John glanced back at Zevian. "Sir, we might have to get out and walk. Security can’t get us through."

Zevian nodded, his expression tense. He turned and picked up Kiana, holding her close to his chest. "Stay close to me," he ordered Evelyn, gripping her hand firmly.

The moment they stepped out of the car, they were overwhelmed by the mass of reporters pushing toward them, cameras in their faces, and microphones shoved into their path. Evelyn’s pulse quickened, but she forced herself to stay calm.

"Mr. Reign, is it true your daughter doesn’t want to live with you?" one reporter shouted over the din. "Are you preventing her from seeing her grandparents?"

"Are you giving custody of your daughter to the Greys?"

At that, Kiana suddenly burst into tears. She clung to Zevian, her small hands gripping his shirt as she sobbed loudly. Her cries pierced through the chaos, momentarily silencing the crowd.

"I don’t want to leave my mommy and daddy!" Kiana screamed. Her voice wavered but was filled with sadness. "I don’t like my grandma anymore! She’s like the witch from Tangled! She wants to take me away and lock me in a tower like Rapunzel!"

The reporters fell silent, stunned by the little girl’s outburst. Taking advantage of the brief pause, Zevian’s security team swiftly moved in, creating a barrier between the family and the crowd. They hurried inside the gates, another car waiting to take them the rest of the way to the mansion.

---

Once inside, Evelyn handed Kiana off to Agatha, instructing her to take her upstairs. She refused to acknowledge Sabrina or Dominic as they stood waiting, ignoring them completely as she walked over to Rosalind and Avery, taking a seat beside them.

Zevian joined his father and Natalie at the table, tension radiating from every corner of the room.

Sabrina’s voice was dripping with false confidence as she spoke. "So, what have you decided, Mr. Reign?"

The room grew quiet as everyone turned to Zevian, waiting for his response. Evelyn squeezed Avery’s hand, silently calming her best friend who looked ready to explode.

But then, Natalie suddenly spoke, her voice cutting through the air like a knife. "Send me the divorce papers."

The room froze. Her husband looked at her in shock, his eyes wide as she stared at him coldly before turning to Sabrina. "I’ll sign them, and we can discuss Emily’s custody later."

Sabrina scoffed, clearly not expecting such a move. But she wasn’t done. "Seems like you’ve made up your mind," she said, looking toward the stairs. "Let me say my final goodbye to Kiana, then." She turned to Zevian, her eyes narrowing. "She deserves to know about her real father, don’t you think?"

The tension in the room snapped taut, like a string about to break.

Dominic leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Perhaps it’s best we discuss this in front of the media, Mom."

Evelyn’s heart raced as Sabrina’s words hung in the air like a dark cloud. Zevian’s hand tightened into a fist, but before he could speak, Evelyn rose from her seat. Her heels clicked on the marble floor, a sound as sharp and pointed as her gaze. She met Sabrina’s eyes, calm yet resolute, the fire of defiance blazing behind her composed expression.

"You want to involve the media? Go ahead," Evelyn said, her voice smooth but laced with steel. "Bring them all in. Have them ask your questions, record your accusations. But don’t think for a second I won’t tell them the whole truth."

The room went silent, everyone watching her, shocked by her boldness. Sabrina’s confident smirk faltered just a little.

"What truth?" Kiana’s voice rang in the hallway and everyone turned around to find her on the stairs in Agatha’s arms.