The Billionaire's Rental Wife Is A Hot Shot

Evelyn’s initial shock morphed into confusion as she studied the woman’s face more closely. No, this wasn’t Katherine from Zevian’s wedding photos.

The woman standing before her in a knee-length floral dress was familiar, but not in a way she could immediately place. Her striking burgundy hair and petite frame nagged at Evelyn’s memory.

A frown pulled at Evelyn’s lips as she observed how her husband gently coaxed the woman to sit, his hand lingering on her arm as he asked the maids for water. Their closeness was palpable, and Evelyn’s stomach twisted.

"Who is she?" Evelyn whispered to Avery, who stood beside her, sharing in her surprise.

"That’s Catherine Mallor," Avery replied quietly, her voice tinged with disbelief. "She’s a pianist from Qubarc and one of Dominic’s closest friends. She’s been around Zevian and Kiana for years."

Evelyn let out a frustrated huff, her brow furrowing. "You could’ve been more specific, Avy. I thought you were talking about Katherine Grey."

Avery frowned, her voice lowering further. "Sorry, I was just shocked to see her here. But seriously, Evy, how could a dead woman return? We’re not living in some fantasy novel."

Relief briefly washed over Evelyn, but the tension in her chest refused to ease. With everything she had been through recently, nothing seemed impossible anymore. Her eyes narrowed again at how Catherine leaned into Zevian, crying softly.

"And she’s also very close to your husband," Avery added with a touch of awkwardness, clearly sensing Evelyn’s growing dismay. "She helped him with Kiana while he was alone in Qubarc all these years."

Evelyn forced a tight smile, nodding as though the information didn’t bother her. While she appreciated that someone had been there for Zevian, Catherine’s clinginess was getting under her skin. Couldn’t she just sit a little farther away? Evelyn thought, biting back her irritation.

"Let’s go greet her," Avery said brightly, pulling Evelyn along. Before they could move, Kiana, whom Agatha had just brought downstairs, lit up at the sight of Catherine.

"Cat!" Kiana squealed, breaking free from Agatha’s grip and rushing down the stairs.

Catherine’s tear-streaked face softened into a smile as she caught sight of Kiana. "Careful, darling," she murmured, rising to meet the little girl’s leap into her arms.

"I missed you! You don’t even call me anymore!" Kiana pouted, burying her face in Catherine’s shoulder.

Catherine chuckled softly, stroking Kiana’s hair. "Blame your father, sweetheart. Every time I call, he just hangs up on me, saying he’s busy."

Kiana shot her father a glare as Catherine settled back down beside him, her hand resting lightly on his arm. Zevian smiled warmly at the scene, but Evelyn felt her patience wearing thin.

"Hi, Ms. Mallor," Avery interjected, finally catching Catherine’s attention.

Catherine looked up and smiled. "Ah, you must be Avery. Zevi has talked about you a lot."

Avery’s eyes brightened. "Really? I’m a huge fan of yours! I love your performances, though I’ve never had the chance to attend one."

Catherine chuckled at Avery’s enthusiasm. "I’ll be performing here in Vespera soon. I’ll make sure Zevi sends tickets your way." She smiled warmly. "And please, just call me Catherine. We’re practically family."

Family? Evelyn stiffened, biting back a retort. From which angle? And did she just call Zevian? Zevi?!

"Oh! Yeah!" Kiana suddenly remembered something and jumped out of Catherine’s lap, running to Evelyn’s side. She grabbed her mother’s hand and beamed up at her. "Meet my beautiful mommy, Cat! She’s super cool and super duper awesome."

Evelyn smiled at her daughter’s excitement, some of her frustration fading as Kiana tightly clung to her. Zevian’s eyes softened, a smile playing on his lips as he watched them. Catherine, however, merely nodded at Evelyn before turning her attention back to Zevian, a move even Avery noticed as somewhat rude.

"Why didn’t you tell me about the accident?" Catherine asked suddenly, her voice low and laced with concern. Her fingers lingered on Zevian’s arm.

Alarm flashed in Evelyn’s eyes as she exchanged a quick, tense look with Zevian. They had been trying to shield Kiana from the heavier details, and this was not a conversation for her to overhear.

Evelyn quickly tried to divert the little girl’s attention. "Let’s go put on your shoes, Baby," she said, scooping her daughter up. "We don’t want you to be late."

Zevian watched them go, sighing inwardly. Catherine watched him closely, his expression pinching her heart. She had contact Dominic last to scold about the ongoing news, about how unfair it would be to take away Kiana from Zevian. But she only received another shock, as Dominic had explained everything, causing her to rush to Zevian through a private jet.

"I still can’t believe Aunt Sabrina was involved," Catherine whispered, her eyes welling with tears again. "I knew she was ruthless, but I never thought... Poor Katherine."

Zevian rubbed the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable. "Let’s not talk about it," he muttered, his eyes glancing toward the lounge where Evelyn had disappeared with Kiana. He was finally able to get out of that mess, and now, he only wished to be with them, all the time!

"You’ve been through so much, Zevi," Catherine murmured, her voice softening as she reached out for his hand. "But it’s over now."

Zevian discreetly pulled his hand away, putting a polite distance between them. Catherine’s smile faltered, frustration flashing in her eyes before she masked it with a forced smile. He had always been clear with the boundaries between them, but it only irked how he was different to that Evelyn.

"It’s all because of Evelyn," Zevian said, a rare smile tugging at his lips—a smile Catherine hadn’t seen in all the years she had known him. "If it wasn’t for her, I’d still be fighting for Kiana."

"Yeah, Evy did what we all were scared to even speak about all these years," Avery chimed in, glancing toward the lounge where Evelyn and Kiana were laughing together. "He’s lucky to have her."

"And so is Kiana," Zevian added, his eyes softening at her words.

Catherine’s fists clenched in her lap, her nails digging into her palms. That scandalous woman had clearly seduced him, stealing the man she had silently supported for years. She thought, her lips twisting into a tight smile. She had to deal with Evelyn later!

Evelyn’s voice from the entrance broke through Catherine’s thoughts. "Aren’t you getting late for work?" she called out, her tone light but pointed.

He nodded, standing and taking the coat a maid handed him. "I’ll drop Kiana off on my way. You can pick her up this evening," he said, slipping on his coat as he approached Evelyn and Kiana.

Evelyn nodded with a small smile. Adjusting Kiana’s bow, she bid her daughter goodbye, "Have a great day at school, sweetie. Don’t skip lunch, okay?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Yes, Mommy!" Kiana nodded, giving Evelyn a quick kiss on the cheek before turning to leave with Zevian. Evelyn stood at the entrance, waving as they walked down the stairs.

Evelyn stood by the door, waving them off with a smile. Once they were out of sight, she turned to Agatha. "Prepare the guest room. I assume Catherine will be staying here," she said coolly.

Before Agatha could respond, Catherine’s voice cut through the air like a knife. "Let’s talk in private, Evelyn."

Evelyn turned, her brow arching. "We’re not close enough for private conversations. Say what you need to say here."

Catherine’s eyes narrowed before she smirked, stepping closer. "Fine, then. Let me be clear. If you think using Kiana to worm your way into Zevi’s heart will work, you’re deluding yourself. He married you out of pity, and it’s only a matter of time before he throws you out."

Avery scoffed, stepping in between them. "Are you insane? Zevian and Evelyn were together long before your friend’s sister appeared. Get your facts straight before you start spewing nonsense."

Catherine’s smile widened, her eyes gleaming with malice. "A year of dating? Please. He was probably bored and picked her up since you and his mother were pressuring him to date her."

Avery bristled, her mouth opening to retort, but Evelyn raised a hand, silencing her.

"And just because you’ve been stuck to him like gum for six years doesn’t make you his lover," Evelyn said coldly. "He must have probably needed a nanny and you filled the spot for free."

Catherine’s mouth twitched in shock, but she quickly recovered, her smile turning wicked. "A nanny is still better than a rented wife. At least I didn’t sell my dignity for a quick buck."

The room fell silent. Evelyn stiffened, and Avery looked stunned. How had she found out about the contract?!

"What do you mean?" Avery asked cautiously, trying to keep her voice steady.

Catherine’s smirk widened further. "Oh, didn’t you know? I was the first person Zevi called when he needed advice on whether to go through with this messy contract marriage you begged him to sign."

Evelyn’s composure faltered at Catherine’s words. Just how close were they for him to discuss such sensitive stuff? The revelation gnawed at her, making her stomach churn.

Catherine’s face beamed with victory at her expression. "So, stop deluding that you’re special or irreplaceable, Evelyn," she started, her voice thick like venom. "You are nothing to him! Zevi is eager to get rid of you and your ridiculous agreement soon."