FATED HEIRS

EVELYN'S POV It's been over a week since my husband, Marcus Westbrook, left home. He should have returned by now, unless something was wrong, because he usually spent only five days on his work trips. Although he had already told me he was preparing a gala party to build his audience at work, which was taking place today, he had left something important aside. And somehow, it annoyed me. He couldn't even invite me to the party. Instead, I made up my mind and prepared myself to attend, hoping to surprise him. It was already late, and he probably wouldn't come home tonight either, as he always did. But I was determined to put an end to that today. I would stay with him throughout the night, and we'd return home together the next day. By the time I arrived at his workplace, I quickly spotted my husband's driver, Charles Whitmore, among the guests gathered outside. Charles had been Marcus's driver and personal assistant for years. He was more like a friend to my husband than an ordinary employee. He stood still outside the double doors of the party room, surrounded by guests mingling and chatting. Instead of taking advantage of the party to enjoy himself, he remained professional, watching everything around him like a security guard. As soon as I stepped out of my car and moved forward, Charles spotted me and quickly approached. “Ma'am! You're here.” His voice was as heavy as always. He was one of those staff members I had never really gotten along with. He could be arrogant and rarely showed me the respect I expected. Aside from being my husband's employee, he often looked at me as though I were nothing special. Instead of replying, I ignored his words and tried to walk past him. But he confronted me again, doing his best to stop me from going any further. “I'm still asking you why you've come. Is it Mr. Marcus who invited you?” He didn't sound particularly hurtful, but his tone was serious. “Are you kidding me?” A bitter gasp escaped my lips. “Are you saying I have to be invited before I can attend my husband's party?” My voice rose before I even realized it. Charles briefly shook his head, narrowing his eyes at me. “No, that's not what I meant. I only need to confirm that.” “Confirm what?” I fired back in confusion. At once, Charles lowered his shoulders and stepped backward, allowing me to continue on my way. Something in his expression revealed a hint of suspicion, but I couldn't understand why. His behavior felt strange. “Where is Marcus?” I asked dominantly, staring boldly at him before he could walk away. As he turned toward me, his brows furrowed slightly. “Do I still have to tell you that? Can't you walk in and find your husband?” he snapped. Heat rushed to my face. His words struck my pride, but I was left with nothing to say before he turned and walked away. I ignored the tension. He had always been like that, but despite his attitude, he was kind and loyal. When I entered the room, I was immediately greeted by a crowded gala. Hundreds of guests, men in tuxedos and women in elegant gowns, sat around beautifully arranged tables. Champagne flowed, cameras flashed, and the grand ballroom glittered beneath crystal chandeliers. It didn't take long before I sighted Marcus sitting in an open area at the front of the room. Across from him sat a woman. They looked like a couple tucked away in a corner, locked in an intense conversation over drinks. My heart jumped. For a moment, my mouth fell slightly open. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, but it couldn't possibly be what I was thinking. Without hesitation, I walked straight toward them and interrupted their conversation. When Marcus turned his head and saw me, his eyes widened instantly. Silence fell between us. The woman sitting across from him glanced at me with a smug smirk. I returned her gaze, studying her expression for a moment. Marcus cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Honey! You're here?” His voice cracked. Without hesitation, I pushed my worries aside. It couldn't be what I was thinking. Marcus and I had been married for years, gradually building our relationship, even though we still didn't have a child. Despite everything, I loved him entirely. Without saying a word, I pulled out the chair across from them and sat down carefully, my gaze barely leaving the woman. “You didn't call me before coming?” Marcus continued, his voice still unsteady. I grunted softly before finally taking in the atmosphere around us. “Yes, darling! Aren't you surprised to see me?” I finally replied in a steady tone. “Of course I am.” He nodded unsteadily, then glanced at the woman across from him. She remained quiet, sipping her drink as though she had no interest in our conversation. “Don't take it the wrong way. She's one of my important clients, and we were just discussing business,” Marcus continued. I slowly studied the woman's reaction. She paused and looked at him from beneath her brows. “Oooh, I see! I knew that as well.” My voice brightened as I reached for the bottle on their table and poured myself a full glass. “So, why didn't you invite me?” I asked, slowly sipping my drink. “Actually, I didn't think it was necessary. I prepared this as a business event, not a casual party,” he replied, sounding more composed now. “What do you mean? I'm your wife, of course.” Marcus smiled faintly. Instead of answering, he lifted his cup and emptied it in seconds. He placed it back on the table with a slight slam, while the woman watched us carefully. “I was expecting you to come back home over the weekend, but instead, you came up with this party and left me out. Does that make any sense? You know I'll be all alone in the house.” My voice rose on the last words. “Can you please spare me some time with my client? Why are you bringing up our relationship details here?” Marcus snarled, his eyes flashing with anger. A quiet breath escaped my lips as I grinned dramatically and shook my head. “No, I won't. From now on, I'll be here with my husband until we return home tomorrow.” His expression changed. The excitement in his face slowly faded, and something cold and unsettling appeared in his eyes. He kept his hand wrapped around his cup, refusing to let go. For a moment, none of us spoke. We simply stared at one another until the woman pushed her chair backward and stood up. She faced Marcus directly and picked up her bag. “I'll be waiting for you at the getaway tonight, and you must meet me there.” Without another word, she turned and walked away. Marcus looked at me, his face now filled with rage, but I felt a lot of confusion with what the woman had stated. “Are you meeting her and leaving your wife? Besides, why would a business partner meet you on a getaway?” I asked, making myself seriously confused as I focused on him. His lips parted, but no words came out. He simply stared at me, unable to take his eyes away.