And just like that, Axel Knight had once again successfully negotiated with his little boss.
Then Axel turned to Evelyn.
Her smile warmed his heart in the simplest yet most dangerous way. It was the kind of smile that could make him forget meetings, problems, and even his business altogether.
He stepped closer, ignoring the cold air biting at his skin, and drew her into his arms.
"Wife," he murmured softly near her ear, his voice low and steady, "I promise I will be back before sunset."
Evelyn tilted her head slightly, her eyes meeting his. She can see that there was warmth there, mixed with that familiar spark of playfulness.
"Hmm, we will wait," she said calmly. Then her lips curved before teasing him, "Mr. Knight, go. Make a lot of money for your wife and son."
Axel stared at her. For half a second, the feared Mr. Knight looked genuinely offended. Then he laughed.
The sound was warm and unrestrained. He lifted his hand and gently pinched her nose.
"I will follow my wife’s orders," he replied, his tone playful. "After all, I live only to serve her..."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Only serve?"
Axel leaned closer, his eyes dark with amusement. "In many ways."
Her cheeks flushed instantly.
Satisfied, Axel kissed her. It was not rushed, not careless. It was slow, familiar, and filled with the quiet intensity that always left Evelyn slightly breathless.
When he finally loosened his hold, Evelyn cleared her throat, trying to regain some dignity as they shared a passionate kiss in front of their staff.
"Thank you, Mr. Knight, for your hard work," she said with exaggerated politeness.
Axel narrowed his eyes. "Are you mocking me, Mrs. Knight?"
"Never," she answered innocently.
"Liar." He leaned in again and stole a light kiss.
She giggled while trying to avoid him, "Work harder."
Axel shook his head, amused beyond reason. He gently squeezed her hand before stepping toward the waiting vehicle.
"Bye, my love."
"Don’t flirt with secretaries."
"No worries, my love. I’m never interested in a guy."
Evelyn stifled a laugh as she imagined Dylan trying to seduce her husband. "Good."
He chuckled softly before entering the car. But even as the door closed, he leaned slightly toward the window.
"Go inside. It’s cold outside."
Evelyn waved him off. "You’re the one leaving."
"Go," he repeated firmly.
She sighed, then obeyed.
Only after seeing her safely inside did Axel relax against the seat. The car began to move, tires gliding smoothly over the snow-covered road.
And just like that, his smile vanished.
The warmth faded from his expression, replaced by the familiar cold focus that defined him. The playful husband disappeared. The calculating man remained.
Outside, the snowy scenery blurred past, silent and endless. Inside the car, the atmosphere shifted, thick with tension.
Axel turned slightly toward Liam behind the steering wheel.
But before he could speak, his phone vibrated.
Dylan’s name appears on the screen.
Axel exhaled slowly and answered without enthusiasm, his gaze drifting back to the window.
"Yes?"
"Boss, good morning," Dylan’s hurried voice rang out. "Are you heading to the office today?"
Axel closed his eyes briefly.
"On my way," he replied lazily. "Why are you asking me again? I remember telling you last night."
He had never touched her. Not once. Which meant something had gone very, very wrong.
Or very, very calculated.
Axel leaned back against the seat, his fingers tapping lightly against his thigh.
In front, Liam remained silent, wisely pretending he could not feel the storm building in the backseat.
After a moment, Axel spoke.
"Liam."
"Yes, sir."
"Hit the gas to the floor!" Axel instructed firmly.
Liam glanced at him through the rearview mirror as he answered, "Sir?... We are already slightly over the speed limit."
Axel sighed deeply, clearly not liking to hear his reason. "When does that ever stop you?"
"Yes, sir—" Liam said and pressed the accelerator harder.
Snow sprayed behind them.
Axel stared ahead now, no longer distracted by the scenery.
The answers were waiting, and the truth will be revealed.
After several minutes of speeding through the busy capital’s streets, the car finally pulled into Apex Tower.
The car drove directly into the underground parking lot, and Axel quickly opened the door without waiting for Liam to come to a full stop.
Axel even ignored Liam’s panicked shouts and simply closed the car door behind him.
His action shocked a few guards, who rushed to the elevator and pressed the button for him.
By the time the elevator reached the top floor, Dylan was already waiting for him.
"Boss—"

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