The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover - Chapter 184

Chapter 184: Axel Knight’s Shocking Entrance
‘Thank you, whoever screamed his name. I owe you a lifetime of gratitude,’ Evelyn thought, closing her eyes briefly.

Gathering herself, Evelyn adjusted her clutch bag. She made a swift escape toward the main building entrance before anyone remembered she still existed.

Evelyn nearly got inside, but her curiosity took over first.

She paused near the door and turned her head toward the red carpet.

There he was.

Axel Knight, her husband, stood tall and composed in his dark suit, his expression unreadable under the camera flashes.

Reporters swarmed him. She can’t hear what they ask him, but she was sure it must be about his company.

Her lips curved into a small, amused smile.

‘Did he come to rescue me?’ she wondered, watching him calmly handle the frenzy she had just barely survived.

He looked like he belonged there… completely in control, radiating quiet authority.

Meanwhile, she had nearly tripped over her own heels trying to smile and answer nonsense about her family drama.

Evelyn shook her head, half embarrassed, half grateful.

‘If he did come for me,’ she thought, ‘then he really knows how to make an entrance.’

Without lingering any longer, she slipped through the glass doors into the grand ballroom, her heart still thumping but her lips fighting a laugh.

…

The grand ballroom shimmered under hundreds of golden lights.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting soft reflections across the room.

The long velvet curtains on the windows matched the deep wine-colored tablecloths.

At the same time, the faint music of a live orchestra filled the air, blending with the soft murmur of conversation.

At the far end stood a wide stage, framed by ivory roses and subtle golden drapery.

Several hosts and coordinators moved around, preparing for the evening’s charity auction.

In the center of the hall, dozens of round tables gleamed under the lights, each surrounded by ten elegant chairs.

Every table was decorated with tall vases of fresh white orchids, silver cutlery, crystal glasses, and name cards embossed in gold lettering.

It was an event designed to make a lasting impression.

Guests in glittering gowns and tailored suits mingled freely. The scent of expensive perfume and champagne hung in the air.

Laughter rose here and there, the sound of socialites catching up and businessmen shaking hands over deals that would likely never be mentioned again after tonight.

Evelyn stood near the doorway, taking it all in.

She had attended countless charity galas and business dinners like this before, back when she was still part of the Walters Group’s active management team.

She used to glide through these rooms effortlessly, with a flawless smile, perfect posture, and practiced charm. It used to be part of her job.

But tonight felt different.

She wasn’t here to make alliances, but she had come solely to accompany Joseph, who insisted she attend with him to restore the company’s reputation.

Now, she wasn’t in the mood to make small talk or meet another overconfident investor.

‘But where’s Joseph!? Why has he not yet arrived?’

Just as she was about to call him, her phone vibrated softly in her clutch.

She pulled it out and smiled when she saw the message.

“I’m in line to get off the red carpet. Five more cars are ahead of me. Don’t run away before I get there.” From: Joseph

Evelyn chuckled softly. “Thank God,” she whispered.

She scanned the room once more and decided to stand near the door, in a dimly lit corner that was safely away from the crowd.

From there, she could observe quietly without being noticed.

Or at least she thought she could.

“Evelyn?”

The familiar voice caught her off guard. It wasn’t Axel’s voice.

When she turned around, she saw Jackson Lincoln walking toward her with his usual charming smile. He looked as confident as ever in his crisp blue navy suit.

“You coming? With whom? Ax…” His voice trailed off before he could finish the question. He knew he couldn’t mention her husband’s name in public.

Evelyn smiled politely, stepping closer so they stood side by side, both facing the glittering hall.

“I’m attending this gala… under the Walters Group tonight. My partner, Joseph. He is still stuck outside.”

“Ah, I see,” Jackson said, glancing sideways at her with a knowing smirk. “Well, I think I know why he decided to show up.”

She blinked, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“I’m talking about your husband, of course. Axel Knight,” he whispers, worried someone might hear.

“Ah, so you know he’s here?”

“Of course,” Jackson said with a soft laugh. “You probably know. He made the traffic snake all the way down the boulevard. Every guest stopped just because he accepted the interview on the red carpet.”

Evelyn couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yeah, Joseph texted me that he got stuck outside. So I guess my dear husband is to blame for that, too.”

“Well, he tends to have that effect,” Jackson teased. “Even traffic listens to him.”

“Remind me to thank him later for causing a public jam.”

“You should. It’s romantic, in a chaotic kind of way.”

She rolled her eyes, but a faint blush crept up her cheeks. “Romantic, really?”

Jackson shrugged playfully. “If someone shuts down a major road just to make a grand entrance near you, I’d say it qualifies.”

Evelyn laughed again, shaking her head. “You’re funny, Jackson. By the way, what brings you here? I remember you once said you never enjoy this kind of event.”

He grinned. “Yeah, and I was telling the truth. Because this is me working. Did you forget? I’m the CEO of Lincoln Medical Group. These charity galas are very important. Help raise funds for hospital research programs. If I skip one, the board starts sending me guilt-tripping messages.”

“Ah, right. I almost forgot,” she said, smiling genuinely now.

As they talked, Evelyn started to relax. Listening to Jackson talk had that effect – casual humor, a charming voice, and a wonderful storyteller; all the abilities needed to make even the most serious situations light and enjoyable.

It reminded her why Axel had always referred to him as “that annoyingly likable Lincoln.”

Then, suddenly, the atmosphere in the hall shifted.

The faint hum of conversation turned into a wave of murmurs.

Heads began to turn toward the entrance.

Evelyn didn’t even have to look to know who had arrived.

Jackson smirked. “Speak of the devil… Axel Knight had entered the hall.”