The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover - Chapter 188

Chapter 188: Thank You, Axel!
Joseph immediately stepped forward, his voice protective. “Eve, let me—”

But Evelyn stopped him with a small gesture.

She smiled politely at Natalie. “I’m sorry, Miss Martinez. I’m in a hurry, my car’s already waiting.”

Natalie’s lips tightened slightly, but she maintained her grace. “Of course,” she said smoothly, even though her gaze flashed with annoyance.

Evelyn didn’t linger another second. She gave a polite nod and walked away, her steps calm and unhurried even though her pulse raced.

As soon as they walked toward the hallway, she exhaled. “Well… that was unnecessary.”

“Why do I feel like she wanted to start a fight?” Jackson asked.

Joseph frowned. “Probably because she lost the bid. Or maybe she’s jealous.”

“Jealous?” Evelyn asked, pretending not to understand.

Jackson grinned. “Come on, Eve. She was glaring at you the entire night. Maybe she doesn’t like that you were sitting next to your husband.”

“Did you forget that only we know about that?” Joseph reminded him, smirking. “To anyone, Evelyn was the lucky woman in the room…”

Jackson’s grin widened. “Yeah, she really thinks Evelyn is her rival. That makes it even more fun.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes. It’s hard to believe that these two actually enjoy talking about her and Axel.

She had expected that when two men meet, they would talk about sports, movies, and cars… but not these two.

“Jo, Jack,” she calls softly. When they glance at her, she smiles gently before speaking again. “You two should find new hobbies.”

“What?” they said in unison.

“Stop gossiping about me!”

“Hahaha, sorry, Eve,” Jack laughed, rubbing his neck.

Joseph nods. Stifled a laugh.

They walked together toward the exit, the sound of laughter and music fading behind them.

By the time they reached the lobby, the crowd had thinned out.

Outside, cool night air greeted them, and Evelyn’s chauffeur-driven Maybach was already waiting by the red carpet entrance.

Jackson glanced toward the car and smiled. “Eve, do you want me to drive you home?”

Evelyn shook her head. “No need. My driver’s here.”

She pointed toward the sleek black car as it pulled up. The headlights dimmed, and the driver’s door swung open smoothly. Ryan stepped out, tall and composed, and gave a polite nod.

“Good evening, ma’am,” he greeted, holding the door open.

“Thank you, Ryan,” Evelyn said, giving Joseph and Jackson a parting smile. “Till we meet again, Jack, Jo…”

“Goodnight, Mrs. Knight,” Jackson teased under his breath.

“Jackson,” she warned, her tone sharp enough to make him laugh.

Evelyn shook her head, turned toward the car, and stepped forward gracefully, only to freeze in place.

Her heart tightened when she saw who was inside.

Axel sat comfortably in the back seat, a smile on his lips. His gaze met hers, calm and amused.

“Surprised?” he said softly. “Get in… or those paparazzi and reporters will find out I’m riding in your car.”

Joseph and Jackson, standing a few feet apart, exchanged glances, both trying not to laugh or tease each other.

Evelyn shot them both a deadly glare before she climbed into the car.

The moment the door closed, the city noise faded, replaced by the soft hum of the engine.

Settling beside Axel, she looked at him, still completely caught off guard.

“You were supposed to go home first.”

Axel didn’t hurry to answer her. He asked Ryan to drive, then turned to her and smiled.

“I did tell you that…” Axel replied, his voice low and teasing. “I realize your home and mine are in the same place. So why not go home together? To save gas…”

She shook her head and leaned back, keeping her eyes on him. “Mr. Knight, you really enjoy giving me a heart attack, don’t you?”

“Only when it brings you home faster,” he said, his smile growing wider.

“Hmm… I need to get home faster. This gala dinner has drained my energy and social battery,” she sighs deeply. “I miss my baby and my bed.”

His hand reached over, brushing his fingers gently against hers. “You handled tonight perfectly,” he murmured.

She closed her eyes for a moment before saying, “You mean I survived without causing a scandal?”

He chuckled. “Exactly.”

…

The Maybach glided through the city streets, its tinted windows reflecting the passing lights.

Inside, the atmosphere was calm, wrapped in soft silence.

Evelyn sat comfortably, her head leaning against the seat, eyes closed. She looked peaceful, the faint city glow outlining her delicate features.

Axel glanced at her but said nothing. He knew she was exhausted. Tonight had been long for her; too many eyes, too many whispers, too many cameras flashing in her direction.

He turned his attention back to his phone, scrolling through messages and updates, but his free hand never left hers.

Their fingers remained intertwined, resting between them.

After a few minutes, Evelyn’s voice came softly, breaking the quiet.

“Thank you, Axel…”

He paused and looked at her. Her eyes were still closed, her tone sincere and warm.

“For what?” he asked, curiosity slipping into his voice.

Her eyelashes opened, meeting Axel’s eyes, who looked at her lovingly.

“For tonight,” she said gently. “For helping me on the red carpet, for keeping the journalists away… and for the painting.”

A faint smile touched his lips. He gave her hand a firm squeeze.

“Don’t say thank you to me, Eve. I’m your husband. Of course, I’ll do anything for my wife.”

She didn’t reply, but her soft smile said enough. Gratitude shone in her eyes, the kind that didn’t need words.

Axel leaned closer.

His gaze lingered on her lips before he finally closed the distance and kissed her.

It was slow at first, tender, but then deepened with a pull that neither of them resisted.

Evelyn’s hand rested on his chest, her heartbeat matching the steady rhythm of his own.

But then, her senses caught up with her. She realized Ryan was driving. She softly pushed him away, breathless and flustered.

Their foreheads still touched, both of them breathing in the same air. His eyes were dark with warmth, amusement dancing in them.