The days leading up to the launch were nothing short of chaos. Everyone at King’s Corporation worked tirelessly to make up for lost time, with designs, meetings, and schedules all jumbled into long, stressful hours.

“Mr. King, do you think we’ll make it on time?” Tristan asked nervously as he stood by Andrew’s desk.

Andrew remained infuriatingly calm, leaning back in his chair with a small smile. He didn’t answer, leaving Tristan to wonder how this man could be so unbothered by their looming deadline.

Eva, seated nearby, tried to figure out Andrew’s unusual composure. How is he not freaking out? she thought as she fiddled with her pen.

The door to Andrew’s office opened, and James entered. “Sir, Mr. Matthews is here.”

Eva tilted her head, puzzled. “Who’s Mr. Matthews?” she whispered, curious about this mysterious visitor.

Then the man walked in, and Eva felt her heart stutter.

Adrien Matthews strode inside, looking every bit like a fictional hero—tall, with silky brown hair falling over his forehead and striking blue eyes that sparkled with charm. His aura exuded confidence, his smile dazzling enough to weaken any woman’s resolve.

Oh my God, is this man even real? Eva thought, feeling her breath hitch as she stared at the new arrival. Aurora and Elina, standing nearby, had similar reactions, both sneaking glances at Adrien, captivated by his presence.

Andrew caught the way Eva’s gaze lingered a little too long on Adrien, and his jaw tightened. He glared at the newcomer. This show-off.

Adrien noticed Andrew’s irritated look and leaned in, whispering just loud enough for him to hear. “Jealous, brother? Can’t help it if I was born this handsome.”

Before Andrew could respond, Evander appeared from behind and gave Adrien a playful smack on the back of his head. “You idiot,” Evander laughed.

“Ouch!” Adrien rubbed his head, pouting.

Tristan, observing the playful exchange, crossed his arms. “So... you all know each other?”

Evander nodded with a grin. “We studied together in college.”

Andrew took a step forward and extended a hand to Adrien, his grip firm. “This is Adrien Matthews, a well-known designer. He’ll be helping us with the product launch.”

Andrew then introduced Adrien to Tristan, who nodded politely. “Nice to meet you,” Tristan said.

Andrew shot a glance at Tristan. “Try to call me if anything important happens. I still have a company to run.”

Tristan smirked knowingly as he hugged Eva goodbye, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Did you figure out the answer to my suggestion yet?” he asked Andrew before walking away.

Andrew clenched his jaw, glaring after Tristan. If it weren’t for Eva, I’d have buried him six feet under for that divorce comment, Andrew thought bitterly.

Evander stood to the side, watching the tense exchange. “Did I miss something?” he whispered to Eva.

“I think so,” Eva whispered back, suppressing a smile.

Just then, Adrien made his way over to Eva. He gave her a warm, charming smile. “And who might this beautiful lady be?”

Eva smiled back. “I’m Eva Foster. Nice to meet you.”

Before Adrien could respond, Andrew stepped in between them, his voice cold and sharp. “King. Eva King.”

Adrien raised an eyebrow, confused, until Evander casually revealed, “Eva is Andrew’s wife.”

Adrien groaned in mock agony, clutching his chest. “What? I’m way better looking than him, and he has a wife? Meanwhile, I’m still single.” He turned to Eva with a dramatic sigh. “What did you even see in him? Girl, you have no taste.”

Evander snickered. “Adrien, you’re digging your own grave.”

Andrew’s icy glare sent a clear warning. “Get out. Now.”

Adrien laughed nervously, but Evander grabbed his arm. “Come on, idiot. Let’s leave before Andrew kills you.”

As the two friends exited, Eva turned to follow—but before she could take a step, she felt Andrew’s arms wrap around her from behind, pulling her close.

“Eva,” he whispered near her ear, his warm breath making her skin tingle. “Don’t you dare look at other men.”

His lips brushed against her ear, sending shivers down her spine. Eva’s heart raced. Why does he make me feel like this every time he touches me? she thought in frustration. I hate that I react.

She squirmed in his arms. “Andrew, we’re at work. Let go.”

Andrew smirked, pressing a soft kiss to the back of her neck. “Next time, introduce yourself as Eva King, my lovely wife.”

Eva stood frozen, stunned by the unexpected display of possessiveness. When she finally regained her senses, she bolted out of the room, her heart pounding in her chest.

Andrew chuckled to himself, watching her leave. “Run all you want, Eva,” he murmured under his breath. “Soon, you’ll be mine.”

Just then, his phone rang. Andrew answered, listening carefully as the voice on the other end reported, “Sir, Natalie has recently met someone. A large amount of money was transferred into her account shortly after.”

Andrew’s eyes narrowed. “Whose account?”

“We couldn’t trace it,” the caller admitted. “But we did find out that Natalie frequents Club Odyssey.”

Andrew’s expression darkened. “Good. Keep watching her. I have a plan.”

Meanwhile, in the cafeteria, Aurora sat with Madeline, trying her best to cheer her up.

“I believe you, Maddy,” Aurora said kindly. “Everything will work out. You’ll see.”

But Madeline’s heart was heavy. She couldn’t stop thinking about Kai—how he had slapped her, how he had looked at her with disgust.

Edward walked over and greeted the girls, sitting down with them. Aurora asked, “Where’s James?”

Edward chuckled. “He’s busy keeping an eye on someone.”

“Who?” Aurora asked, curious.

Edward grinned. “He’s got a crush on Tristan’s assistant, Elina.”

Aurora laughed, and Edward gave Madeline a few words of encouragement. Just then, Kai walked over, greeting Aurora warmly but completely ignoring Madeline.

Tears welled up in Madeline’s eyes. “Why are you sitting with this garbage?” Kai sneered, his voice cold and cruel.

“Mind your language,” Edward snapped. “You don’t know the whole story.”

Aurora nodded in agreement. “You’re being unfair, Kai.”

Kai scoffed, anger flashing in his eyes. “Fine. I’ll leave, then.” He turned on his heel and stormed off, leaving Madeline shattered.

Aurora and Edward tried to comfort her, but Madeline’s tears kept flowing. “He’ll regret it someday,” Edward said gently, patting her shoulder.

Aurora hugged Madeline close. “We’re here for you, Maddy. We’ll get through this.”

Madeline clung to Aurora, her heart aching, but a spark of hope flickered inside her. Maybe, just maybe, things would finally start to turn around with the help of her friends.