secret lover 180 Summary


    In the chapter titled “Secret Lover,” Evelyn finds herself at breakfast with her husband Axel, discussing an uing charity dinner that she is reluctant to attend. Despite Axel’s encouragement, Evelyn expresses her difort with the public eye, recalling past scandals associated with her name that still haunt her. Axel insists that her presence is crucial for the Walters Group’s reputation, urging her to step out of the shadows and embrace her role as a major shareholder. This conversation reveals Evelyn’s inner turmoil and fear of judgment, contrasting with Axel’s confident demeanor.


    As they prepare for the event, Evelyn learns that her usual driver, Liam, will not be apanying her due to concerns about media spection linking him to her. Axel’s yful banter lightens the mood, but Evelyn’s worry for Liam’s well-being surfaces, highlighting her empathetic nature. Axel reassures her that the decision is to protect her image and avoid further rumors about their rtionship. The yful exchanges between them reveal a deep bond, as well as Axel’s desire to shield Evelyn from scrutiny.


    The chapter culminates in a tender moment where Axel kisses Evelyn, reaffirming their connection before he leaves for a business trip. Their sharedughter and affectionate gestures showcase the warmth in their rtionship, even amidst the pressures they face. However, the mood shifts when Evelyn receives a troubling message from William Walters, indicating that trouble is brewing just as she is about to step into the spotlight. This cliffhanger leaves readers anxious about the challenges Evelyn will confront at the charity dinner and the implications of her past.Continue Regr Chapter Reading Below


    **TITLE: Secret Lover**


    **180 Charity Dinner**


    The sun had barely risen the next morning when Evelyn found herself seated at the breakfast table, the remnants of her meal still lingering on her te. Axel had just finished hisst bite, and their conversation meandered towards the charity dinner that loomed on the horizon.


    “Are you looking forward to the charity dinner?” he inquired, his voice light yet probing.


    Axel stood in front of the full-length mirror in their spacious bedroom, meticulously adjusting his cor, his reflection revealing a man who exuded confidence.


    Evelyn, however, felt a heaviness in her chest. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she considered the event. It was clear that the prospect of attending did not excite her.


    “Why do you seem so hesitant?” Axel’s voice broke through her thoughts,ced with concern.


    She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. Instead of responding immediately, she moved closer, taking the tie from his hand with a gentle touch. As she looped it around his neck, her fingers worked deftly to knot it, her mind racing with unspoken worries.


    “I honestly don’t see the necessity of my presence. I could easily assist Joseph from behind the scenes, right?” she suggested, her voice tinged with a hint of defiance.


    Axel lowered his gaze, his eyes steady and calm as he met hers.


    “Eve, the Walters Group can no longer afford to have its major shareholder lurking in the shadows. The public needs to see you. They need to witness that the heiress of the Walters name is still a formidable force.”


    Evelyn sighed again, her hands focused on straightening his tie, trying to suppress the unease that bubbled within her.


    “You and Joseph sound remarkably alike. I’ve never been fond of the spotlight. Whenever I step into it, the whispers begin. They still talk about me and Liam, you know… Even if it’s just a small online forum…” Her voice trailed off, the weight of her past hanging heavily in the air.


    A faint smile curled Axel’s lips, a flicker of amusement in his eyes.


    “Let them talk. Just give them something worthwhile to chatter about this time,” he replied, his tone encouraging.


    Evelyn fell silent, knowing deep down that he was right. The public had begun to cast doubt on the stability of the Walters Group following the scandals that had marred their reputation. Attending a prominent charity event, representing her family’s legacy, could be a step towards mending that image.


    “My driver will take you to the World Trade Center,” Axel continued, his gaze lingering on her reflection in the mirror. “You’ll meet Joseph there.”


    Her hands halted mid-knot, surprise flickering across her features. “Your driver?”


    He nodded, maintaining eye contact, his expression calm and reassuring.


    A frown creased her brow as suspicion began to bubble up. “Why not Liam?”


    For a fleeting moment, Axel hesitated, a barely perceptible pause that Evelyn caught. Her eyes narrowed as she tugged the tie sharply, forcing him to lean closer until their faces were nearly touching.


    He smirked, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes as he relished her assertiveness. “He’s on sick leave,” he replied smoothly, a hint of mischief in his tone.


    Evelyn’s brow arched in disbelief. “Sick leave?”


    “Yes.”


    “Did you beat him? Is that why he’s sick?”


    A deep, heartyugh escaped him, and he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “You make it sound like I’m a cruel boss.”


    “Axel Knight,” she said, her tone stern, “did you punish him?”


    He simply grinned, attempting to charm his way out of her scrutiny. “Eve, if you keep frowning like that, you’ll end up with wrinkles. Do you really want that?”


    “Can we please stay on topic?” she replied, trying to keep her frustration in check.


    With a yful gesture, he brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “You worry too much, my dear wife…”


    “Axel, please don’t me him, okay? I feel sorry for him…” she murmured, her concern for Liam evident in her tone.


    Realizing that she wasn’t going to relent easily, Axel finally sighed, his expression softening.


    “Alright,” he conceded. “Liam isn’t actually sick. But he can’t drive you anymore.”


    “Why not?” she pressed, her curiosity piqued.


    “Because everyone already recognizes his face,” Axel exined. “If he’s seen next to you again, the media will put two and two together. Theizens are far too astute…”


    He paused, a smile creeping onto his face as he watched her gasp, as if a realization had struck her.


    “Those sharp-eyedizens will connect him to that infamous photo, and soon they’ll start to wonder why your bodyguard looks just like mine. Before long, they’ll piece it together and it will be ringly obvious that you are my secret wife.”


    Evelyn blinked, the implications of his words sinking in.


    “So… this is all to protect me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Pulling her even closer, Axel responded with a yful smile, “Hmm… and to avoid any more ridiculous rumors. If those people keep trying to pair you with Liam, I might just toss him into the Pacific Ocean to feed the sharks!”


    Evelyn exhaled deeply, her shoulders rxing as the tension began to dissipate. “I’m sorry… I didn’t think that far ahead. I just feel bad for Liam. He’s done everything he can to protect me, yet someone still managed to snap my picture.”


    Axel’s smile broadened, his eyes warm with understanding.


    “Don’t feel guilty… I didn’t hold it against him. I actually asked him to stay in the office for a while because someone might try to poach him and turn him into a model or a movie star.”


    She couldn’t help but chuckle at his words. “When did you be so funny?”


    Heughed, leaning in closer, “I don’t know. You change me a lot, Eve…”


    “Axel—”


    Before she could finish her thought, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers, stealing a brief but tender kiss that sent a flutter through her heart.


    It was quick, warm, and left her slightly breathless. When he pulled away, she felt a blush creeping up her cheeks.


    The next few minutes passed with them discussing her preparations for the event. Axel had already taken the liberty of arranging for a stylist and makeup artist to help her get ready.


    Initially, Evelyn had resisted, insisting she could manage on her own.


    But Axel reminded her that this was no ordinary dinner; this was a high-profile charity g that would be broadcasted across television and the inte.


    The image she presented that evening would reflect not only her but the entire Walters Group.


    “People will be watching,” Axel said, buttoning his suit jacket with precision. “You don’t just need to look confident. You must make them believe you are effortlessly confident.”


    With a resigned sigh, Evelyn finally nodded. “Fine. But if the stylist starts curling my hair, I’m ming you.”


    Axel smiled, a twinkle in his eye. “Deal. I’ll take full responsibility.”


    “Good. You always should,” she replied, a yful tone in her voice.


    Theirughter filled the room, a warm sound that chased away the morning’s earlier tension. Evelyn stepped closer, adjusting the cor of his shirt onest time. “When will you be back?”


    “I have to fly to Nevalis for a meeting,” he said, ncing at his watch. “But I promise I’ll be home tonight before you return from the charity event.”


    “Alright. Just don’t overwork yourself,” she cautioned, her concern evident.


    “I’ll try,” he replied, leaning down to ce a gentle kiss on her cheek. “But you know how business can be.”


    Before he departed, Axel made his way to the back garden, where Oliver was just returning from feeding the pony and horse.


    The little boy’s cheeks were flushed from the crisp morning air, his eyes sparkling with innocence.


    “Daddy, are you leaving?” he asked, his voice filled with a child’s concern.


    “Yes,” Axel replied, crouching down to ruffle his son’s hair affectionately. “Be good for Mommy, alright?”


    “Okay! But pleasee back before I go to sleep, Dad. You need to read me a book,” Oliver insisted, his eyes wide with anticipation.


    Axel chuckled, his heart swelling with love. “I’ll do my best.”


    He enveloped his son in a warm hug, then kissed Evelyn once more before heading toward the waiting car.


    Evelyn watched as the vehicle disappeared down the long driveway, her heart a mix of pride and anxiety.


    Just then, her cell phone buzzed in her pocket, and she instinctively thought it was her stylist confirming the afternoon appointment.


    But when she nced at the screen, her heart sank. The number was one she recognized, even though she hadn’t saved it.


    William Walters.


    A chill crept down her spine, and she hesitated for a few moments, her finger hovering over the message.


    “How dare you sue Lana!” it read, the words striking her like a bolt of lightning.


    **181 Calm Before the Spotlight**Conclusion


    In the wake of the morning’s events, Evelyn found herself standing at a crossroads, the weight of her family’s legacy pressing down on her shoulders. The prospect of the charity dinner, once a source of dread, now loomed as an opportunity for redemption. With Axel’s encouragement, she began to see the potential for transformation—not just for the Walters Group, but for herself as well. The yful banter they shared had reignited a spark of confidence within her, reminding her that she was not merely a figurehead but a force to be reckoned with. As she prepared to step into the spotlight, the earlier tension dissolved, reced by a burgeoning sense of purpose.


    Yet, just as she felt herself rising to the asion, the unexpected message from William Walters sent a shiver through her resolve. It served as a stark reminder of the shadows that still lingered from her past, threatening to overshadow the progress she was making. But this time, Evelyn was determined not to let fear dictate her actions. With Axel’s unwavering support and the love of her family behind her, she resolved to confront the challenges ahead with grace and strength. The charity dinner would not only be a public disy of hermitment to the Walters legacy but also a personal deration that she would no longer be defined by the whispers of her past. As she prepared to embrace her role, she understood that every step she took was a step toward reiming her narrative.What to Expect in Next Chapter?


    In the uing chapter, “Calm Before the Spotlight,” readers can expect the tension to escte as Evelyn grapples with the unexpected message from William Walters. The implications of his words will linger in her mind, casting a shadow over her preparations for the charity dinner. As she navigates the whirlwind of emotions that arise from her past and the looming public scrutiny, the stakes will grow higher. Will she confront William about his threats, or will she choose to focus on the event that could either make or break her family’s reputation?


    Moreover, the charity dinner promises to be a pivotal moment, filled with unexpected encounters and revtions. Evelyn’s interactions with Joseph and other guests will bring new challenges, testing her resolve and the strength of her rtionship with Axel. As the evening unfolds, the pressure of the spotlight will weigh heavily on her, forcing her to confront not only the whispers of her past but also the reality of her present. Will she rise to the asion and reim her position as a formidable force in the Walters Group, or will the ghosts of her past threaten to overshadow her? The anticipation builds as readers prepare for a night that could change everything for Evelyn, both personally and professionally.


    Sara Lili


    <strong>Sara Lili</strong> is a daring romance writer who turns icyndscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of d’s breathtaking cold.