When Jason's voice cut through the air, Evelyn felt as if she had been struck by lightning, freezing in place.

William's gaze sharpened for a moment but quickly returned to its usual composure. He smiled and looked at Jason. “Mr. Stark.”

“What a coincidence to run into you here, Mr. Leighton,” Jason replied, his eyes seemingly casual but hiding turbulent waves beneath.

William's expression remained unfazed as he glanced at Evelyn before turning his attention back to Jason. “Are you and Evelyn quite close, Mr. Stark?”

“Of course, we’re family.” Jason took Evelyn's hand, a hint of affection on his face. “Let me introduce you; this is my wife.”

“Mr. Stark keeps such a tight lid on things—who would have guessed you’re married?” William's tone was flat, showing no sign of surprise. “I’ll trouble Mrs. Stark to tutor my niece for a couple of days; I’ll be sure to invite you both for dinner afterward.”

“Just a small favor, Mr. Leighton; don’t worry about it. Once Stark’s Group and SinoContinental collaborate, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to dine and chat,” Jason said, intentionally squeezing Evelyn's palm. “Right, Eve?”

Caught in the middle, Evelyn bit her lip, feeling utterly helpless. Although she and William were merely friends, Jason's sudden appearance made her feel as if she were being caught in an affair.

The awkwardness finally broke when Sophie called out, “Uncle!”

William took the driver’s seat while Sophie leaned forward from the backseat. “Who was that man you were talking to just now? He seemed so full of himself!”

“Kids should stay out of adult matters,” William replied curtly.

Sophie laughed, “Even if you don’t tell me, I can guess—he’s sister Evelyn's boyfriend, your rival!”

“Evelyn is an aunt, not a sister,” he corrected her, irritated.

Sophie scoffed, “I know what you’re thinking—worried that Evelyn might become my step-aunt and mess up our titles. Mom just told me she’s looking for a gorgeous PhD returnee for you and wants you to go to the Capital City for a blind date on Sunday.”

“Say one more word, and I’ll have you pack your bags and go back to the Capital City, never to set foot in the Leighton family home again,” William said, his expression darkening.

Sophie immediately fell silent.

Evelyn and Jason drove their separate cars back to 9 Bliss Garden.

As they entered the elevator, Evelyn sensed a storm brewing. After their argument last night, she had spent the entire day trying to recover. During her tutoring session with Sophie, she had found a glimpse of the vibrant self she had three years ago. Just as she began to feel better, Jason reappeared.

When William had brushed that loose hair from her shoulder, they had been so close that she could clearly hear his slightly disordered breathing.

She secretly hoped Jason hadn’t seen that moment.

As the security door closed behind them, apprehension washed over her. She fumbled twice before finally finding the switch for the living room chandelier.

Jason had already taken off his coat and gave her a casual glance. “Make a pot of Blue Mountain coffee.”

“It’s too late for coffee; it will affect my sleep. If you really want some, I’ll brew it tomorrow morning,” she said, bending down to change into her slippers.

Jason ripped off his tie, his gaze sharp and mocking. “Do you think I can sleep soundly after seeing my wife in another man's arms?”

“That’s not how it is!” She hurriedly explained, her face flushing. “William and I are just acquaintances. I’ve been tutoring his niece. When you arrived, he was only helping me with a stray hair on my shoulder.”

“How considerate,” Jason said, his jaw tightening as jealousy ignited within him. “We can’t get divorced just yet, and even if William is eager, he’ll have to wait.”

“I hadn’t even met William when I filed for divorce,” she snapped, her lips turning white with anger. “I want a divorce because you have a habit of cheating and show no respect for our marriage.”

“I haven’t cheated. Have you?” Jason pulled her closer, staring into her eyes. “Who have you been thinking about for the past three years? Do I occupy even a fraction of that space in your heart?”

“Jason, can you honestly tell me who’s been on your mind these past three years? Do I hold even one percent of a place in your heart?” She shot back, her voice rising in fury.

They circled back to the same issue again. Jason fell silent.

The two stood in a standoff, an indescribable heaviness making it hard for Evelyn to breathe.

Fearful of collapsing on the spot, she forcefully shook off Jason's hand and retreated to the master bedroom, locking the door behind her.

Jason stood there, his legs aching, before heading to the kitchen to wash his hands. He took out coffee beans and put them in the coffee maker, spending the night drinking coffee in the living room.

The next morning, Evelyn emerged from the bedroom and briefly locked eyes with Jason in the living room.

His eyes were bloodshot, and stubble grazed his chin. Three buttons of his white shirt were undone, exposing his well-defined muscles.

She hurried to the kitchen to boil some eggs, while Jason rushed toward the bathroom. In the living room, they both instinctively tried to avoid each other.

She went east, and Jason followed suit.

She quickly switched direction to the west, and Jason, attempting to evade her, did the same.

After going back and forth three or four times, Jason finally stopped. “You first.”

Without even lifting her eyelids, she brushed past him into the kitchen.

This time, she made only her own breakfast: two boiled eggs and a cup of hot milk.

On the coffee table in the living room lay a coffee pot, an ashtray filled with cigarette butts, and a half-drunk cup of coffee tilted precariously. The tablecloth was soaked with coffee, and the floor was splattered with dark liquid, creating a complete mess.

In the past, Evelyn would have immediately tidied up at the sight of such chaos.

This time, she merely cast a glance.

Whoever made the mess could clean it up; she wouldn’t coddle anyone anymore.

She had feelings too—joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Previously, whenever Jason scolded her, she would secretly wipe away her tears and put on a smiling face, but who had ever considered her feelings?

Let it be dirty, let it be messy. If they weren’t getting divorced, she wouldn’t be his maid anymore!

After Jason finished washing up, he came to the dining area and found Evelyn leisurely drinking her milk, with no breakfast laid out for him.

He opened the fridge, grabbed a carton of milk, and poured it into a saucepan to heat.

Just as Evelyn was about to slip away, he suddenly spoke up. “Father was moved to a regular ward last night. Some colleagues from the business world will be visiting him this morning. You need to clean up and come with me to the hospital.”

“I have to work; I can’t go,” she replied, rejecting him outright.

“Except for my second sister-in-law in Norway, all the women of the Stark family are going to the hospital this morning,” Jason fixed his gaze on her. “You have to go.”