Evelyn remained silent as she changed clothes in the closet. Lately, all she and Jason had done was argue; even normal communication felt impossible.

He wanted her to go to the hospital, but she didn’t want to, and she knew that saying more would only lead to another fight. It was better to stay quiet and enjoy some peace.

That morning, she was scheduled to record next week’s Business Talks. She chose a royal blue dress, pairing it with a diamond brooch that Jean had gifted her. Standing in front of the mirror, she felt quite sophisticated.

With the New Year approaching, Riverton, though a southern city, was colder this winter than in previous years. Originally, she had taken a black coat, but then opted for a long down jacket that reached her ankles.

“I’ll be waiting for you in the parking lot in ten minutes,” Jason’s voice came from outside the closet.

She remained silent as usual.

“Evelyn, don’t start with me.” Unbeknownst to her, Jason had come up behind her, his arm tightening around her waist.

Her back pressed firmly against his chest. Their eyes met in the mirror.

“If you don’t want to go to the hospital to make me look good, fine. Just wait for Jean to be sued—”

“I’ll go!” she replied hastily.

Jason tightened his grip further.

On the way to the hospital, she requested a half-day leave from her direct supervisor, rescheduling the morning’s interview shoot to the afternoon.

The elder Mr. Stark’s condition upon admission had been poor, and the attending physician had hinted at making the worst-case scenario plans.

After spending several hours in the ICU, his various indicators miraculously returned to normal.

The doctor would conduct another check this morning, and if everything looked fine, he could be moved back to a regular ward.

The elder Mr. Stark was known for his charm and was a significant figure in the business world, having connections with many big shots in Riverton.

Regardless of whether their relationships were mere acquaintances or close friendships, word of his hospitalization had prompted many to come and pay their respects.

By the time Evelyn and Jason arrived at the hospital, the elder Mr. Stark had already been moved back to a regular ward.

The suite was around one hundred fifty to one hundred sixty square meters, fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and shower, allowing friends and family to visit freely. The daily cost started at a minimum of five digits.

In the rest area of the ward sat several of the elder Mr. Stark’s contemporaries, all impeccably dressed, none of whom Evelyn recognized.

Jason stepped forward, addressing them as “uncle” and “older brother,” serving tea and water while playing the gracious host alongside Marcus.

Evelyn understood that Jason had brought her along to mingle with the female guests visiting.

Looking around the room, she only spotted Melora, while Jason’s sister-in-law, Chiara, was notably absent.

Melora was quite the sycophant, feeding the elder Mr. Stark bite after bite of prepared fruit and bird’s nest soup.

Evelyn knew that the Stark family didn’t like her and didn’t want to be a nuisance, so she found a quiet corner to wait for Jason’s instructions.

After nine o’clock, female guests began to arrive in succession.

Melora, fearing that Evelyn might steal the spotlight, took the lead in greeting this one and chatting with that one, showcasing her silver tongue.

In fact, this suited Evelyn just fine; watching Melora charm everyone around was more entertaining than any soap opera.

One nosy real estate wife, after chatting with Melora, turned her gaze toward Evelyn and remarked that she looked familiar.

“Of course, this is my wife, Evelyn, the financial news anchor from the TV station.” Jason suddenly interjected.

Evelyn’s mind felt like it was exploding.

In the past, she had desperately wanted the world to know she was Jason's wife, while he had avoided any public acknowledgment of their marriage, reluctant to be seen with her.

Now that she wanted to escape this hidden marriage, he had the audacity to reveal her identity to others!

Before coming to the hospital, she had been afraid of being recognized and hadn’t even bothered to put on makeup.

“Ah, I thought she looked familiar! It’s Evelyn! Miss Joy, my husband is a huge fan of financial news!”

The real estate wife exclaimed as if she had discovered a treasure, grabbing Evelyn’s hand with one hand while pulling out her phone to snap pictures, adjusting angles to capture them both.

Evelyn felt a surge of disdain but was forced to put on a smile and play along.

“Miss Joy’s face is so small! You look even younger and prettier without makeup than on screen. Just to let you know, I’m going to post this on my Moments!”

Once the real estate wife opened her mouth, she didn’t stop. “Jason, I heard last year at the card table that you were secretly married. I never dreamed you’d marry Miss Joy!”

“Thanks for your concern, Mrs. Leech. Eve’s career has just gotten on track, and we didn’t announce our wedding three years ago. We plan to have a grand ceremony in a few years, and you must come to support us.”

Jason spun the lie with such finesse that Evelyn felt utterly embarrassed.

Their marriage was anything but perfect, yet from Jason’s mouth, it transformed into a beautiful union.

“Three years? Jason, Miss Joy, you’ve kept this under wraps! I missed the wedding banquet three years ago, and when you finally hold a wedding, I not only want to come but also give you a gift!”

Mrs. Leech reluctantly released Evelyn’s hand as her husband urged her to head downstairs.

Jason gave Evelyn a look, and she had no choice but to see the Leechs off to the elevator.

As the elevator doors opened, William stepped out, accompanied by a subordinate carrying expensive gifts.

“Mr. Leighton.”

Before Mr. Leech could speak, Mrs. Leech had already greeted William with a smile.

“Mrs. Leech, Mr. Leech is also here to visit the elder Mr. Stark,” William said, exchanging pleasantries until the elevator doors closed.

The moment Evelyn saw William, her face instantly flushed, feeling acutely self-conscious.

She had concealed her marriage history from him, merely saying she had a boyfriend.

When William asked what her boyfriend did, she had described him as an ordinary worker.

She couldn’t bring herself to meet William’s gaze, knowing he was there to visit the elder Stark. She gestured for him to follow, saying, “This way, Mr. Leighton.”

William, tall and impeccably dressed in a dark red plaid shirt, exuded elegance.

“Welcoming guests here must be more exhausting than reporting news at the station,” he remarked, his voice still warm, conveniently avoiding any mention of her lies.

“It is quite tiring,” she admitted, slightly taken aback. “I’m not good at handling complex social interactions.”

“Thank you for your hard work,” he replied, his tone infused with warmth and concern.

Evelyn pursed her lips, refraining from further response.

As they approached the ward door, she worried that Jason might overhear and cause another scene.

Fortunately, William was a refined individual and didn’t mention Jason at all.

William represented not only his father, Henry, but also the SinoContinental Group.

Despite previous unpleasantness with Jason in the business world, both Jason and Marcus had to wear smiles when meeting William in the elder Mr. Stark’s ward.

Jason was a social adept, engaging in elaborate pleasantries with William.

Evelyn stood quietly at the door, feeling goosebumps rise on her skin.

Melora, skilled at playing up to powerful figures, lit up at the sight of William. She poured tea and asked how he was, even offering to introduce her cousin to him.

“My cousin is an only child, beautiful and about my height. She’s been dancing since elementary school and has great poise. Though her family can’t compare to the Leighton or Stark families, they own two garment factories and over a dozen stores, making her quite suitable for Mr. Leighton.

When you have time, maybe you can meet and chat. If there’s a connection, wonderful; if not, we can just be friends.”

William’s smile broadened, “Thank you for the kind offer, Mrs. Stark. However, I already have someone I care for, so I can’t go on blind dates anymore.”

“Who is Mr. Leighton’s significant other? Is she from a prominent family? Please tell me so my cousin can give up,” Melora asked, thinking he was joking and pressing for details.

William’s lips curved into a charming smile, his eyes briefly glancing at Evelyn.

Jason caught the moment and smirked, saying, “I’m afraid Mr. Leighton doesn’t fancy those from noble families. He prefers excitement and the forbidden, like married women—”