I Rejected Being The Investor's Mistress

In the bustling town center, Everett Scott was holding an ice cream cone, his attention focused intently on Evelyn Howard. His voice, deep and soothing, was filled with a rare tenderness. "I've heard that a little sugar can lift your spirits when you're feeling down."

Even though he had taken the blame for her getting scolded, he still bought her an ice cream to cheer her up. Evelyn felt a warmth of gratitude swell in her heart.

"Thank you," she said, accepting the cone appreciatively, licking the slightly melted ice cream with satisfaction. She squinted her eyes. "This is really delicious. Why didn't you get one for yourself?"

Evelyn glanced at Everett, but his eyes were fixed on the ice cream on her lips. After a moment, he looked away. "I'm not much for sweets," he replied, somewhat awkwardly.

Evelyn tilted her head, taking another bite. "Oh, I see. Not a fan of sweets? You're missing out on some great flavors."

As soon as she finished speaking, Everett suddenly leaned closer, gently lifting her wrist as he bent down towards the ice cream cone.

Evelyn was caught off guard. She watched in surprise as Everett's face came incredibly close. By the time she processed what had happened, he had already released her hand.

She stood there, looking at him in a daze. Everett casually wiped the cream from his lips with his thumb and asked, "Just wanted to try something sweet. You don't mind, do you?"

"How was it?" Evelyn's mind went blank, the question slipping out unbidden.

Everett paused, his gaze softening, his voice low. "Not bad at all."

Meeting his eyes, Evelyn felt a sudden wave of embarrassment. The ice cream cone suddenly felt like a hot potato in her hand. She lowered her head and quickly walked away. She was practically burning with embarrassment.

Everett watched her hasty retreat, a playful smile on his lips as he followed her with a shopping cart. She was such a wonderful person; some people weren't even worth her time.

Penny Silva stood there, stunned by Evelyn's sharp words that had left her speechless. By the time she recovered, the two of them had long disappeared. Furious, she stamped her foot and immediately called Owen Morgan.

The call rang for several moments before being answered, his voice as cold as ice. "What do you want?"

"Brother," Penny's voice was filled with indignation and frustration. "Do you know what I just saw? That Evelyn was with some guy at the mall..."

"Penny!"

Owen's icy tone cut her off. Penny paused, quickly backtracking, "Sorry, brother. I didn't mean it. I'm just upset she dared to betray you..."

"My affairs are none of your business," Owen said sternly. "I warn you, if you start spreading rumors to her again, I'll cut off your allowance. And those projects your family is working on, I can pull the plug anytime."

Penny's face went pale immediately, filled with remorse. "I'm sorry, brother, I didn't mean to..."

The line went dead.

Penny clutched her phone, regret washing over her. She should have known better than to mess with Evelyn. But what about her cousin? Did he truly not care about Evelyn anymore? If not, why didn't he react when he heard she was with another guy?

Unbeknownst to her, Owen wasn't indifferent. He had immediately pressured the mall management to release their security footage from that afternoon, only to find out Everett had already taken care of it. Nothing showed up on the recordings.

Outside the town center, a cool breeze welcomed them. Everett was putting the shopping bags into the trunk when he received a message from his assistant.

"Mr. Scott, I found out that the Morgan family is trying to acquire a piece of land near the city outskirts. A few permits are pending. Should I make some calls?"

Everett glanced at Evelyn in the passenger seat, his fingers tapping lightly as he replied with three words: "Delay the process."

He then pocketed his phone with a calm expression and got into the car.

Seeing him return, Evelyn instinctively put her phone away and asked, "Is everything settled?"

Everett nodded. "Yeah. It's getting late. Do you want to dine out or eat at home?"

Evelyn thought for a moment, her smile brightening. "Let's go home."

No matter what was available outside, she still craved Everett's cooking.

Everett lightly tapped the steering wheel. Home. He liked that word. He chuckled softly and started the engine. "Alright, I'll whip up something special at home."

The weekend passed quickly, and with the start of a new week, rumors about Evelyn being married began spreading at school. Initially, Evelyn felt anxious, the memory of previous gossip still fresh. Even though the defamatory articles had been suppressed, whispers still lingered. But gradually, the atmosphere started to shift.

Colleagues who once avoided her began greeting her again. Even Director Clark, during a meeting, specifically advised, "Don’t spread rumors. Trust our school's teachers." After the last incident, Evelyn knew the director hadn't suddenly grown a conscience. It was likely the principal had intervened for her, prompting the director to stop causing trouble.

With Director Clark setting the tone, many colleagues began reconciling with Evelyn. They still had to work together, so Evelyn didn't make things difficult for them. She just mused on how her life had improved since marrying Everett.

That evening, she shared this with Everett while he was cooking.

Everett was in the kitBennettsautéing. Hearing her, a smile twinkled in his eyes. "As long as you're happy."

Evelyn leaned against the kitBennettdoor, watching him deftly handle the pan, and suddenly asked, "Did you have a hand in this?"

Everett didn't look up, feigning innocence. "What do you mean?"

"Well... Even with the news about my marriage, my colleagues' attitudes changed so quickly." Evelyn pondered. "And the fact that the defamatory articles disappeared—everyone says I've got someone powerful backing me..."

She wondered if these rumors were orchestrated by Everett. If so, had she just traded one cage for another, escaping Owen only to fall into Everett's?

It wasn't a lack of gratitude; she just didn't want to be under someone else's control. Everett turned off the stove, plated the dish, and then faced her.

"I haven't done anything. Maybe they know you have someone behind you and don't dare to act rashly."

Evelyn realized she might have overthought it. Everett and Owen were worlds apart. She smiled. "I understand. Thank you."

Everett smiled back, handing her the plate. "Set the table; dinner’s ready."

Evelyn took the plate to the table. Behind her, Everett's gaze lingered on her retreating form for a moment. She didn’t need to know the lengths he went to for her. Some people weren't even worth her thoughts.