I Rejected Being The Investor's Mistress

Everett Scott's car was parked right at the entrance of the school, and Clover Scott had already been picked up by the family driver. Evelyn Howard hesitated for a moment but eventually got into the car.

As the car navigated through traffic, there was a moment of silence inside. "Everett," Evelyn began, unable to hold back as she watched the scenery fly by outside the window. "If I marry you, will I still be able to continue teaching at Wilde International School?"

Everett, with one hand on the steering wheel and his eyes on the road ahead, turned his head to glance at her. He replied sincerely, "Of course you can. You can do what makes you happy. Our marriage won't be a restriction for you."

Evelyn fidgeted with her fingers, uncertain, and spoke again, "What if I choose to marry you just to get out of my current situation? As you've seen, because of Owen Morgan, my work and life are a mess. Would you mind that?"

The car stopped at a red light. Everett turned to her, his gaze calm and reassuring, and said seriously, "There was no emotional foundation between us before. My intention for marrying you isn't purely selfless either. If this marriage can assist you, think of it as a fresh start to embrace a better life."

Evelyn looked at him, suddenly at a loss for words. Everett tapped the steering wheel lightly and said with sincerity, "Evelyn, I keep my promises. You need support, and I can be that for you. As for anything else, I won't force you if you don't want it."

The light turned green. He returned his gaze to the road and restarted the car. "Take your time to think it over. There's no rush."

Evelyn leaned back in her seat, watching the city skyline retreat through the window. Her tangled thoughts began to calm. She thought of Owen Morgan's threats, the duplicitous nature of her colleague Rainie, the suspension crisis, and the principal's support. What seemed like a disaster to her was just a small matter Everett could settle with a word.

As her colleague Adaline had pointed out, if she were in a stable marriage, others would hesitate to attack her personal life with rumors.

She couldn't let her past, where she'd had unrealistic dreams about him, stop her now, could she? Evelyn took a deep breath, turned to Everett, and said, "Everett."

"Hmm?"

"I've made up my mind."

Everett switched on the emergency lights and slowly pulled over to the side of the road, his intense gaze fixed on her face. Meeting his eyes, Evelyn stated firmly, "I agree to marry you. You don't need to worry—I won't cling to you. If you change your mind and want a divorce in the future, I'll agree without any fuss."

The car was silent. Evelyn saw the corner of Everett's lips curve slightly, not much, but it was indeed a smile. "Okay," he said.

Just one word. Yet Evelyn suddenly felt as if she'd made the right choice.

The next day, the rumors about Evelyn at school sharply decreased. Even the usually arrogant Rainie vacated Evelyn's desk without a fuss. During lunch break, Evelyn received a bouquet of vibrant roses without a signature. There was only a card saying, "Do well at work, and I'll pick you up after to get our marriage license."

Looking at the handwriting, Evelyn smiled. Perhaps all of this wasn't so bad after all. In just one day, her colleagues seemed to sense a subtle change in the air. Penny's defeat was evident, and Evelyn seemed to be thriving. Someone had even sent her flowers with a grand gesture.

When curious coworkers asked, Evelyn, didn't hide it. "They're from my fiancé," she said casually. Her words caused quite a stir in the office. However, she had no intention of satisfying their curiosity further. With no classes scheduled for the afternoon, she left early with her bouquet.

As Evelyn exited the elevator, she called Everett Scott. After hanging up, she inhaled the scent of the roses in her arms, a bright smile blossoming on her face.

It was truly a beautiful day—clear skies and a gentle breeze—perfect for getting the marriage license. As she enjoyed the moment, an unexpected visitor approached. It was Owen Morgan's assistant, Jake Nash.

"Miss Howard, our boss would like to invite you to dinner." Evelyn's expression cooled. "No thanks. I might feel sick just looking at his face."

Jake Nash showed no sign of offense. Instead, he glanced at the roses she was holding and said, with a hint of implication, "Alright, I'll report back to him as you wish."

"Do what you like, you sycophant," Evelyn muttered, rolling her eyes and walking past him without a second look.

Jake turned to watch her retreating figure and calmly said, "Miss Howard, our boss has also invited Dr. Jensen Romero."

Evelyn stopped abruptly. Dr. Romero was her sister's primary physician. Taking a deep breath, she stiffened her face. "Lead the way."

Jake Nash's face broke into an appropriately subtle smile as he gestured, "After you."

In the car, Evelyn stared at her chat window with Everett Scott for a long time before hesitantly typing out a message.

"Everett, I'm sorry, but I can't go get the license with you today."

Though she was the one who agreed to the marriage, she felt deeply guilty about bailing on their agreement to obtain the license. But she had no choice. Her sister's condition was rare, and Dr. Romero's team in Manchester was crucial to her recovery. She couldn't let Owen Morgan jeopardize that.

As soon as she sent the message, Evelyn received a call from Everett. "Is there any trouble? Do you need my help?" His steady and resonant voice was filled with an all-encompassing sense of security.

Evelyn's worried heart settled a little. She laughed softly, "No, I can handle it."

"Alright, stay safe."

Everett hung up, watching the business sedan drive further away. He pressed down on the gas, following discreetly.

At the restaurant, Evelyn pushed open the private room door just in time to see Dr. Romero shaking hands with Owen Morgan, his face alight with excitement and gratitude. "Mr. Morgan, your ambition is impressive. On behalf of everyone, thank you and best wishes for your continued success."

It seemed like they were having a lively conversation. Evelyn's unease grew as she called out, "Dr. Romero..."

"Ah, Miss Howard," Dr. Romero turned, acknowledging her with a nod before picking up his briefcase from the chair. He addressed Owen with polite formality, "Since your guest has arrived, I won't intrude further. I'll await your good news."

Owen nodded with arrogant grace and gestured for Jake. "See Dr. Romero out."

"Dr. Romero, my sister..." Evelyn attempted to speak with him, but he acted as if he didn't hear her, leaving without turning back.

Evelyn turned to face Owen, seated at the head of the table, her eyes as cold as a knife. "What did you do, Owen?"