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?"

Owen Morgan sipped his coffee slowly, the soft light accentuating the sharp contours of his face. Evelyn Howard glared at him, eyes blazing with indignation. He leisurely swirled the coffee cup in his hand, saying, "I haven't done much, really. Just helped Dr. Jensen Romero achieve his dream of studying abroad and promised to fund all his research expenses going forward."

Evelyn’s eyes widened in disbelief. "You want Dr. Romero to go abroad? What about my sister?"

Owen raised an eyebrow, smirking as he placed the sturdy coffee cup heavily on the table, his voice laced with sarcasm. "What's your sister got to do with me? You're so noble, so impressive; why don't you just find another leading doctor for her? Is it wrong for me to sponsor someone out of goodwill?"

Her whole body trembled with fury as she glared at him insolently. Owen had cornered her, knowing she lacked the connections and resources to find anyone better than Dr. Jensen Romero.

Owen’s gaze traveled over Evelyn with a suggestive glance, assessing her from head to toe. "Evelyn, I don’t want to make things difficult for you. Just say the word, and I can bring in top experts from New York to make sure your sister gets treated."

As he spoke, his gaze fixated on her smooth, fair legs, and his hand inched closer to them. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through Evelyn, prompting a violent shudder.

Her temper finally snapped, and she grabbed the coffeepot from the table, swinging it fiercely at his head. "You jerk, get lost!"

She’d had enough! From the moment she accidentally ran into Owen three months ago and started being hassled by him, she'd been holding back this anger. Now it burst free.

Thick blood trickled down from Owen's head as he let out a faint curse, his eyes filled with malice. "You dare hit me, Evelyn? Have I been too kind to you?"

Evelyn took a step back, her chin raised defiantly. "You've gone too far. You can pester me all you want, but my sister means everything to me. If you dare harm her, I'll drag you to hell with me!"

She appeared calm on the surface, but her hands were shaking so much she could hardly lift them. The bright red of Owen's head wound made her feel faint.

"You ungrateful wretch. Do you honestly think I care about the lives of you and your sister?" Owen snarled. "The game’s over, Evelyn. Today, no one can save you."

Ignoring his bleeding wound, Owen lunged to grab Evelyn. In a panic, she shoved the chair at him and sprinted for the door.

Owen tripped over the chair, sprawling clumsily on the floor. Before he could react, the smoke alarm blared overhead, releasing a cascade of water that drenched him.

Cursing under his breath, he got to his feet, drenched and furious, as Evelyn shouted out. "Somebody, help! Mr. Morgan has fainted, quick, come in..."

The bodyguards stationed outside heard the cries and burst into the private room immediately. "Mr. Morgan, are you alright?"

Taking advantage of the chaos, Evelyn dashed for the exit. Owen wiped the water off his face, shouting angrily, "Idiots! Get her back!"

The sound of footsteps behind her sent a surge of terror through Evelyn. She couldn’t let them catch her!

In her desperate flight, she collided with a warm, protective figure. "Are you alright?" a familiar voice asked, and Evelyn looked up.

She found herself enveloped in Everett Scott's embrace, his arm securely around her waist, casting a steely gaze at the approaching bodyguards. Evelyn clung to Everett's arm, her voice trembling, "Mr. Scott..."

"It’s okay," Everett assured her softly.

In the next moment, he scooped Evelyn up in his arms, glaring at the bodyguards with icy authority. "If you want to keep your jobs, back off."

Intimidated by his commanding presence, the bodyguards could only watch helplessly as he carried Evelyn into an elevator. As the elevator descended, they hesitated, unsure whether to pursue them. Moments later, Owen emerged.

Clutching his wounded forehead, he kicked one of the bodyguards in frustration. "Where is she?"

"She... she got away with someone," one stammered.

"Who?" Owen demanded.

"I don’t know," came the muttered response.

"Useless!" Owen seethed, his headache intensifying. Seeing the elevator had reached the ground floor, he knew it was too late to catch them now. Just then, the restaurant manager appeared, drawn by the commotion in the private room.

"Mr. Morgan, oh my, what happened?" the manager exclaimed.

Seething with suppressed fury, Owen barked, "Get the surveillance footage. I want to know who had the guts to snatch her away from me!"

In the surveillance room, as the manager squirmed under Owen's glare, the screen showed only static. "Mr. Morgan, it seems the cameras malfunctioned today. We didn’t capture the hallway, and the smoke alarm's issue is still under investigation."

Owen kicked the wall in frustration, everything going wrong. Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, Everett had already helped Evelyn into his car.

As the events replayed in her mind, Evelyn felt waves of relief mixed with fear, curling up like a frightened rabbit. Sitting beside her, Everett asked with concern, "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine..." Evelyn shook her head, clutching his arm tightly as if it were her lifeline. "I... I injured Owen. Could I go to jail for this?"

Her stunningly beautiful face was pale, combining fragility with resilience—strength born from adversity.

Everett gently patted her back to calm her. "No, you won’t."

"That's a relief." Evelyn exhaled, a timid smile appearing. Hitting Owen had been satisfying. But as she thought of her sister still in the hospital, her spirits fell again.

"So, Mr. Scott, are you still willing to marry me? The registry office should still be open."

Everett looked at her. She was terrible at hiding her emotions—her fiddling fingers as good as confessing: I’m sorry, I need to use you.

Without hesitation, Everett replied, "Yes, let’s go get the marriage license now."

Half an hour later, they emerged from the registry office. Everett opened the car door and moved to the driver's seat. Evelyn, holding the marriage certificate, glanced at Everett’s faintly smiling picture. Her own expression beside him was somewhat stiff.

Her heart beat wildly. "Regrets?" Everett's voice sounded in her ear.

"No," she replied, sliding the certificate into her bag. "It's just that..."

She didn’t finish before her phone rang. The caller ID displayed Owen's name. Evelyn’s fingers froze for a moment. Everett took a quick glance but said nothing, simply stepping aside to give her space.

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn answered the call.

Owen Morgan's voice on the phone was as sure and arrogant as ever. "St. Mary's Hospital, inpatient unit. Evelyn, I'm waiting for you."

Evelyn Howard tightened her grip on the phone, her voice strained. "I'm not coming."

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a soft chuckle. "Oh really? Are you done worrying about your sister? Evelyn, I don't have time for games. You'll come whether you like it or not. Otherwise..."

His voice lowered, carrying a clear threat. "Your sister in the ICU can forget about getting any more medical care."

Evelyn's heart clenched tightly. Her sister—her one vulnerability. Images of her sister's pale face in the hospital room and the mounting medical bills filled her mind. Evelyn's slender frame trembled slightly until suddenly, a comforting hand rested on her shoulder from behind.

"Are you okay?" a deep voice asked, full of reassuring warmth.

Evelyn looked up into Everett Scott's eyes. There was no curiosity, no pity—just calm concern. In that instant, her racing heart settled.

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn's voice steadied. She spoke clearly, "Owen Morgan, I'm married!"

Silence followed before Owen spoke again, disbelief evident in his voice. "Married? To whom?"

He couldn't believe anyone in Manchester would dare marry the woman he was after.

"It's none of your business. Just know that you should stop bothering me."

With that, Evelyn hung up and immediately blocked Owen's number.

On the way back, Evelyn occasionally glanced at Everett Scott beside her, pondering how to bring up her sister's situation. Just then, Everett received a call.

"Are they here?" His voice was deep, unemotional. After a brief exchange, he hung up.

Noticing Everett's gaze on her, Evelyn asked softly, "What's going on?"

"A relative has come from London. I've planned dinner to welcome them. Would you like to join me?" Everett proposed.

Evelyn pressed her lips together nervously. Were they already meeting family so soon after tying the knot?

Sensing her hesitation, Everett said kindly, "It's okay if you're not ready yet."

Meeting Everett's gaze, Evelyn took a deep breath. "I'll go with you." After all, she had already married Everett, and meeting his family was inevitable. Besides, she needed his help regarding her sister's situation. Perhaps after meeting his family, she'd find a chance to discuss it.

As the car drove through the city, neon lights bathed her delicate profile in silence.

They arrived at the familiar restaurant. Upon entering the private room, Evelyn saw an elderly man with gray hair but bright eyes. She realized she wasn't as composed as she thought.

She had little experience dealing with elders. What if Everett's family didn't accept her?

Seeing her anxiety, Everett gently squeezed her hand and warmly greeted the elder. "Grandpa Romero, it's been a long time."

He shook their clasped hands slightly and introduced her, "This is my wife, Evelyn Howard."

"Honey, this is Grandpa Romero, a close friend of my grandfather."

The warmth of Everett's hand instantly calmed Evelyn's racing heart. Blushing, she greeted, "Hello, Grandpa Romero."

Jensen Romero eyed Evelyn discerningly, then nodded approvingly. "Hello, Evelyn. Please, take a seat."

No sooner had Evelyn settled into her seat than Jensen mildly admonished Everett, "You rascal, you didn't even tell us about getting hitched."

Evelyn thought he was displeased with her, and she stiffened. But Jensen laughed heartily. "I bet old Scott doesn't know yet, does he? Am I the first to hear this great news?"

Everett was relaxed around Jensen but showed clear respect. Sitting beside Evelyn, he nodded lightly. "Yes, we just got our license and haven't told the family yet."

Jensen gave Everett a satisfied pat on the shoulder. "Good job, you picked a lovely wife."

"Just last week, fishing with your grandfather, he was worried that with your attitude, you'd end up on your own forever. Little did he know you'd head to Manchester and secretly tie the knot."

"When will you inform the family? Ideally, head back to London and throw a big party. Give your grandparents something to celebrate."

Hearing this, Evelyn tensed again. The insecurity she had pushed aside rushed back. How could she, an ordinary woman, marry someone like Everett from a distinguished London family?

Sensing her unease, Everett gestured for the dishes to be served, steering the conversation elsewhere. "There's no hurry, Grandpa Romero. Tonight is about you."

Jensen chuckled, raising his coffee cup. "Alright, alright. I know you're on top of things. No more questions."

"Evelyn," Romero turned his warm smile to her, "I didn't know you were married when I came, so I didn't bring a gift. Here's a card with some money. Treat yourself."

With that, Romero placed a black card on the table and nudged it toward her.

Evelyn's eyes widened. Was this one of those limitless black cards you read about in romance novels? Who accepts such an extravagant gift upon first meeting?

She hurriedly declined, "Oh, no, no, Grandpa Romero, I couldn't."

Romero feigned sternness, "It's just a token. If you don't accept it, you're offending me!"

Afraid of upsetting him, Evelyn glanced at Everett for help. Seeing her pleading, watery eyes, his heart softened, and he gently ruffled her hair. "Take it. Grandpa Romero's not short on cash. No worries."

Evelyn hesitated, "But..."

Romero 's face turned mock-stern. "If you keep refusing, I'll really get grumpy."

With no choice, Evelyn took the card, "Then I'll accept it, thank you, Grandpa Romero." She decided to return it to Everett later, unwilling to use it.

During dinner, Romero asked about Evelyn's work. Learning she was a teacher, and Clover Scott's teacher no less, he nodded with satisfaction and playfully challenged her to guess his profession.

There was no way Evelyn could know, so she discreetly squeezed Everett's hand under the table.

Everett raised an eyebrow, his tone nonchalant. "Grandpa Romero is a specialist in neurology."

Neurology. Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. Could he really be Jensen Romero, the professor?