Chapter 264

Sky Mirror Residence overlooked the shimmering Yonder River. Each floor housed only one lavish unit, making it one of the most coveted addresses in the city center.

On the 28th floor—

Evelyn collapsed onto the couch like melted wax, exhaustion weighing her down. She didn’t want to move a muscle.

A plush, cream-colored cat—more butter than fur—leaped into her lap, nudging her insistently with its head.

That was enough to make Evelyn sit up and indulge the demanding creature.

The cat, Mia, had been rescued by Sebastian from the countryside eight years ago.

At first glance, Mia looked like a pampered aristocrat. In reality, she’d survived on scraps in a damp basement with Evelyn, Seraphina, and Sebastian before their fortunes changed.

Now, she lounged in luxury, feasting on gourmet meals.

Seraphina warmed milk in the open kitchen, glancing toward the living room. "Boss, what miracle brought you back today?"

Evelyn curled up on the oversized couch, drowsily stroking Mia. "Took a day off. Figured I’d check on you two."

Seraphina adjusted her gold-framed glasses and set the warm milk on the coffee table. "Nathaniel actually let you go?"

Evelyn sighed, eyes still closed. "He’s busy. Won’t notice I’m gone."

Truthfully, she just didn’t feel like returning to the Grayson estate today. The thought alone made her chest tighten.

Sebastian emerged from his shower, dropping onto the single-seater. "Boss, I need your chestnut cake."

Seraphina shot him a withering glare. "She just got back, and you’re already demanding desserts?"

Evelyn waved a lazy hand. "Too tired today. I’ll bake it tomorrow."

Sebastian smirked triumphantly. "See? That’s how she spoils me."

Seraphina rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to smack him.

This dynamic was nothing new. Evelyn mothered Sebastian when she had the energy and bossed him around when she didn’t.

They’d met as teenagers—three lost souls who clawed their way out of misery together. Newmoon Group was their hard-won sanctuary.

No more living under someone else’s roof.

Seraphina ignored Sebastian, focusing on Evelyn. "About Grayson Group’s new office design—they’ve been pushing for updates. I stalled them, but when do you plan to deliver the draft?"

Evelyn sipped her milk. "Three days. I’ll email Nathaniel directly. Once he approves, I’ll handle the exterior details. You’re off the hook."

Sebastian propped his chin on his hand, grinning. "Boss, isn’t Nathaniel your husband? Why email when you could just… discuss it in bed?"

Evelyn’s expression iced over. She leveled him with a glare. "It’s a temporary marriage. We’ll go our separate ways when it’s over. Drop the nonsense."

Sebastian blinked, startled. Even Seraphina stiffened at the sudden chill in Evelyn’s voice.