Chapter 167: The Invitation

Evelyn finally gave in to Joseph’s request.

He invited her to sit in the seating area at the far end of the room. It was quiet there, separated from the others.

But as they walked, she could feel Axel’s eyes following her.

That gaze of his always made her heartbeat pick up for reasons. She turned slightly and caught his eyes across the room.

He wasn’t smiling, but the corner of his mouth twitched, as if reminding her that he was watching.

Evelyn smiled back casually, pretending it didn’t fluster her, and then continued walking beside Joseph.

She sat gracefully on the sofa and gestured for him to take the seat opposite her.

“Alright, Joseph,” she said calmly. “What do you want to talk about?”

Joseph took a deep sigh before saying, “Eve, there’s a charity dinner next week. A big one, hosted at The World Cultural Center. I need you to come with me to the event.”

Her brows lifted slightly. “Wait, Joseph… you’re asking me to accompany you?”

“Yes,” he replied quickly. “I need you. Or rather, Walters Group needs you.”

Evelyn’s polite smile froze. “Damn, Jo! That’s a curious way to start a conversation.”

Joseph chuckled while rubbing the back of his neck.

“Look, the company’s reputation still hasn’t fully recovered since… everything that happened. Business partners are watching closely, and investors are being cautious. If you attend this event, it’ll send the proper signal of positive recovery.”

He paused to smile bitterly before continuing, “People still respect you, Eve, for surviving and fighting back when the evil William Walters had exiled you. You’re the face everyone associates with Walters Group now. You can bring the company back into the light.”

Evelyn leaned back, feeling relieved.

She had assumed, at first, that Joseph’s invitation had been something more personal… and the idea had felt awkward, considering she was very much a married woman.

But now that he explained, she realized this was business, not sentiment.

Still, the request wasn’t simple.

“You’re asking me to appear publicly, at a charity dinner?” she asked softly, more to herself than to him.

Joseph nodded.

“Yes. It’s the biggest charity dinner of the year. CEOs, investors, celebrities, the media… Everyone will be there. If you walk in as Evelyn Walters, one of the company’s largest shareholders, it could turn everything around.”

She fell silent for a moment. The weight of his words pressed heavily on her chest.

Four years ago, Walters Group was her world, her family’s pride, and her burden. However, she no longer uses the Walters name after her own.

Although Oscar gave her a grand online debut a few days ago, attending a business gala under the Walters Group now would feel too soon—or even wrong—for her.

And there was Axel. She needs to discuss this with him before making any decision.

“Eve,” Joseph’s voice softened, pulling her from her thoughts. “I know this sounds uncomfortable. But I wouldn’t ask if there were another way. You don’t even have to speak on stage or speak to anyone. Just show up, smile, and shake hands. That alone could help.”

Evelyn tilted her head slightly, watching him. His eyes were sincere, almost pleading. She sighed, half amused. “You make it sound like I’m some kind of miracle worker.”

“You are,” Joseph said earnestly. “For the company, at least.”

That made her laugh. “Oh, stop. You’re making me sound like a mascot.”

“More like a legend,” he corrected. “You disappeared, and now everyone wants to know what really happened. If they see you confident and happy, it’ll silence the rumors.”

Evelyn didn’t answer immediately, her mind spinning with thoughts.

“I’ll think about it,” she finally said. “I need to talk to my husband first before making a decision.”

“Of course,” Joseph replied quickly. “I understand.”

Joseph smiled, relieved, as a calm voice could be heard behind them.

“You can go, Eve.”

The deep, familiar voice made Evelyn’s heart skip. She turned hurriedly, startled to see Axel standing there.

His expression was calm, almost unreadable, though a trace of amusement flickered in his eyes. He walked toward them with measured steps and sat down beside her.

“Axel, are you sure?” she asked, her tone uncertain.

Axel didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he reached for her hand and squeezed it gently, his thumb brushing over her skin.

Only then did he look at Joseph. “You said the fundraising event is next week at The World Center?”

Joseph blinked, caught off guard. “Y-Yes, sir,” he stammered. “Next Friday evening. I apologize if I sounded inappropriate by asking your wife to attend.”

Axel’s lips curved slightly.

“No need to apologize. You’re asking for the sake of her company.”

He leaned back comfortably, still holding Evelyn’s hand.

“From a business point of view, I agree with you. It’s a smart move. Walters Group could use that kind of positive attention.”

Evelyn blinked at him. She had expected at least a hint of jealousy or a sarcastic remark. Instead, he was composed entirely.

“But,” Axel continued, turning his head toward her, “as a husband, I’d say the decision is yours. Follow what your heart tells you.”

His tone was calm, but the warmth in his gaze made Evelyn’s chest swell with gratitude.

He stroked the back of her hand again with his thumb, and that tiny gesture said more than words ever could.

Joseph looked between them awkwardly, clearly relieved that Axel wasn’t angry but wise enough to give her permission.

Evelyn exhaled softly, finally relaxing. She smiled, a little shy, but grateful. “You’re not angry?”

“Why would I be?” Axel asked lightly. “You’re not going there for anyone but yourself. And for the company. Eve, remember, you invest tons of money in the Walter group but always end up with a negative return…”

With a gentle smile, she listened to his reasoning and found herself agreeing.

While her main goal was to acquire those shares to kick out her father from the company, she also couldn’t resist the temptation of seeing a return on her investment.

For a moment, they just looked at each other, the air between them softening into something more profound and quieter.

Then Axel turned to Joseph again. “Send her the details of the event. We’ll make sure she’s ready.”

“Yes, sir,” Joseph said immediately. “Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mrs. Knight.”

After a polite nod, Joseph excused himself, leaving the two of them alone in the seating area.

Evelyn remained silent for a few seconds, still processing what had just happened.

She finally turned to Axel. “You handled that better than I expected.”

“Were you hoping for drama?” he teased.

“Maybe a little,” she admitted with a grin. “It’s strange. You used to get so easily jealous.”

“I learned,” he said simply. “Jealousy is easy. Trust takes work.”

That answer caught her off guard. She blinked, then smiled softly, her heart warming at his honesty. “You’ve changed, Axel.”

“Or maybe you have,” he replied, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “You don’t run anymore. You stand and face things. It makes me want to do the same.”

Evelyn’s laughter was soft and sincere this time. “You’re full of surprises, Mr. Knight.”

He leaned closer, his voice low. “You married me. You should expect a few.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep