Chapter 5 - The Ice Monarch's Wrath
Julia turned, sizing up the newcomer. "I'm Julia. Marcus’s wife."
"Ex-wife," Marcus corrected sharply.
Evelyn didn't blink. She walked over to the kitchen counter, setting her portfolio down. "I see. And to what do we owe this unexpected intrusion?"
"That’s none of your business," Julia scoffed. "Marcus and I are discussing custody arrangements. Since he’s suddenly come into money, I think it's time Sophie had a real home with her mother."
Evelyn tilted her head, her icy blue eyes locking onto Julia with the precision of a sniper. "A real home? You mean this company-owned asset that Marcus occupies conditionally based on his employment with my firm?"
Julia faltered. "Company-owned?"
"Yes. I am Evelyn Frost, CEO of Frost Meridian Group," Evelyn said, stepping forward. The sheer weight of her presence forced Julia to take a physical step back. "Marcus does not own this penthouse. He does not have millions in the bank. He is an employee. And if you attempt to drag him into a custody battle based on a delusion of wealth, my corporate legal team—which operates with a blank checkbook—will bury you in litigation until you are bankrupt."
Julia turned pale. "You can't do that."
"I am the Ice Monarch, Julia. I can do whatever I want," Evelyn said, her voice a lethal purr. "You abandoned a child for three years. If you ever threaten Marcus again, I will personally ensure a judge sees the private investigator's file I am going to open on you tomorrow morning. Now, get out of my asset."
Julia looked at Marcus, terrified, before turning on her heel and practically sprinting back to the elevator.
The doors closed. The apartment fell silent.
Marcus let out a breath he felt he’d been holding for three years. He slumped against the kitchen island, covering his face with his hands. "My god."
Evelyn walked over to him. The cold, corporate shark vanished, replaced by the woman who had driven him home at midnight. She placed a gentle hand on his arm.
May you like
"She will never touch Sophie. I promise you," Evelyn whispered.
Marcus looked up at her, overwhelmed by the fierce, terrifying, beautiful way she protected them. Without thinking, he reached out, pulling her into a desperate, crushing hug. Evelyn stiffened for a fraction of a second before melting against his chest, her arms wrapping tightly around his waist.
