Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44 Tension Rises

Is that not a direct slap in the face?

“It’s fine. Let’s stay,” Elena said calmly.

She had wanted to leave because of Nathan and Camille. But now that Evelyn was here, leaving would invite misunderstanding.

After Elena agreed, Alexander signaled the server and ordered a meal for Evelyn. During dinner, how he made no effort to engage her in conversation. He and Elena ate quietly.

Evelyn had not come just for steak.

After a few bites, she dabbed her lips with a napkin and asked casually, “I heard you’re not very close w the Hart family. Do your parents even know you and Alexander are getting married?”

Elena paused mid–cut and set her knife and fork down. “They don’t know. And I don’t plan on telling them.”

Richard and Catherine had never cared much about her life. Their focus had always been on Camille.

There was no reason to inform them about her marriage.

Evelyn frowned slightly, dissatisfaction flashing in her eyes. She had heard the rumors. Elena had been lost for eighteen years before being brought back to the Hart family. Even so, the relationship remaine distant. Perhaps the girl simply was not likable.

Her impression of Elena dipped further.

‘So you’re planning to marry Alexander on your own? When the Hart family finds out, won’t they objec

Her tone revealed no affection for the Hart family. Richard’s greed was well known in business circles.

Alexander’s brows furrowed, about to speak, but Elena smiled calmly and answered first. “I’m an adult. I make my own decisions.”

Evelyn lifted a brow. At least she has a backbone.

Her dislike eased slightly, though not entirely.

“I wasn’t in favor of this marriage,” Evelyn continued. “But Walter insisted, so I won’t argue. Still, I have expectations. Alexander’s work keeps him busy. You’ll need to be a supportive wife. It’s not as if you’ll be bringing in significant income anyway. Staying home and taking care of him would be best.”

Elena’s delicate brows finally drew together.

She exhaled softly. “I have my own career. Marriage doesn’t mean one person sacrifices everything. I’ll fulfill my responsibilities as a wife, but I love my work.”

Elena frowned. Of all the places to run into her. She was considering how to respond when Camille sm knowingly. “This is kind of a date–night spot, isn’t it? Are you sneaking around behind Nathan’s back?”

Elena let out a light laugh. “Oh? So if you’re here, it must be a date too. Who’s the lucky guy? Don’t tell i it’s my husband?”

Camille had been waiting for this. She softened her voice deliberately. “Actually, yes. Nathan knew I’d be upset lately, so he brought me here to cheer me up. Nathan, over here. I just ran into Elena.”

Nathan had been looking for Camille. When he saw Elena, his face stiffened. Worried she would misunderstand, he hurried over.

“Why are you here?” he asked quickly. “Mom asked me to take Camille out for dinner.”

Dinner? At a romantic couples–only restaurant?

Elena resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “You needed a place like this just for dinner?

Nathan faltered.

He shot Camille a look, silently blaming her choice.

Camille quickly redirected the conversation. “We’re just friends. Victoria said this place had a nice atmosphere, so I thought we’d try it. But what about you? Don’t tell me you’re here with Ryan?”