The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover (Evelyn) novel Chapter 358

Chapter 358: The Question Between Them

"Well, Axel asked me to come. Something important we need to discuss," he replied calmly. Then his eyes lifted toward her again. "I’m more surprised to see you. Are you sleeping over?"

"Yes," she answered, walking toward the opposite sofa and sitting down, pretending her heartbeat wasn’t suddenly sprinting. "I came with my mom to visit my sister..."

"I see." His gaze lingered on her face a second longer than necessary. "Then I apologize for disturbing your horror-movie plans."

Stella stiffened. "How did you—"

"I hear a voice someone was muttering about horror movies in the hallway," Dylan said smoothly.

Her ears burned. "I was not muttering," she lied immediately.

"You were," he confirmed, eyes glinting with quiet amusement. "It was... cute."

Silence.

Stella blinked, suddenly unsure whether to defend herself or bury her face in a cushion.

"Anyway," she said quickly, "since you’re here for a secret midnight business, and I’m here to avoid emotional damage, I suppose we’re both trapped in this living room."

Dylan leaned back slightly, gaze never leaving hers. "Seems that way."

Neither of them looked away.

And somehow, the horror movie no longer seemed necessary.

After a few more minutes in awkward silence, Dylan was the first to break the growing awkwardness between them. He cleared his throat softly, setting his tablet aside before looking at Stella.

"How’s your day lately?" he asked, voice calm, neutral, as if they were simply two acquaintances sharing a quiet evening.

Stella was slightly surprised when she heard his tone. It was softer than his previous words. Now, there was no tension in his voice, no teasing, no flirting. Just... genuine interest in listening about her day.

A small smile curved her lips. "Busy as usual, but I’ve survived. How about you?"

"Well, since the boss can’t go to the office lately, my workload has doubled." He said it casually, as if managing an empire on behalf of Axel Knight was the same as filing a few documents.

Stella nods, impressed. "I’m sorry you’re having a hard time."

Dylan chuckled.

"It’s fine. The boss pays me well. I’m not complaining."

He never complained about working for Axel Knight. Everyone who knew them understood their bond. Axel had once pulled him out of a situation he never spoke about, and since then, loyalty wasn’t just a job requirement. It was personal.

"My brother-in-law is indeed generous. Loyal to his friends. To the people he cherishes."

"Yeah," Dylan said quietly. "People around him say that."

Silence fell again.

Not uncomfortable this time. Just... heavy.

Like something waited between them, unspoken and pressing.

Stella’s fingers curled lightly over her knees. Her heart drummed faster, urging her forward before her courage disappeared.

"But Dylan... I’m curious," she said.

He turned to her, brow slightly furrowed, serious now. "What is it, Stella?"

She swallowed.

"How do you manage your private time? I mean... do you have someone you love? Or... cherish?"

The words left her mouth before she could stop them.

Instant regret hit her like a wave.

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