Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 194: Behind Curtains

The warm afternoon sun filtered through the large glass windows of The Royals’ restaurant. The faint murmur of classical music played in the background, adding a touch of elegance to the atmosphere. The clinking of cutlery and hushed conversations blended seamlessly, creating a soothing symphony.

Delphinia let out a soft moan the moment the first bite of creamy lobster bisque touched her tongue. Her eyes fluttered closed, savoring the burst of rich, savory flavor.

"God... is it just me, or is the food in luxury hotels always this good? Or..." she opened her eyes slowly, flicking her gaze toward Evander with a teasing smile, "...because this is your hotel?"

Evander leaned back against the plush leather seat, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement.

"If you like it, then eat more." His lips curved faintly as he reached for Ashton’s plate, cutting the small piece of steak into bite-sized pieces before sliding it back in front of him. "There’s plenty where that came from."

Ashton beamed, happily munching away, his little legs swinging under the chair. Delphinia’s heart warmed at the sight—Evander’s hands, usually so cold and ruthless in business, now so gentle and patient with their son.

"I might just clear the whole menu if everything tastes this good," Delphinia grinned, already reaching for another bite of the seared salmon.

Evander’s eyes flicked toward her lips, watching the way they parted around the fork. A glint of heat flickered in his gaze, but he quickly masked it beneath a lazy smile.

"Then I better warn the kitchen now."

Delphinia chuckled, shaking her head lightly. The corners of her eyes crinkled, her whole body glowing with contentment. This kind of peace... this happiness—it still felt like a dream sometimes.

By the time they finished their meal, the plates were empty, and Ashton was licking a small dollop of chocolate mousse off his spoon with a grin on his face. Delphinia wiped his mouth gently with a napkin, her fingers brushing over his chubby cheeks.

"Alright, time to check the venue," she declared, glancing between Evander and Ashton. "Are you coming?"

Evander arched a brow, clearly not convinced. "Do I have to?"

Delphinia’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she leaned closer, clasping her hands together in a mock pleading gesture.

"Please?"

Before Evander could refuse, Ashton mirrored his mother’s posture, batting his big, round eyes.

"Father, please?"

Evander’s lips twitched, fighting the smile threatening to break free. He sighed heavily, shaking his head.

"You two are dangerous together."

Delphinia giggled, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "That’s why you love us."

He grumbled something under his breath but stood up nonetheless, buttoning his blazer with one fluid motion. Delphinia’s heart fluttered at how effortlessly handsome he looked, even with that faint scowl on his face.

They made their way to the grand ballroom, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the polished marble corridors. When they arrived, the venue was already prepared—every inch of the space glimmering under the crystal chandeliers. The high ceilings draped with ivory silks, and the tables were dressed with the finest linens and delicate floral centerpieces. Gold-rimmed glasses sparkled under the lights, while the faint scent of fresh roses lingered in the air.

Delphinia’s breath caught in her throat.

"It’s... perfect," she whispered, eyes wide as she took in every detail.

Mr. Morris stood nearby, giving final instructions to the staff before turning toward Delphinia with a polite smile.

"I’m glad you approve, Mrs. Walton."

Delphinia flushed slightly at the title but smiled back. "You’ve outdone yourself, Mr. Morris."

He inclined his head respectfully. "Anything for the Waltons."

Evander stayed back with Ashton, his sharp gaze quietly observing everything. He watched the way Ashton wandered around, curiously inspecting the decorations before glancing back at his father—always checking if he was still there. The corners of Evander’s lips softened without him even realizing it.

It was as he stood near one of the tall windows, half-hidden behind the heavy velvet curtains, that he overheard the whispers.

"Who is she, anyway?"

"I heard she always comes with Mrs. Walton... now with Mr. Walton too."

"Maybe just some woman trying to climb her way into the Walton family. You know how these pretty faces work."

"I know. Always hanging around, thinking she’s something special. We’ve seen it all before."

"She’s not even worth their time."

"Yeah. No shame at all."

Evander’s expression darkened, the warmth in his eyes turning to cold steel in an instant.

The voices were hushed but careless—two staff members lingering nearby, unaware of his presence.

Without making a sound, Evander stepped out from behind the curtain. His towering figure cast a long shadow over the two gossiping employees.

"Funny..." he drawled, his voice like ice. "I didn’t know The Royals hired people who had nothing better to do than spread nonsense."

Both of them stiffened, their faces draining of color as they slowly turned around. When they saw who was standing behind them, their mouths fell open in shock.

"M-Mr. Walton—"

Evander’s sharp gaze pinned them in place. "How long have you been working here?"

They stammered out their answers, hands trembling at their sides.

Evander stepped closer, his cold eyes narrowing.

"If I ever hear either of you speaking about my wife like that again..." His voice dropped lower, almost a growl. "You won’t have to worry about working here—or anywhere—ever again."

The two men paled, bowing their heads repeatedly. "W-We’re sorry, Mr. Walton... it won’t happen again."

"See that it doesn’t."

Before he could say more, a soft hand wrapped around his arm.

"Evander?"

Delphinia’s gentle voice broke through the tension like a ray of sunlight. She looked up at him with curious eyes, not yet aware of what had happened.

Evander’s jaw tensed, but he quickly masked his anger, turning to her with a calm expression.

"Nothing... just a couple of employees who forgot their job."

Delphinia’s eyes flicked toward the two men, who stood frozen in place. Her brow furrowed slightly.

"Don’t make a big deal out of it," she whispered, leaning closer. "Just reprimand them a little... it’s enough."

Evander’s eyes locked onto hers for a long moment before he sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

"Fine." He turned back toward the trembling employees. "Get back to work."

They both bowed quickly before running away. Delphinia watched them go, then turned back to Evander with a small smile.

Evander’s lips pressed into a thin line. He wanted to protect her from everything—every cruel word, every careless whisper.

Tomorrow night.

He couldn’t wait for it.