The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover-Chapter 383: Work Problem In Nevalis

"Good," Axel said finally. "Take care of Ethan. Make sure he receives proper medical treatment. I need him to recover as soon as possible."

"Of course, boss. They are already transferring him to the basecamp, where he will receive the best medical care.

"I will fly there tomorrow morning."

Silence hit the other end of the line.

"Collins!?"

"Boss..." Collins’ voice carried a clear shock now. "If you come personally, you’ll expose your identity. You know that."

Axel opened his eyes, gaze fixed on the dark horizon beyond the window.

He thought of Ethan. The boy he had pulled from death. The man who had stood beside him without hesitation. The brothers’ fate had given him in the strangest way possible.

And now... someone had tried to take him away.

Axel’s lips curved into a faint smile. Not warm. Not gentle.

Dangerous.

"Let it be," he said simply.

Collins did not argue further. He knew better.

The call ended. Axel lowered the phone slowly, his expression returning to its usual composed elegance, as if nothing had shaken him at all.

But the air in the room had changed. It grew colder, as if the heater had malfunctioned.

"Man, you really should get some sleep now, or your wife will find out you’re working till down again..."

Axel smiled faintly as he left his study room.

...

The next morning arrived quietly.

Evelyn woke to a faint rustling sound. The sound was coming from the walk-in closet.

Her eyelids felt heavy, her body still wrapped in the warmth of sleep, but curiosity nudged her awake.

She turned her head toward the sound, squinting into the dim room.

"Huh...?" she murmured.

She lifted her arm and tapped the digital clock on the bedside table. The glowing numbers blinked back at her.

5:42 AM.

Her brows rose.

"Axel’s awake?" she muttered, her voice raspy with sleep. "So early? It’s not even six yet. The moon hasn’t even retired from its shift."

She pushed the blanket aside and carefully swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Her knee protested slightly, but she ignored it, reaching for the hair tie on the nightstand.

With slow, clumsy movements, she gathered her messy hair into a loose ponytail.

By the time she finished, the closet door opened.

Axel stepped out, already dressed in a black shirt and matching trousers. His hair was neatly styled. His watch sat perfectly on his wrist. Not a single wrinkle dared exist on him.

He looked painfully handsome, unfair to humanity.

When their eyes met, he immediately walked toward her, his expression softening.

"I’m sorry," he said gently. "Did I wake you?"

Evelyn tilted her head, studying him like a suspicious cat. "I heard noises. And now you’re fully dressed like a corporate vampire ready to conquer the world before sunrise."

His lips twitched before forming a faint smile. "Is that a compliment?"

"I haven’t decided yet," she said, trying to look stern but failing.

Axel sat beside her and reached for her hand, his warm fingers wrapping around hers.

"I have to fly to another city this morning. I need to settle something there."

Evelyn blinked, fully awake now. "Was it sudden? I don’t remember you mentioning anything last night."

A flicker passed through Axel’s eyes. Anxiety. Worry. Something deep and hidden.

But before Evelyn could question it, he spoke smoothly. "Work problems in Nevalis. I can’t delegate them to my director. So I have to go, whether I like it or not."

Evelyn searched his face for a moment. She knew him too well. When Axel said something lightly, it usually meant the opposite.

Still, she only nodded.

"Alright. Go," she said softly. "But take care of yourself. I don’t want my husband to return with an injury!"

Axel’s expression eased, like tension loosening from his shoulders. "Don’t worry. It’s only work. I promise I’ll return today and have dinner with you and Oliver."

He lifted his hand and cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over her skin.

Then he leaned in and kissed her lips—slow, gentle, unhurried. A kiss that carried reassurance, warmth, and something unspoken underneath.

When he pulled away, he smiled. "What are you going to do today?"

Evelyn looked up to meet his eyes, "Let’s see. I will watch dramas, enjoy my munchies, and train with my personal trainer. I need to practice walking... I feel like running already."

Axel gave her a knowing look. "Take it easy."

"I know," she sighed. "I’m just impatient. I want to move normally again. I’m tired of walking like a wounded duck."

"A gorgeous and charming wounded duck."

"Flattery will not heal my knee," she said, but her lips curved anyway.

He placed two fingers under her chin and gently tilted her face so she met his eyes. "My wife," he said softly. "Don’t force yourself, hmm?"

Her heartbeat skipped for reasons unrelated to her injuries.

"Hm. I will listen to you," she replied.

"Good." His tone shifted back to calm command. "Now lie down again. This is far too early for you to be awake. No need to walk me to the door."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "How about breakfast? I can accompany you..."

"I won’t take breakfast," Axel shook his head. "The crew cabin will prepare it for me."

Of course they will, she thought. Billionaire problems.

Axel helped her lie back down, pulling the blanket up to her shoulders like she was something precious he refused to let get cold. He kissed her forehead, lingering for a second longer than necessary.

"Bye," she murmured, eyes already starting to close again. "Call me when you land."

"I will."

He turned off the bedside lamp, leaving only faint moonlight filtering through the curtains. With one last glance at her, Axel quietly left the room, the door closing without a sound.

Evelyn stared at the ceiling for a moment.

Something about his business trip felt... different this time.

But she pushed the thought away. He promised he would return today. Have dinner with her and Oliver. Everything was fine, and will continue to be fine.