The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover-Chapter 375: Return as the Walters Group CEO!

Evelyn nodded.

"That’s why I still need your help. For now, you’ll run things as usual. Next year, you can start reporting to me by phone, video call, smoke signals, carrier pigeon...whatever works. But I won’t be in the office for a while. I hope you understand."

Joseph stared at her for a moment, then exhaled with a short laugh.

"Only you would receive a corporate empire and immediately ask for remote work."

"Well, I didn’t ask for this anyway..." she replied, a faint smirk touching her lips.

Joseph shook his head in amusement, then grew sincere again.

"Sure, Eve. I understand. And for what it’s worth... I think your grandfather made the right choice."

Evelyn’s smile softened. "Thank you, Jo. I will call you later to discuss the details."

"Sure..."

Behind them, Axel watched quietly, his gaze never leaving her.

When Joseph finally stepped aside to let them enter the elevator, Axel moved to her instantly, his presence solid and steady.

As the elevator doors closed, Evelyn leaned subtly into him, exhaustion settling over her bones.

Tonight, she achieved her teenage dream of becoming the CEO of Walters Group.

But she was also slowly losing her grandfather. And no corporate victory could soften that ache.

...

As soon as they reached the car, Evelyn didn’t even wait for Liam to start the engine. The moment the door closed, she turned toward Axel, her brows knitting together.

"You didn’t say a word about the conditions Grandpa has placed on me. Why do you seem to be allowing me to accept it?" she asked.

Axel paused, studying her face as if translating a language only he could hear. Then he frowned slightly. "You mean... the conditions Grandpa has for you to be the CEO of Walters Group?"

Evelyn nodded. Her eyes carried a flicker of uncertainty.

Earlier, in that hospital room, she had been ready to refuse Samuel’s request. She had already made peace with her quiet life. Working from home. Analyzing data under a false identity. Raising Oliver. A slow, steady world where no one screamed at her in board meetings.

She had been content.

Axel reached for her hand and laced their fingers together, squeezing gently.

"I saw the light in your eyes when Grandpa said it," he said softly. "That moment when your grandfather said he was giving you the shares and the position as the new CEO. Your eyes were beaming. I know then that you wanted it, Eve. You just didn’t know how to say it."

Evelyn blinked, caught off guard. For a brief moment, she only stared at him, her lips parting slightly in surprise.

That’s indeed her teenage dream. However, those dreams were broken when her father kicked her out of the family. She no longer wished for that anymore and decided to keep those dreams close to her heart, buried deep inside.

Then, an amused feeling fills her heart. "Gosh, Axel. Can you read my mind now? Wow...I’m impressed," Her tone carries genuine awe mixed with amusement.

Axel leaned back against the seat, looking absurdly proud of himself. "Yeah. That’s my newest ability."

He even lifted a hand and pinched her nose playfully.

From the driver’s seat, Liam failed to suppress a chuckle.

Axel’s eyes darted toward the front, and his expression sharpened. He cleared his throat. Liam instantly straightened, though the smile still lingered at the corner of his mouth.

"Sorry, boss," Liam said, still focused on the road. "I’m just amazed by your superhero skill. If the young master finds out, he’ll be jealous."

Axel didn’t look impressed. "Liam. Turn on the divider."

"Yes, sir." Liam did not waste a second. He pressed the button, and the glass partition slid up smoothly, sealing them off from the front.

Evelyn shook her head, laughing softly. "Hubby, stop giving Liam a hard time."

Axel turned toward her. The cold edge he had shown a moment ago dissolved completely, replaced by his familiar calm and tenderness. His gaze softened, steady and warm.

"Alright, my darling wife," he said. "I will give you the real answer."

"I believe this is the best opportunity for you, Eve. You’re intelligent. You’re capable. And you’re passionate about this field, even if you pretend otherwise. I don’t want my wife to stay at home doing nothing that fulfills her just because it’s safe. You deserve to shine where your heart truly wants to be."

Hearing his wise words, Evelyn felt something settle warmly in her chest. Not pressure. Not expectation. Just trust.

She lowered her eyes, squeezing his hand back. "Axel... thank you."

He brushed his thumb over her knuckles. "Besides," he added lightly, "if my wife becomes a powerful CEO, it saves me the trouble of conquering another company."

She laughed again, softer this time. "So this is actually about expanding your empire?"

"Maybe," he said, feigning seriousness. "Or maybe I just like seeing you win."

Evelyn’s smile turned tender. She felt even more flattered hearing his words.

It was a strange feeling, one she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Excitement fluttered in her chest at the thought of a new future ahead. But beneath it, a quiet fear lingered. A sense that something unknown was waiting for her beyond this decision. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

The car moved smoothly through the quiet city streets.

She stared out the window for a moment, watching city lights blur past, before Axel’s voice pulled her back.

"But, Eve..."

She turned toward him. This time, his eyes were sharper, more serious, though the gentleness never left them.

"Yes?"

"You can’t take the company right away," Axel said firmly. "You need to be healthy before returning to the Walters Group. And remember... our family is your number one priority."

Evelyn blinked, then smiled.

His words mirrored exactly what she had told Joseph minutes ago. She had already decided not to step into the CEO role until she fully healed.

Yet hearing Axel say it aloud, with such quiet authority and care, made her feel protected rather than restricted.

"I will follow my husband’s request," she said, trying to sound obedient and proper.

But the playful sparkle in her eyes betrayed her.

Axel leaned closer, catching that look. A slow smile curved his lips as he closed the distance between them, capturing her mouth in a soft kiss.

Evelyn let out a tiny giggle against his lips, her earlier worries shuttered for a moment.