"Cool?""Cool?"Caden did not even get to finish his sentence before Walter and Evangeline cut him off, their voices overlapping in perfect unison—and they were saying the same thing!Their unexpected sync drew a collective gasp from the crowd.Caden flashed a 'zip-it' sign and kept the banter going. "Look at you two, in perfect harmony. If that's not fate, I don't know what is. But this tit-for-tat thing is getting old. How about we spice things up with a game? Nothing too crazy, just a round of Truth or Dare. It'll be a blast!"Caden had his reasons for suggesting the game.Walter and Evangeline were constantly at each other's throats, which was not helping anyone. Maybe a game could have broken the ice, gotten them to open up, or even shared a close moment. Either way, it could have only helped.What Caden did not realize was that Evangeline had seen right through his little ploy.She did not respond right away but instead turned to Hank, who was standing nearby. "Hank, what
"Congrats, Ms. Edmonds, your turn to pick—Truth or Dare?"Caden's voice had been tinged with a mix of feelings.He had brought up the game to smooth things over between Walter and Evangeline. However, things seemed to be spiraling a bit out of hand.As expected, Felicia's hopeful eyes locked onto Walter right next to her. "I'll take a dare. Mr. Walter Gordon, how about we share a drink with linked arms?"Everyone knew what that meant—a gesture of closeness, usually reserved for couples.Felicia's motives for cozying up to Walter were as clear as day.Her challenge sent a wave of whispers through the crowd, all eyes fixed on Walter for his response."To link arms and drink with a new flame right in front of his ex? Talk about drama!""Walter won't actually go through with it, will he? I've heard those divorce rumors are bogus, and they're trying for a baby. If he takes up Felicia on her dare, he's basically asking for trouble, right?"What the crowd did not realize was that the
Evangeline and her colleague Hank were not exactly cozy with each other, so Caden figured that his best bud Walter was Evangeline's only real option.Caden's perfect plan was about to crumble, which was too bad."This dare... sure is spicy," Evangeline remarked coolly, almost as if she were merely commenting on the weather.As everyone watched with bated breath, her gaze glided over the crowd and settled on Hank. Her eyes made her choice clear without a word.Caden was stunned. Had he just helped his rival?On the other hand, Felicia could not contain her glee.She did not care who Evangeline picked, just as long as it was not Walter. She was thrilled!Always one for drama, Felicia clapped and eagerly asked, "A French kiss, is it? So, who's the lucky guy, Ms. Evangeline?"Hank, ever the gentleman, opened his arms in a welcoming gesture."If you're game, I'm ready."He gazed at Evangeline, his deep blue eyes brimming with emotion. Their locked gazes in the midst of the crowd w
"Evangeline, can you not make a scene, please?"Evangeline was not playing around, however. She meant business this time.She had always known about Hank's crush on her. She just never reciprocated because Walter was the only one in her heart. Since she and Walter were on the brink of divorce, it was time to cut the cord for good.Taking advantage of this dare, kissing Hank was her bold declaration to Walter that she was done with him for good.Hank's years of silent devotion had not gone unnoticed by her, moreover. If she could, she would be ready to open up to him.Even though Walter was not there to see it, with everyone watching, it would have the same effect.Evangeline was sure of it: By sunrise, the whole of Avalon City would be buzzing about her steamy kiss with Hank. Once that happened, there would be no turning back for her and Walter…Lost in thought, she locked eyes with Hank. The excitement in his gaze was unmistakable. Why did she feel this twinge of guilt staring
Evangeline and Hank froze.A glimmer of hope sparked in Caden's dull eyes.The crowd had scrambled to find the source of the mood-killing noise.Hank scowled as he fished out the offending phone from his pocket.His eyes had shown a tinge of regret, and the urge to keep going with Evangeline had disappeared as soon as he saw who was calling.With Evangeline looking on, worried, Hank had taken the call. The more the person on the other end had talked, the tighter Hank's frown had become.Hank ended the call, and Evangeline noticed a sheen of sweat on his brow—a rare sight. He was always so cool and collected, like a prince out of a storybook."What's up?" she asked, her voice laced with concern."Just a little hiccup at the company," he replied, trying to sound nonchalant, but Evangeline could hear the edge of worry in his voice.The company had to be Foster Group, which Hank had recently taken charge of. Suddenly, Evangeline was not in the mood for games. She took hold of Hank
Evangeline halted, a storm brewing in her mind. She stood frozen in place.Walter caught the change in her stance and strode over, his grip firm as he yanked her into the car without a word.The ride was eerily quiet.Inside, Evangeline's anger simmered, ready to boil over.Walter was seething too, unable to stomach the thought of Evangeline wanting to kiss another man right in front of him. He gave her the silent treatment.They arrived at Crystal Waters House.Walter did not bother with manners, practically dragging Evangeline from the car and into the house.The door slammed shut behind them, and Walter's voice cut through the silence, sharp as a knife. "Evangeline, I can't stand that Hank guy. I'm warning you—stay away from him!"He had disliked Hank from the moment he heard they were childhood friends. After seeing Evangeline choose Hank's kiss over his own, Walter wanted nothing more than to make that thorn in his side vanish.Evangeline, shrouded in darkness, just laugh
Evangeline's suspicions were well-founded.The Fosters would not sabotage their own empire, and in Avalon City, the only one with the means and the boredom to pull off such a stunt was Walter.She had expected him to at least play dumb. Clearly, she had played down how low he could stoop."What if it was me?""What if it was you?" Evangeline's anger surged, finding a perfect target as she confronted him head-on. "Tell, me Mr. Walter Gordon. Since when is toying with the company a laughing matter?"Gordon Group was Trey's pride and joy. Walter, as his grandson, should have known better than to mess with it."Really? You're one to talk! Making a spectacle by almost kissing Hank in front of everyone… Weren't you the one treating our company like it was some kind of joke? All I did was pull a little stunt to clean up our act," Walter shot back, standing his ground."Should I just sit back and watch you trash the good names of Gordon Group and Foster Group? Do nothing?" Walter's word
Evangeline had seen this coming, and Wade's confirmation did not raise an eyebrow."Let him know he can head home for some rest once he's up. He's had a rough night and deserves a break."Hank had only just started working with her, and she felt a twinge of guilt for roping him into her problems so quickly. She owed him an apology, sure, but she would find the right moment—something laid-back and fitting.Just then, the receptionist dashed up the stairs, breathless, "Ms. Evangeline, your parents are downstairs asking for you."Evangeline was taken aback. No one else but Andrew and Lydia would dare claim to be her parents. She had them under surveillance since their last fiery argument, and somehow, they had given her watchers the slip.Perfect timing, she thought. She had been meaning to confront them anyway.What Evangeline had not anticipated was the chaos her parents were causing at the front desk. Andrew plopped down on the reception couch, legs crossed arrogantly, barking or