Evangeline snatched up the phone, her voice rushed as she spoke to Alex on the line, "Alex, this gift is way too extravagant, I just can't take it."Just the blue diamond, big as a pigeon's egg, was worth at least twenty million, and that was not even counting the rest of the jewels.Alex laughed. "Nothing is too extravagant for our Foster family's darling princess! Evie, I really put my heart into this. Go on, take it. Didn't your family throw you a massive birthday party? Do me a favor, and rock that dress at the party, okay? I'm bummed I can't see you in it myself, so make sure you snap a pic and text it to me..."The saying 'the Gordons rule the South and the Fosters the North' spelled out just how much clout the Foster family had.In a family that influential, folks from every social circle were itching to rub elbows with them.So, for the Foster family's princess, her birthday celebration was the hottest ticket in town, with a full house and a who's who of high society in at
"Grandpa, what's got you so mad? Is it because you think it's not cool for me to be live-streaming my birthday party? I can shut it off right now—I just don't want you to be upset..."Evangeline did not even let Cole get a word in, quickly turning off the live-stream.Cole was still fuming, his face a stormy shade of gray. "Evie, tell me, why didn't Walter show up?"Evangeline dreaded questions about Walter. Panicking, she blurted out the same excuse she had used before to brush off her grandfather, "Remember? I said Walter was super busy today, he couldn't make it...""Don't you lie to me!" Cole cut her off. "Just because I'm getting older doesn't mean I'm clueless! Come clean now, I'm giving you the chance! The whole thing about you two wanting a kid, was that a fib to fool me? And if there's anything else you're keeping from me, spill it now!"Trying to keep her cool, Evangeline gave an awkward smile, "I swear, I'm not lying to you, Grandpa."She blinked rapidly, silently plea
Those pale, chapped lips and the slight tension in Walter's brow said it all.Family dramas had always been unpredictable, especially with the Gordons owning the South and the Fosters controlling the North. These two clans essentially ran everything. As long as Walter and Evangeline remained married, nothing was ever certain. Upsetting one of them could easily have meant offending both.The crowd was full of sharp cookies, and when they heard Walter's question, they were quick to butter him up."No way, Mr. Walter Gordon, you're too kind. Everything is of the highest quality! It's just your granddad-in-law—he's a bit miffed that his favorite granddaughter's hubby was a no-show at her birthday. Better go smooth things over."The guy talking put on a friendly act and scooted closer to Walter, spilling the beans about what was going on.Once he said that, the whole vibe of the place did a 180—from stuffy to buzzing with excitement. Everyone was cracking up, eager to see how Walter wo
Evangeline had been on her toes all day because of Cole, and she finally slipped away from his gaze. Could she not even take a moment to chill out?Walter gave her an exaggerated eye roll. He grabbed a glass of orange juice from a passing tray and grimaced after tasting it. "Ugh, this is nasty."Walter had always turned up his nose at sour flavors. The moment the tangy taste hit his tongue, his face twisted into a frown that looked downright silly with his sharp suit and shiny shoes.Evangeline could not help but burst into laughter. "You knew it was awful and you still made me try it? Are you trying to make sure if you're not happy, nobody else can be either?""And what if I am?" Walter abandoned his battle with the orange juice and fixed her with an icy stare. "Evangeline, have you forgotten what time it is for us? Drinking during the pre-pregnancy phase? With genes as stellar as mine, do you want to risk alcohol turning our son into a dunce? Could you live with that?"Evangelin
Out of nowhere, someone else chimed in on the drama."Seriously, we're all just wasting our time here. The Gordons and the Fosters—whether they split or stick it out, we're all just trying to stay on their good side. Why sweat the small stuff? Knowing who not to tick off is the real trick!"This guy had a point, but it did not do much to squash the curiosity bubbling up in the crowd. The chatter got louder and more heated by the second.Right then, a squad of slick bodyguards strutted through the crowd, lining up in formation without missing a beat.The Fosters' clout in Avalon City was no secret, but this kind of showy entrance? It had 'mystery' written all over it.Evangeline, who had just gotten back to Cole, could not help but get caught up in the spectacle.Before long, the man of the hour was in Evangeline's sights.Instead of the fancy leather shoes she was expecting, a set of wheels rolled into view.A gasp rippled through the crowd."Isn't that Alex Gordon, the family
All eyes shifted to Walter, whose face had turned a shade of stormy blue.His wife and his kin Alex were sharing a moment so intimate, it was as if they had forgotten he existed. Was he, her husband, invisible to them?Moreover, how could Evangeline parade around in another man's gift at such a significant event as her birthday banquet? Did she spare a thought for him at all?To Walter, the gown was like a glaring stain he desperately wanted to scrub away. However, with Cole and the uncles around, he had no choice but to bottle up his rage.The guests had filled the room, and the birthday banquet was about to hit its stride with the most awaited moment just on the horizon.Evangeline, the birthday girl of the hour, took her place at the center of attention.First up was her uncle Yale, looking extra sharp in his formal attire. He came forward with a neatly wrapped, square box and handed it to Evangeline with a sense of ceremony."I have been out there, working my tail off for ye
Evangeline flipped through the documents, and her eyes widened at the sight of the lifetime ownership papers for a private island off the Mastorwell coast."Are you seriously giving me an island?"Jack's voice was calm and steady as he said, "You know, we all have those days when we're just not feeling it, totally wiped out. I figured my awesome niece might need a chill spot for those times. I've got you covered on the island—food, clothes, a place to crash, and transportation. You have to check it out, okay?"Evangeline nodded eagerly. "Oh, absolutely!"Holden jumped in. "Handing out houses and islands like candy, but Mastorwell is a million miles away. How's she supposed to get there? You guys missed a beat. But not me—check this out!"Like magic, the ownership papers for a private jet fluttered into Evangeline's hands."The pilot is an old pal of mine, high-grade and completely safe! Evie, you're going to love it!""Uncle Holden, you're the best!"Evangeline threw her arms a
James' voice carried a note of self-deprecation, but everyone there knew the truth.James was a legend, a top-tier lawyer with a golden touch. Most lawyers bill by the hour or by the case, but not James. His time was so valuable that he charged by the minute, and only the big shots could afford to get him on board.Around Evangeline, however, he was just a big softie, playing the fool to make her laugh. Everyone was in on the joke, and it only made them respect him more.Evangeline had unwrapped so many presents that the thrill was starting to wear off—until she saw the unusual gift box from Uncle James. Her curiosity sparked back to life.She opened the box with care and pulled out a rolled-up piece of paper. It was a painting!Unrolling it, she was greeted by a serene autumn landscape. The golden oak leaves fluttered gently in the breeze, while the deep red maples stood tall, adding a vibrant contrast to the scene. The painting's deer, captured mid-leap, added a touch of gracefu
The department head raised his face to the ceiling and let out a long, mournful sigh, practically on the verge of tears. "President, when will these days of suffering finally end?"Walter patted the man's shoulder reassuringly. "Soon… maybe in three or so days?" he answered warily. After all, the end of the department head's torment was not something Walter could dictate—it depended entirely on the Bennison family.If David could uncover evidence of collusion between Alex, The Bennex Corporation, and the Bennison family, then the timeline might speed up. If no evidence was found, it would drag on indefinitely, and Walter had no idea when the ordeal would end.Sensing the hesitation in Walter's words, the department head looked at him with tearful eyes and asked, "President, are we really going to make it?"Walter nodded firmly. "Of course. You have to trust me."After watching the department head leave, Emma appeared at Walter's side immediately. "Mr. Gordon, the operations depart
Walter took the document from the department head. Upon inspecting it, his expression darkened.The department head, terrified of being caught in the fallout of his boss's fury, quickly started rambling, "Seriously, what is this? Gordon Group is already in such a fragile state, and Madam has to announce something like this now? Isn't this just kicking us when we're down?"And now? Those holding back because of the Foster family's influence are free to act. They'll be coming after us with no mercy!"The department head, drenched in sweat, could practically see Gordon Group being carved up by opportunists. He was on the verge of despair.Walter, however, calmly flipped through the materials in his hands, page by page, without showing any urgency or making any decisions."President, surely you're not going to leave me to figure this out again, are you?"The department head was at his wit's end. When he came for instructions the last time, all he got was vague guidance to 'handle it
As long as this phone number can be traced back to the Bennison family, the series of numbers that appeared on the phone could serve as powerful evidence of Alex colluding with the Bennison family to bring the Gordon Group to ruin.This alone would be enough to convict Alex. The Bennison family's intentions would also crumble into nothingness.Walter had pieced everything together but was even more curious to understand Alex's inner thoughts. He wanted to know what was going through Alex's mind when he placed those two items in the drawer.Was he genuinely exchanging himself for the Gordon Group's safety? What could have caused someone, who once hated the Gordon family to the core, to have a complete change of heart?Walter did not answer the call but jotted down the number and sent it to David, urging him to investigate it as quickly as possible.Meanwhile, whoever it was persistently tried to call as if unwilling to give up until Alex picked up.After three unanswered calls, th
Evangeline's words caused a flicker of darkness to pass through Hank's eyes. He lowered his gaze slightly before continuing, "I remember that although you and Walter are divorced, you haven't officially announced it, have you?"Evangeline nodded. "Though it hasn't been made public, the news was so widely spread back then that it's no longer a secret."Using the news of her divorce from Walter to further damage Gordon Group's reputation likely would not cause much of a stir.However, Hank shook his head. "Since the words never came from your mouth, no matter how clear the rumors might be, they're still just that—rumors. Nothing definitive."The reason Gordon Group has managed to stay relatively calm amid the storm is because those behind the scenes believe that Gordon Group is still backed by Foster Group. That's why they're hesitating to strike."If they did not act, Walter would not have a better opportunity to counterattack and would be forced to endure the pressure.Hearing th
With just Evangeline's brief explanation, Hank's mind had crafted a hypothetical plan that aligned with Walter's approach."Evie, I think I've figured out his intentions. If Walter is holding a trump card but isn't rushing to use it, it means he's confident. On this battlefield, he's determined to emerge as the champion."Evangeline nodded. "I think so too, but I still don't understand why he's pushing to expand the negative impact.""Have you ever had a boil?" Hank asked out of nowhere, surprising Evangeline.Were they not discussing business strategy? Why had they suddenly veered into dermatology?"What about boils?" she asked, her eyes widening in confusion.Hank only smiled more warmly. "A boil needs to grow to a certain extent before you can drain the pus completely, ensuring clean healing and faster recovery."If I'm not mistaken, there's likely a mole within Gordon Group. Or maybe there's a powerful force behind The Bennex Corporation secretly orchestrating all of this."
These words gave Evangeline the boost of courage she needed.Taking a deep breath, though still slightly uneasy, she asked, "Are you aware of the current situation with Gordon Group?"Hank immediately displayed a look of understanding.Evangeline had always been bold and straightforward except when it came to Walter. He was like her destined nemesis—everything turned unusual whenever he was involved."You want me to leverage Foster Group's reputation to help him?"Gordon Group's reputation had suffered significant damage. For Foster Group to assist Gordon Group, it would have to risk its own reputation to repair Gordon Group's crumbling public image.In his view, such an act was akin to cutting off one's flesh to patch up a sore. As a shrewd and capable businessman, he would never entertain such an idea.Noticing Evangeline's subdued expression, Hank knew he had guessed right.By rights, Evangeline, as the future heir and actual decision-maker of Foster Group, outranked him. He
Perhaps this was the moment Walter had been waiting for?Evangeline could not help but wonder. However, she did not realize that her thoughts, attention, and focus had all unconsciously centered on Walter.She suddenly recalled Walter's words.'If you want to help me, do anything in your power to amplify the negative impact that The Bennex Corporation caused to Gordon Group.'That sort of task seemed more suited to Hank's expertise… but ever since she rejected Hank's advances last time, they had not contacted each other. If she called him out of the blue, would it be awkward?What Evangeline did not know was that Hank was already waiting in the living room on the first floor of the villa. He assumed Evangeline was still asleep and declined the housekeeper's offer to notify her. He chose to wait downstairs instead.Eventually, the housekeeper, unable to ignore it any longer, cautiously knocked on Evangeline's door. "Miss, are you awake?"Evangeline quickly responded, "I'm awake.
"You! Y-you shameless rogue!"Evangeline was so flustered that her words came out jumbled.Walter—despite their divorce—still dared to act this way toward her. Whatever he had in mind was neither reasonable nor lawful. If necessary, she could call the police!Walter maintained an expression of pure innocence, feigning confusion. "How am I being shameless? Vivi, I haven't done anything, have I?"His roguish demeanor made Evangeline feel a wave of distaste. Nonetheless, a strange and inexplicable sensation crept into her heart.Walter could feel he was pushing his luck in teasing her. Not wanting to truly anger her, he quickly reined himself in. "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing you. The company is fine, and so am I. Don't worry about anything."In truth, Walter's playful banter and many words had a singular purpose: to reassure her heart. He could weather the storms surrounding Gordon Group. As for Evangeline, all she needed to do was stay safe at the Foster family's place and
A soft cough broke the silence. Walter, unwilling to wait any longer, spoke with a hint of self-mockery, "I know you don't want to talk to me, nor do you want to hear my voice. If it weren't something important, I wouldn't have called."His explanation struck a chord in Evangeline's heart. She frowned in confusion and said, "If it's important, then just get to the point, okay?"She hated herself for being like this.She had told herself countless times that Walter was nothing more than a stranger, someone completely unrelated to her life.All that, and every single time, her emotions were swayed by his every move, leaving her torn between resentment over her lack of resolve and her inability to stop being affected by him.Walter's words brought Evangeline to the brink of an emotional outburst, reminding him of what David had said, 'Don't worry if a woman gets mad at you. Women only lose their temper over things they care about.'In that case, he should be glad that he still had t