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
"Evie, life hasn't been kind to you, and no matter how much your uncles and I try, we can't take the place of your real parents."Normally, I wouldn't give you a gift at my age—it might mess with your luck. But how could I not give you something for your first birthday with the Fosters?"Cole's heartfelt words made Evangeline's eyes brim with tears."Grandpa, you don't have to do anything..."Before she could finish, Cole gestured for her to be quiet."I don't have much to give, and I wouldn't want to curse your luck, so I'll just give you a little something to remember this day by."With everyone watching, Cole lifted his left hand. The emerald jade of his ring drew all eyes to it.That ring was the very one Cole had won from the last great gambler in his legendary victory. Once it became part of the Foster family, it turned into a symbol of their authority.As the onlookers held their breath, Cole slid the ring off his finger.The excitement was palpable, with gasps echoing
With everything laid out before her, Evangeline found it impossible to say no.The serious talk was done, and it was finally time for everyone to relax and share a moment or two.This was Evangeline's favorite part. She was not one for small talk, but she could not turn away her uncles' kindness.Finally free, she was eager to reconnect with Alex, whom she had not seen in far too long.The fact that Alex was using a wheelchair—and she had not known—pained her deeply.Without hesitation, Evangeline wheeled Alex out to the back garden.As they reached the swing, Evangeline noticed a woman with an effortless grace entering the garden. She looked up and realized it was the same woman who had helped Alex earlier. With a polite smile, she acknowledged her presence.The woman took her place next to Alex's wheelchair with a practiced grace, her eyes twinkling with a smile that did not quite reach the distant look in her gaze. She seemed to be somewhere else entirely.Evangeline's gaze