Evangeline's eyebrow arched, her focus unbroken.She opened the door and left without hesitation.Walter stood alone, a towering figure, as menacing as a demon risen from the depths.His thoughts were swirling, haunted by her declaration that she would find another man and have kids, but that he would never father these children.His brows knotted in anguish. He let out a bitter, mocking laugh.Face set hard, he fought the rage boiling in his veins and strode into the bathroom.On the way, he dialed his assistant Oscar. "Lock down the lobby, Julia is not to set foot in here."Walter was right on the money; Julia had been a ticking time bomb since getting Evangeline's text. She made a beeline for the Strata King Group tower, only to be stopped abruptly by the security detail.Her calls to Walter hit a dead end, and Evangeline had blacklisted her.Fury consumed her, her eyes blazing with volcanic hate.She lost it, screaming at the top of her lungs, "Evangeline's up there with
That was exactly why Evangeline had had the guts to stand up to Walter."And what about Mr. Walter Gordon?" Wade inquired, eyeing Evangeline's cheerful demeanor. They still had to decide whether to proceed with the divorce in court.Evangeline had informed Holden about the matter and, concerned about Cole's health, could not bring herself to burden him with the troubles between her and Walter."We'll talk about it later. Walter is a real piece of work. If I go crawling back to him, I'd be the biggest fool," Evangeline declared. However, fate had a cruel twist in store. Before the day was out, Cole's assistant Asher was on the phone again, that time with dire news: The hospital had declared Cole critically ill.Evangeline raced to the ICU, finding her grandfather ashen-faced, her own eyes brimming with tears.Cole had raised her after her mother's departure and gave her a childhood filled with love. He became her rock, and she, his only granddaughter. However, then, a call from U
Evangeline took a deep breath, realizing this would not be the day things got resolved.After yesterday's ugly confrontation and her plotting against him, she was sure he would be looking for payback.Walter chuckled as if she had told a joke.He slipped into a black robe, nonchalantly pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. He was not a regular smoker, but he let the bright flame flicker and smoke swirl around him.The smoke masked the icy storm in his eyes. "Didn't you say you didn't want it yesterday? Leave!"Evangeline's mind raced back to the previous day.She did not need to guess; she was certain Walter had been with Julia."I was wrong yesterday."She approached him, eyes downcast.Walter sat sprawled out before her, a picture of languid arrogance tinged with a hint of gloom. At her admission, he scoffed. "Ms. Rearden, are you admitting a mistake? That's a rarity."He pulled her closer, right between his parted legs, and tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.
Walter rubbed his fingers together, chasing the ghost of Evangeline's touch.Unable to shake the agitation within, he found himself lighting a cigarette, breaking a long-abandoned habit.Evangeline, alone in the bathroom, let the water cleanse her as if it could wash away her troubles.Just then, a call from Cole's assistant, Asher came in. She snatched up the phone, desperate for news about her grandfather.With a trembling finger, she hit the answer button.Relief washed over her as Wade, her bodyguard, delivered the news with barely contained excitement. "Miss, your grandfather's out of surgery, and the doctors say he's out of the woods for now.""That's wonderful," breathed Evangeline, her emotions a tangled mess."However, you're still needed to lead the company, to keep everyone steady. We're making critical moves up north, and Strata King Group isn't making it easy," Wade pressed on.Evangeline's resolve hardened. "Wade, let them know I'll be there for the meeting tomorr
"Walter, I'm all cleaned up. What's next? If there's nothing, I'm off to bed."Evangeline was about to head to the guest room, being considerate.However, Walter called out, "Wait.""What's up?" she looked back at him."Come here, sit with me."Evangeline hesitated. With a resigned nod, she complied.Walter's eyes gleamed with mischief as he watched her approach.She walked over and brazenly sat on his lap. She pushed him back onto the bed and untied the robe's sash."I didn't see this coming," Walter murmured, his desire flaring."Oh? There's a lot you don't see coming," Evangeline quipped as she climbed onto him, the robe falling away to reveal swathes of pale skin. "Tell me, how did Julia take care of you last night?"Beneath her, a bath towel was the only thing left covering him. It was clear he was more than ready for her teasing.As their skin brushed against each other, the air crackled with electricity. The room was charged with a sultry heat and unspoken promises.
Evangeline nestled into the bedding, her body coiled with discomfort, commanding herself not to ponder where Walter had disappeared to.She tried to focus on the upcoming board meeting and what challenges it might bring.Everyone knew that in the Foster family of the South was a beloved young woman who was the center of attention and adoration. She was the cherished granddaughter of Cole and the niece of James, the fifth son of the Cole family. She had been groomed as the future heir to the Foster family's century-old legacy.The 'Little Princess Foster' was once a legend among the southern gentry. She was said to be fiery, radiant, and imperiously unyielding, always getting her way.Yet, for the past three years, the princess who was once the object of envy and spite had vanished.Rumors swirled that she had lost her inheritance for crossing Cole. Whispers of foul play within the family's ranks circulated.However, the truth of her absence was unknown to all—she had married. Mar
Eventually, Cole left his gambling life behind and, with his friends, founded Foster Group. The company expanded rapidly, dominating the north and starting to clean up its act.The Foster family became untouchable, a name that commanded respect and fear alike.The old-timers at the company were Cole's original crew, the brothers-in-arms who had been through thick and thin with him.Back in their younger days, they thrived on freedom and carried that same laid-back attitude into their work, creating a company culture that broke the mold of traditional business.That meant things got done fast, but it was not without its share of dark corners.…Evangeline was practically invisible to them in the conference room.A privileged princess, they had thought. Was she really up to the task of steering the Foster Group's stormy ship?Amid the murmurs, a sudden thud echoed through the room.The middle-aged man who had been blabbing that Evangeline was Cole's goddaughter was kicked far aw
Evangeline's gaze swept across the room as she spoke, sharp enough to keep everyone from looking her in the eye.Gone was the gentle composure she showed with the Gordon family, replaced by the ironclad authority of a woman in charge."Any objections? Now's the time to speak up," Evangeline stated calmly.With Cole's right-hand man, Asher, standing behind her, his respect bordering on reverence, it was as though Cole himself had entered the room. Who would dare step out of line?After all, Cole, the notorious gambling tycoon, was a name that sent shivers down their spines. Cole might be bedridden, doting on Evangeline with every fiber of his being, but his reputation in the business and underground worlds was still formidable.Everyone was convinced that she was Cole's granddaughter, and her eyes—calm yet piercing—were a mirror image of Cole's own.David, who had just been ousted, served as her first lesson to the company. She did not even spare the old-timers' pride.Who would
Celina noticed that Evangeline was about to leave and asked with concern,"Are you going out, miss?"Evangeline nodded while picking up her bag, not understanding why Celina's brows were furrowed.Before she could ask, Celina continued, "The Gordon family is in turmoil recently, and with your relationship with Walter… it might be best if you don't go out and attract attention."Evangeline could easily understand the meaning behind Celina's words. The Gordon family was in a crisis, and she had poured more fuel on the fire at a critical moment, practically throwing herself into the whirlpool of public opinion. If she went out, it was highly likely that paparazzi and reporters would follow her, and the consequences could be unimaginable."I'm sorry, but I still need to go."Evangeline's worry for Trey had reached its peak. Facing Celina's concerned expression, she reassured her, "Don't worry, I'll be careful. If necessary, I'll bring a few more bodyguards."Celina knew she could not
Some people also said that Walter had pushed out Alex. Gordon Group was going through a period of turmoil, suffering from investment failures, compounded by The Bennex Corporation's reckless and aggressive maneuvers, which were essentially pushing the company to the brink of collapse.The only way for Walter to temporarily calm the storm and give the company a chance to regroup was to push Alex out and take the blame for everything.As the news spread, its impact grew larger, and some even dared to publicly tag Gordon Group's official social media account. It was expected that Gordon Group would follow their usual approach of not responding and turning a blind eye.To everyone's surprise, the company issued an official statement within 10 minutes.The news that Mr. Alex Gordon had been incarcerated was true, but the specific reasons would need to wait for the police's verdict.This brief announcement confirmed the speculations of social media users.However, Gordon Group was not
Evangeline listened to Thomas's lament and felt a wave of sadness in her heart.However, there were too many such people and stories in Avalon City, and she could not sympathize with all of them.Besides, Carl had done many bad things while working for Alex. How could she pity him?"Is there nothing else? No more information? Those who are pitiful must have their faults."Evangeline was not someone whose sympathy overflowed, nor did she want to connect with this situation."My men discovered that Carl has been wandering around Avalon City recently. His whereabouts are completely uncertain, and we've been unable to track him down or know where to start looking."Thomas fell silent for a moment, and Evangeline could only hear the sound of a mouse clicking.After some time, he added warily, "Carl is probably looking for his family."Before Alex was arrested, Carl secretly returned home one night. What exactly happened is unclear, but the next day, his family was taken away. And the
Perhaps going out for a walk with Celina to clear her mind would help her regain her composure.To her surprise, Celina declined Evangeline's suggestion and said, "No, I want to go on a stroll alone.Seeing the sadness in Celina's eyes, Evangeline did not know what to say."Ms. Evangeline, I'm just feeling down for no reason. You don't need to worry about me. Maybe it's because… I've been too idle."In the past, Celina always had various tasks, but after returning to the Foster family, there were no more tasks, no work, and her sole focus was on David.All of a sudden, Zhang Tao recovered and no longer needed her.She needed some quiet time to rediscover her own value. Otherwise, she would only live in confusion and self-doubt.Evangeline did not insist. Adults need time for themselves, after all. She could not take away the time for solitude that Celina needed just because they had a good relationship."Then… be careful."Evangeline patted Celina's shoulder and watched her le
Evangeline's brow furrowed. This situation was indeed tricky."Why is Carl Fowler still running around outside on his own when his boss has been exposed? If I were him, with Alex arrested, I'd rush back to Southern Crownlands immediately. Even if I couldn't return here, I'd send the message to the Bennison family as quickly as possible."Instead, he's been wandering around Avalon City!"Evangeline's speculation was not without merit. After all, if Carl had sent news of Alex's arrest back to Southern Crownlands, the Bennison family would have taken action. They would not be unaware, like they were at this moment where they've fallen for Walter's smokescreen and did not even realize it.David stroked his chin thoughtfully. "There's definitely something else going on here, and we just haven't figured it out yet. Is Carl wandering around because he's looking for something—or someone?"Having been by Alex's side, he naturally understood the dangers around him.Avalon City was especiall
"Insufficient evidence!"Evangeline and David seemed to be perfectly in sync. David looked at Evangeline with admiration."You truly are incredible, ma'am. Your analytical skills are simply amazing!""You don't need to flatter me. Since you led me to this conclusion, you must have a solution, right?"Gordon Group never kept idle people, and Walter was a perfectionist when it came to hiring. Therefore, the fact that David had worked under Walter for so many years was enough to prove his capabilities.Realizing he had been seen through, David awkwardly scratched his head. "I do have a plan, but it's still a bit underdeveloped, and I don't know if it will help Mr. Gordon."Since he was not sure, he did not dare to bring it up to Walter, only discussing it behind his back with Evangeline."Come on, tell me. Maybe it'll help."If the evidence Walter had was not enough, Gordon Group would remain in turmoil. Trey Gordon was still in the hospital recovering, and the situation at Gordon
David and Celina had lived in Southern Crownlands for a while, so they knew where the Bennison family's base was located. What Evangeline was concerned about, however, was the enormous amount of information carried by this statement."Do you know where Walter got this phone number from?"Whoever used this number would prove to be connected to the Bennison family.If the key person behind the scandal involving Gordon Group could be traced, the company's troubles would be resolved in an instant.David shook his head. "Mr. Gordon only instructed me to investigate this phone number. He didn't say where it came from."Ma'am, the president is holding up Gordon Group on his own. Don't you think we can do something too? Like, helping him catch the key person?"David's tone was uncertain, but his eyes flashed with a sly glint.Evangeline knew he had already devised an idea before speaking to her. She leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, and glanced at him sideways. "Speak up, what's yo
"But you know David didn't do anything wrong, right?"If he had, then Celina would not have said she was waiting for him to finish his task. Instead, she would have barged into the study and confronted him immediately.Celina lowered her gaze. "Yes, I know."Both of them were workaholics, and once there was work to be done, they would not care about anything else. So, Celina understood David's feelings very well. That being said, she did not want him to neglect her."I just hate his boss. If it weren't for him giving David some task, he wouldn't be like this."Walter is such a heartless boss. My David is still seriously injured, yet he gave him such an important task. It's practically exploitation!"Just when David could barely move around again, he started working like a dog for Walter!Evangeline did not care about any of the exploitation talk. Her attention was solely on one thing, and that was…"What task did Walter assign to David?"Evangeline's intuition told her that th
After all, if The Bennex Corporation knew about it, it would mean there was an insider in Gordon Group who was working for the Bennison family. At that point, it would trigger another internal purge.Walter finally regained his focus, and the entire Gordon Group was filled with a sense of harmony and renewed vigor. Even the department head of the Operations Department, who had been tortured by stress for days, looked relieved. He knew that the time for their president to strike back had finally arrived!The intense applause from the employees expressed their excitement.Walter felt unexpectedly touched. After all, if the employees did not have any sense of belonging to Gordon Group, they would not have been moved by his sudden actions.Some even shed tears.Evangeline also had not expected that the moment of action would come so soon. She really had waited for Walter to strike back.Apart from this, what surprised her was that David had mysteriously gotten busy. Even Celina, who