Evangeline was clear when she laid down the plan: She wanted to keep this private from the Foster family.She had a baby on board, and if her overprotective uncles caught wind she was still fretting over Lydia, they would probably storm the villa to make sure she was playing it safe and baby-focused. It was best to keep things on the down-low for smooth sailing.Unbeknownst to each other, Evangeline and Walter's crews ended up loitering around Sunny Glow Beauty Salon. Little did they know, a shadowy figure in black had just slipped away as they arrived.Inside, Minnie was living the dream, pampered by the salon's top professional with some fancy skin treatment. Breaking free from Walter's grip allowed her to relax. Stepping out of the office earlier, she felt like she had just uncaged her spirit.However, her bliss was on borrowed time. As she was about to nod off, her phone blasted a ringtone. Not wanting to mess up the pamper session, she had the salon guy fetch her earbuds and p
Walter could not stand the thought of being away from her, so even though he said yes to her going out, he still had a bodyguard stuck close to her side, did he not?If that was really what was happening, Minnie could not decide if she was more upset or just plain annoyed.She could not get mad at Walter for being so protective, but perhaps she was just annoyed with herself for being so oblivious. There she was, all grown up, and she did not even notice someone tailing her.Whatever the reason was, one thing was clear: This place was not safe anymore."Director, how's my mom doing?" Minnie asked.Dressed in a pink uniform and sporting a mask, the director answered promptly, "Mrs. Lydia wasn't really hurt. She's been up and about for some time now.""That's a relief," said Minnie with a nod."Ms. Kast, missing your mom? How about I invite Mrs. Lydia over after we finish up here? Would you like that?"Minnie jumped at the director's kind offer without a second thought. "That woul
Minnie drew out her words with a playful lilt, her fingers adorned with sparkling nail art gracefully moving to form a fist.The director caught the hint right away. "Got it!" With a respectful bow, she quickly peeled the mask off Minnie's face. "I'll fetch Mrs. Lydia for you. Just a second."In the plush VIP lounge of Sunny Glow Beauty Salon, Minnie lounged on the couch, fresh from her facial, looking every bit the vibrant rose she was.However, the smile playing on her lips was not one of sweetness. It was a cocktail of pride, a dash of scorn, and a hint of fierce intensity.Love might make a girl's brain go fuzzy, but even though she was head over heels for Walter, she would not let her crew get too cheeky.Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Minnie straightened up, her heart racing but her voice steady as she called, "Enter."The door swung open to reveal a hand as delicate as porcelain. "Julia, I missed you so much!"Lydia, decked out in the latest fashion and teetering
What they did not realize was that this was exactly what was troubling Minnie.She was more than ready to get close to Walter in every way possible.They had been practically joined at the hip at work for a month then, so things should have heated up between them. However, David, the assistant, always stuck out like a sore thumb in the office, blocking her every move to get close to Walter.After hours, Walter was all about keeping up appearances, not even offering to walk her home. How was she supposed to get him alone?"Mom, I get it, but..."She tried to spill the beans, but Lydia cut her off."You and Walter made up, right? Trust me, I've been around the block. When it comes to guys and girls, if he's into you, having a kid is a piece of cake.""That's why I'm not stressing about it for you!""But about Evangeline, it's not really ideal for me to get involved right now. Could you hook me up with some of your crew?"Lydia had been watching the scene at Sunny Glow Beauty Sal
The receptionist blushed, but her eyes flickered with a hint of trouble before she firmed up."I'm sorry, sir, but that's against the rules."She sounded like she was pleading with David.David backed off with a chuckle. "Okay, okay, I won't bother you. However, surely I can speak to the director, right?"My girlfriend raves about your facials. I thought I'd surprise her with a gift card for her birthday."The receptionist eyed the well-dressed man before her, his designer outfit and unique aura convincing her of his sincerity. "Sure thing. I'll take you to the VIP room to wait, and I'll get the director for you."Once inside the VIP room, David's first move was to scan the area for any cameras. Satisfied, he messaged Walter, [We're all good here.]David sprawled on the sofa relaxedly as if he were lounging in his own living room, not the VIP suite of Sunny Glow Beauty Salon.The director seldom met with clients herself, but the prospect of a lucrative deal had her hurrying ove
Celina played it by the book, but David's easy-going face got serious real quick.'She's on to me,' he thought.She had caught the whiff of trouble and laid down a smooth warning: The security system would shut down trouble the moment one arose.Too bad David was not there for a facial or a membership card."Really? Well, I appreciate the heads-up."David's voice was steady as a rock, but then, like lightning, his arm shot out, his hand clamping down on Celina's wrist like a vice, twisting it behind her back in one swift move.Just the two of them in the big, fancy VIP room.Celina was no match for David's grip, and she let out a sharp, panicked scream.Alas, the room's outstanding soundproofing was great for privacy but meant her cries for help did not stand a chance."What are you trying to pull?" Celina's voice was steady, betraying none of her fear. "Let me go, and I'll agree to anything you want. You know our Sunny Glow Beauty Salon rakes in serious cash. Just one deal, a
David did not beat around the bush and owned up to it."Sharp as a tack! But relax, I'm just here to ask you a few things. Answer me honestly, and I'll be out of your hair in no time."In that moment, David might as well have been Walter himself. Walter, even though they had never met, she felt like she knew him inside out.Then she knew who she was dealing with, Celina's nerves settled, and she even cracked a smile."So, I'm curious. What if I don't spill the beans? What's your play? I'm new to Avalon City, and I'm not sure if an assistant to the president of Gordon Group making people disappear is the kind of headline that gets attention. Could that stir up trouble for your Gordon Group?""Feel free to test the waters." David pulled out a tiny vial from his pocket, his meaning crystal clear as he spoke, "Okay, I know it sounds nuts, but I'm dying to see how this works on you. I mean, the Gordon Group has been the big dog in Avalon City for years. It's a total waste to let all th
However, things were different. Minnie's top priority was to have Walter's baby, and fast.If David, the ever-watchful guardian, was truly absent, was this not the golden chance to charm Walter?The thought brought a gleam of excitement to Minnie's eyes, but knowing Walter's sharp mind, she reined in her eagerness, squashing down her thrill.Walter glanced up at her briefly before his eyes darted back to the papers he was reviewing. "He mentioned something urgent at home. I figured since there's nothing pressing for me here, I let him take off."Minnie listened to Walter's laid-back tone and realized he was not at all concerned about David's sudden departure.However, she could not afford to be so nonchalant. David was a straight shooter, and if he returned just as she was about to seal the deal, it would ruin everything."Will he be back later?" Minnie glanced at the clock. There was still an hour left until quitting time.With David needing to handle his family situation and t