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
"As long as you're happy," said Walter, his smile just a flicker. The hard edge and fierceness in his eyes were tucked away, leaving only what Minnie hoped to see.Out of nowhere, a delicate finger poked at Walter's chest, followed by Minnie's voice, tinged with a hint of jealousy."Walter, have you ever been this nice to any other girl? Ever been this patient, explaining things to keep another girl's worries at bay?"The thought alone soured Minnie's mood like a spilled bottle of vinegar. If Walter dropped Evangeline's name right then, she was sure she would lose it."Just you," said Walter, without missing a beat.For him, the question was a no-brainer. His status meant he never had to justify himself to anyone."You're fibbing," Minnie accused with a playful pout. "Didn't you ever have to explain yourself to Evangeline? You've been married forever..."She drew out her words, teasingly leaving the sentence hanging, inviting wild guesses.However, Walter was not having any of
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