Walter was blindsided by the questions, entirely unprepared, and found himself at a loss for words.Evangeline did not even wait for an answer."I'll take care of my own stuff, thanks. No need for you to bother."And let's be real, you're a busy man now. Wouldn't want to interrupt your cozy twosome with your girlfriend, would I? That'd be on me."If Walter had been with any other girl but Minnie, Evangeline would not have batted an eye.However, Minnie? She was so obviously playing him, and everyone could see it except, apparently, Walter. He was all over her, like they were joined at the hip.Evangeline had her own take on it: Walter must be really desperate!After she hung up, Evangeline turned to her personal stylist, Ms. Celina, with a grin of pure satisfaction and handed over her black card."Ms. Morris, what's the full deal here? I'm thinking of getting a beauty card to pamper myself."With a beep, the POS machine confirmed her purchase.Just like that, Evangeline was t
Maybe David had felt this way since the first time he laid eyes on Celina, but it had never been as sharp as it was.He closed the distance between them, step by deliberate step.David was built like a linebacker among his peers, but Celina towered in her own right. Side by side, he did not even have a height advantage.However, that did not bother him. With a casual move, he cornered Celina against the corridor wall, shooting a meaningful look toward the room."Stay away from Evangeline, the woman inside," he said.Celina had kept quiet to avoid a scene, but once she got what David was there for, she could not help but let out a scoff."So, are you going to let go of me now?""You got my message?" David's grip eased up, though he did not pull away."Crystal clear." Seizing the moment, Celina shoved his arms aside. Once she was sure they were at a safe distance, a sly smirk played on her lips."Mr. Zimmer, you used to haunt my beauty salon like a bad penny, but your game's cha
Evangeline eyed David, who stood ramrod straight at the door, with a mix of confusion and amusement as if he were a complete oddball."Mr. Zimmer, why on earth should I leave with you?" Lounging on the couch, legs elegantly crossed, Evangeline's voice dripped with a lazy curiosity.David shot a look at Celina, who clearly relished the unfolding drama, and whispered to Evangeline, "Your husband, Walter Gordon, wants a word. He's waiting for you outside the salon."Aware of the onlookers, Evangeline knew she could not snub Walter."Fine, let's go." Evangeline grabbed her purse and strolled out of the beauty salon leisurely.David, who was always on edge about upsetting Walter's wife, trailed behind her, careful to keep his distance. "Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Walter Gordon's car is right over there."Evangeline glanced where David pointed and saw a sleek white Rolls Royce parked at the curb—totally Walter's style.Of course, why should she do what Walter wanted? She gave a dismissive wave
For an entire month, Walter had the stunning Minnie by his side, day in and day out, yet he looked like he had been through the wringer? No way!Evangeline's eyes slowly dropped to his chin and spotted the telltale shadow of stubble."Walter, when's the last time you shaved? You're a total mess."Evangeline stepped back from Walter, her nose wrinkled in distaste, but she did not miss a beat to tease him, "Seeing you like this, Minnie can't be all that great, huh? She lets her guy walk around looking like a slob...""Really?" Walter's voice was heavy with implication as his intense gaze fixed on Evangeline. "Well, by that logic, you're not doing too hot either. Didn't your guy step out looking just like this?"He pointed at his own stubbly chin, as if to make sure Evangeline saw."And let's not forget, legally speaking, I'm still your guy, and I've got nothing to do with Minnie."Evangeline seethed silently, her teeth clenched in frustration.Walter's go-to move was always the l
Walter had seen firsthand the clout of the Bennison family. He was clueless about what to expect in Avalon City or what tricks they might pull to nibble away at the Fosters' empire.However, his priority was to safeguard Evangeline. Only then could he square off against that tough adversary with a clear head."Why?" Evangeline's tone was dead serious, a stark shift from her usual demeanor."That salon's got more secrets than you can imagine. If it's pampering you're after, pick any spot in Avalon City. It's on me.""You think the Fosters can't afford my beauty treatments?" Evangeline scoffed, her gaze mocking as she looked at Walter, her smile widening as if he were just a clown there for her entertainment."Walter, I'll be going to Sunny Glow, no matter what. You've got your reasons, and I've got mine. We've finally got our lines drawn, and I like it that way—our lives, our rules. So let's not start mixing things up again."Evangeline's words rang with truth.Every encounter wi
Walter's hand that had been holding Evangeline too firmly then rested gently on her slightly swollen belly, under her stern gaze.It was a strange and wonderful feeling. Walter knew the baby was just a tiny, developing life, but the thought of it growing inside Evangeline, the woman he loved, filled him with warmth.That warmth flooded through him as he touched her belly, and he felt like the luckiest guy on the planet.A wave of guilt washed over him for not being there for his wife and child. He silently vowed that once he sorted out his mess, if Evangeline could still stand him, he would make it up to her and their little one."Evangeline, take care of the baby," he said, leaving the rest unsaid. "And take care of yourself."He swallowed the rest of his words, knowing that Evangeline might see his promises as insincere, like a fox offering a chicken well wishes. It was better to leave them unspoken.Evangeline was taken aback by Walter's sudden softness which was so at odds wi
At the Emerald of the Highlands villa.It was the dead of winter, but inside the villa her uncle had set up for her, Evangeline could not feel the chill. It was actually too hot for comfort.Julieta, ever the worrier, kept a tight leash, fearing Evangeline might catch a cold. So, under the guise of getting some healthy sunshine, Evangeline snuck off to the brightest balcony when the afternoon sun was at its peak to enjoy a breath of fresh air.Rocking gently in her chair, with just a pane of glass between her and the lazy sunbeams, Evangeline basked in the warmth. Her eyes nearly closed in bliss.Julieta came by with a plate full of neatly sliced fruit and silently set it down on the coffee table right in front of Evangeline."Ms. Evangeline, munching on fruit while you're expecting is great for your baby's skin. You've got to make sure you eat plenty," urged Julieta, though she had already loaded Evangeline up with more fruit than she could stomach.Just the sight of fruit made
"Is that really what you think?"The last time they saw each other was at that cafe, right when the drama with Walter and Minnie blew up.Instead of leaving with him, Evangeline dashed off to find Walter, leaving Alex to wonder about all sorts of things.Alex knew he was closer to Walter than Evangeline was, but he had not stepped in. Would Evangeline think he was heartless? The more she pulled away, the more he could not stop thinking about her. It was not right to just show up at her place, but he could not help himself and ended up at the villa where Evangeline was resting up for the baby."Sure thing," agreed Evangeline without a second thought, and Alex felt a wave of relief. It was a relief she did not see him that way. He was worried about ruining his image in her eyes, especially when her marriage to Walter was on the rocks. If he messed up, he would regret it forever.Lost in his worries, Alex did not notice Evangeline's quiet, searching look. "You didn't come all this wa