Lydia's thoughts turned to her estranged husband, and her expression darkened."Why waste your thoughts on that loser? He promised me the moon and the stars, but when push came to shove? The moment the Fosters got involved, it all fell apart. He dumped everything on me! Let him do whatever he wants. For all I care, he might as well be dead!"The feud between her parents had all started because of a woman named Yessica, who was Evangeline's mother."Mom, it's just us here. You can tell me the truth. How did Yessica really die?"Lydia turned pale and dodged the question awkwardly. "Why bring her up out of the blue? She was nothing but trouble, and I'd rather not even speak of her!""But I have to know what happened, right?!" Minnie could not stand it anymore. "Yessica was the darling of the Foster family. There's no way they'll just let this slide. If her death has nothing to do with you, then we don't have to worry about the Fosters. However, if it does, I need to be ready!"Lydia
Minnie's gut told her something fishy was going on, and she was right on the money. The moment she caught Lydia's shifty eyes, she knew it.The two of them locked in a stare-down for what felt like forever until Lydia finally caved with a big sigh."Look, none of this mess is my fault," Lydia confessed. "Your dad pulled a fast one on me. Yessica wasn't sick at all. She was alive and kicking the whole time you were in my belly, and even after you were born. I got so fed up that I made your dad choose between us and Yessica and her kid. He didn't say a word, but a month after our big blowout, Yessica kicked the bucket in the hospital."Lydia's story neatly dumped all the blame on Andrew, who was not even there to defend himself, leaving her hands clean.However, the whole thing about Yessica's sudden death just raised a whole bunch of red flags."So you're saying you have no clue how Yessica could just up and die from being sad?"Lydia was all high and mighty with her words.Howev
In the rundown bungalow of Newstead Zone…The Foster family's bodyguard brigade stormed the yard. The folks guarding Minnie and Lydia were quickly overpowered, and the Fosters' top bodyguard marched right in and escorted the mother-daughter duo out.Yale, the cool uncle, took over the whole Lydia and daughter investigation, leaving Evangeline with just one job: keep herself and the bun in the oven safe.As she rode back to the villa, Evangeline stared out the window.The trees zipped past in a blur, but she could not shake off the feeling. Was it anxiety or sadness weighing on her?Lydia was in the net. Would she spill the beans about her mother's death?What about Minnie? Would her true identity come to light?Evangeline's mind was a whirlwind of unanswered questions, leaving her restless and uneasy."Miss, you're looking a bit pale. Maybe you should take a break?" suggested the driver understandingly.Evangeline dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. "No, let's just hea
Were they not on the brink of divorce?"Nope," said Evangeline, a touch of embarrassment in her voice. "This baby is all mine. Walter is not involved."Hank's gaze grew shadowy.If Walter was not involved, it meant they definitely had not made up. However, if they had not made up, why would Evangeline have Walter's baby?Hank did not even have to ask before Evangeline continued."You know how it is. My grandpa has been super sick, and he's been dreaming of cuddling a great-grandkid. However, my uncles are a bunch of letdowns, none of them willing to tie the knot, so my grandfather's hopes are all on me..."Evangeline trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.Hank was sharp, so he definitely got the hint.Truthfully, for Cole's sake, Evangeline had already split from Walter without any drama. There was no way she would get tangled up with him again."Got it!"Hank let out a silent sigh of relief."But Evie, it's tough being a single mom. Even with the Foster family's power, a kid
Walter's rage boiled over. His fists were clenched so tight that they could turn coal into diamonds, but he did not budge an inch.David, who had just rushed to the scene, was clueless about the drama that had just played out. He only caught a glimpse of Evangeline whisking by and quickly asked, "Mr. Walter Gordon, I saw Mrs. Gordon take off. Are we still sending people after her?"David, being the go-to guy with connections, recognized Hank in a heartbeat, unlike Walter.The Gordons had been keeping tabs on Evangeline, shadowing her every move for her safety. Walter had bolted over, panicking that Evangeline had strayed from her usual path home, fearing the worst.However, what he found was far from danger. Evangeline was safe and sound, having dinner with some guy!"Forget it!" Walter snapped, instantly regretting his outburst. He caught David's hesitation and shot him a fierce look. "I said no chasing, not no following. What's gotten into you, David? You've been off your game!"
Inside the car, silence reigned. The driver kept to himself, steering the vehicle. Hank, out of habit, smoothed out his suit sleeve and gazed out the window.Out of the blue, his phone blared to life. Hank glanced at the caller ID and his brow creased in annoyance.The ringing grew more insistent, practically screaming at Hank to pick up.He finally gave in and answered."What took you so long, you little troublemaker? What are you up to out there?" scolded the voice on the other end."Nothing much." Hank let out a forced laugh. "You're always saying I don't cut it, right? How am I supposed to get better if I don't get out and get my hands dirty?"Hank knew exactly what his dad, Grant Tarp, was about to lay on him, so he played his cards right, leaving his father without a comeback.As expected, Grant's smooth talking stopped."Look, I know I've said it before, but you've been out there for what, seven or eight years now, Hank? It's about time you returned to take the reins, do
"Walter, why are you creeping around and following me?" demanded Evangeline with her arms folded, before Walter could even get a word out."I..." Walter stammered, his face a mask of stiffness, words failing him as he faced Evangeline's frosty demeanor.He was oblivious to the fact that his behavior only reminded her of a different, more painful reason for her coldness."Did you think you hadn't embarrassed me enough earlier? Is that why you're shadowing me, to add insult to injury?"She would never be able to erase the memory of what Walter had done to her.In the backseat of the car, he treated her as if she were nothing more than an object for his amusement.At the restaurant, he had the nerve to call her out in front of everyone, labeling her as someone who flirts too much.So then, she was determined to confront Walter and find out what game he was playing."Evangeline, you've got it all wrong, I never...""Never what?" Evangeline cut him off without a hint of politeness.
Evangeline fretted over the idea of visiting Cole alone. She feared it might make him overthink things, maybe even worry unnecessarily. She was almost convinced it was better to stay away.Walter had to go and mention Cole, giving her a reason she could not just brush off."Are you threatening me?"Was Walter really using her love for her grandpa as leverage, making sure she could not keep her distance?"No." Walter's reply came sharp and clear. "Forget about us for a second. He's my elder, too. Of course, I want him to live a long, healthy life."His answer was so perfect that it made Evangeline feel like she was the one making a big deal out of nothing."If you really mean that, then thanks."She was honestly thankful that Walter could still be decent when it came to her grandfather.When it came to the idea of visiting Cole…Evangeline's gaze fell. "I haven't reassured Grandpa Cole since the car accident. If you're up for it, let's go together."She knew that despite Yale'