Since there were no other options, Julia had no choice but to find her subordinate, Celina."Alright, I'm at the beauty salon right now. Do you want to come pick up the keys, or should I bring them to you?"Celina already knew about Julia's release without charge. Though she was stuck in a mess, she did not want to stoop to their level.Holding onto the hope of staying as far away as possible, she continued running her beauty salon with the same care as always."Come over. You can give me a ride too. Oh, and tomorrow, arrange a car for me. It's too inconvenient without one."Celina could only agree to Julia's orders.However, the thought of doing something she was unwilling to do sent a sharp pain through her stomach, the ache growing worse by the second.After hanging up, she clutched her stomach and painfully made her way out of the treatment room, only to find David still standing there."Why haven't you left yet?"David was too focused on her pale face and the way she was
Evangeline's memories of Yessica were hazy, but from the photographs, it was clear how beautiful and graceful her mother had been.How could someone so wonderful have borne a child for Andrew?The more Evangeline thought about it, the more hatred festered inside her, as if her heart were plunging into an endless abyss.In the darkness of her mind, she saw the image of the judge sentencing Andrew to death.Andrew… Was he really about to die?What a conflict of emotions.Andrew was the man who had caused his wife's death and dragged her into such misery. He was finally facing punishment, but she… felt pity for him.Was this the bond of blood?Evangeline's mind went blank, her hollow heart unsure of what to think or feel.Images of the few moments of fatherly love Andrew had ever shown her began to surface, and she could not stop herself from softening.She even thought, was there anything she could do to save Andrew from death…?As for Lydia, she had never been a consideration.
The day of execution was in mere hours. How could Evangeline fall asleep during such a tense time?"Mrs. Lewis…"Evangeline choked up, her eyes brimming with tears. The emotions that had been bottled up in her heart were finally released, like a dam that had burst open, flooding uncontrollably.Tears streamed down her cheeks as she asked Julieta helplessly, "Do you think I've made a mistake?"Her mother had died unjustly, and she was determined to seek justice for her. Justice had been served at long last, yet she was about to send her own father to the guillotine.On one side was her mother; on the other, her father. How could she choose in a way that would leave her with no regrets?Seeing Evangeline break down, Julieta could not help but feel moved. She gently pulled Evangeline into her arms."Miss, this isn't your fault. People reap what they sow. Even if you hadn't intervened, I believe Mr. Rearden would've still ended up on this path. It was only a matter of time."Juliet
"Hah! Alright, then. You truly are something else, Evangeline!"Andrew's condescending attitude was met with a sharp rebuttal. He was furious, but since Evangeline's words were reasonable, he could only hold his anger.Looking at her father, Evangeline felt the last sliver of hope for him vanish completely. She wiped away the tears that had unknowingly fallen from her eyes, cleared her throat, and asked, "Has Julia… come to see you?"She knew, from childhood until now, Andrew's favorite daughter had always been Julia. Surely, in his final moments, the one he thought of the most would be her.Unexpectedly, the mention of Julia touched the last soft spot in Andrew's heart. His once arrogant face instantly grew despondent. He did not say a word, but that reaction alone was enough for Evangeline to know the answer.Julia would not come to see him, even in his dying moments.Was this the daughter he had cherished and protected until the very end?Evangeline could not quite describe t
"When did you come in?"Evangeline had been so engrossed in her conversation with Andrew that she had not even noticed Walter entering the room.This was an important day, and Evangeline had planned to face it alone. She had not expected Walter to show up so early and insist on entering the room with her.Evangeline had flatly refused, but he reminded her that they had not divorced yet, and he was still technically Andrew's son-in-law. Reluctantly, she had to let him come in with her.When she began speaking to Andrew, Walter had waited outside.Walter's dark eyes narrowed. "I just came in a moment ago. I saw you talking with Andrew and didn't want to interrupt. Visiting hours are over now. We should leave." He reached out his arm to help her out."Alright, thank you," Evangeline replied coolly, her steps quickening to move past him, avoiding his arm entirely as she walked out of the visitation room. She left Andrew and Walter behind, staring at each other.Almost involuntaril
David knew how important Evangeline was, so he immediately rushed after her. "Ma'am, don't you want to wait for Mr. Gordon? He should be back soon."After all, Andrew had no real connection with Walter. What could a son-in-law and father-in-law have so much to talk about?However, Evangeline was thinking about something else entirely.Before his death, Andrew had repeatedly urged her to give Walter to Julia. Since he finally had the chance to speak with Walter, how could he not want to say it directly to the main person involved?"No, they'll probably have a lot to talk about. I need to head over to Sunny Glow Beauty Salon for a facial, so I'll go now."Evangeline smiled meaningfully, no longer paying attention to David, and walked away without a second thought.Sunny Glow Beauty Salon?"Ma'am, didn't Mr. Gordon say he wanted you to go somewhere else for your facial?" asked David in confusion. He could not figure out what Celina was thinking, and since Celina was likely Julia's
Evangeline elegantly waved the VIP card in her hand, her smile poised and graceful.The receptionist immediately covered her mouth in embarrassment. "I'm terribly sorry.""It's fine. Since I haven't been here since I got the card, it's only natural that you wouldn't recognize me," Evangeline reassured her, offering the receptionist an excuse.In truth, at a high-end salon like this, failing to remember clients and not providing them with a flawless experience was a significant oversight. Of course, Evangeline was not really concerned about this, so she did not mind how the receptionist behaved.The receptionist gave a grateful smile and quickly took the VIP card from Evangeline's hand, gesturing for her to follow. "Please, come with me."When the card was swiped, the machine gave a soft 'ding', and Evangeline's name appeared on the screen.The receptionist enthusiastically continued her pitch about their latest products."Ma'am, I see that the service you purchased last time was
Little did she know, Celina found Evangeline's sudden trust in her unbelievable."Ms. Rearden, do you... really trust me?"After all, she was on Julia's side. She knew all too well what Julia had planned for Evangeline next."Of course. A woman's face is half her life. I've entrusted you with half my life, so how could I not trust you?" replied Evangeline with a gentle smile.Between life and death, she handed herself over to Celina with such ease.Celina was a gentle and kind-hearted person. Evangeline had once seen her carefully tending to the water lilies in her beauty salon. A woman who was so patient with plants, treating them like children, could never be the type to intentionally harm others.So, she chose to trust her."Well, I'm truly honored," Celina smiled. "Since you trust me so much, leave your face entirely to me. I see your skin is a bit dull; let me try out a new product from our salon on you…"Gently taking Evangeline's hand, Celina carefully began her work.Wh
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