"Ms. Evangeline, with the way you're sneezing up a storm, you shouldn't be hanging around here. No matter how clean your clothes are, they'll pick up dust, and that's no good for your nose. Why don't you head downstairs and spend some quality time with your grandfather?"Cole could not contain his excitement when he heard Evangeline was moving back home. He had finished all his chores early and was just lounging in the living room, eagerly awaiting her return.The thought of his hopeful look made Evangeline's heart waver. Before she moved back, she had not given it much thought. However, the idea of being around her grandfather all the time scared her. She dreaded the moment he might bring up Walter, such as why Walter had not visited with her pregnancy becoming more obvious with each passing month…Julieta had been by Evangeline's side for months and could read her like an open book. She gave Evangeline's shoulder a reassuring pat and said softly, "Ms. Evangeline, your grandpa is
Cole did not have a clue about old-timey dramas. He just threw on some random show to pass the time while waiting for Evangeline.He had not even paid attention until she pointed it out.Then, taking a closer look, he just saw a bunch of characters in ancient garb hopping around the screen, which was kind of dizzying.However, when Evangeline asked him about it, he felt too sheepish to say he would just put on anything, so he played along. "What's the big deal? Young folks get to binge-watch whatever, but an old guy like me can't be trendy?""Oh, that's not it!" Evangeline linked her arm with Cole's. "I'm just curious, that's all."Grandpa, you're usually all about the great outdoors, right? Our family's garden is one of the nicest spots in Avalon City. It's perfect for a stroll when you're looking to relax."She was right. The Foster family's garden was a sight to behold, sprawling and lush in the heart of Avalon City.However, Cole was not having it."I've walked that garden
"Health? Why bother fussing over this old body?" Cole's voice was heavy with bitterness. "Trapped in this massive, empty house all day, forbidden from stepping outside—it might as well be a prison. I've lived a full life, and I'm done with these bitter concoctions!"Evangeline's eyes sparkled with understanding as she realized her hunch was right.Her grandfather might have thrown in the towel, but she had a trick up her sleeve."Don't you want to meet your great-grandson?" She set aside her spoon and gently patted her growing belly. "Grandpa, this little rascal is a real handful. He's always doing somersaults inside, eager to pop out and see you!"Cole's eyes lit up with a mix of joy and regret. "Of course, my great-grandson! How could that slip my mind?"When the maid came back, she found them in a fit of giggles and wondered what had happened. A quick glance revealed the chicken soup bowl, polished clean."Ms. Evangeline, your oatmeal is ready."Evangeline did not even glance
Evangeline tried to sound nonchalant.Truth was, Walter's comment had scared her more than she would admit.The baby she was carrying was only there because her grandfather wanted it. The thought of having another was too overwhelming to even consider."Hahaha, that's my boy! Walter, you're the best grandson-in-law a guy could ask for!"Cole was at that age where grandkids were his favorite thing, so he was all compliments for Walter.However, that did not mean his worries were gone."Evie, you moved back home, and Walter hasn't even dropped by or called. Is he upset?"If Evangeline's determination to stick by Cole had caused a fight with Walter, Cole would feel guilty. He would have to convince her to move back as soon as possible!Right on cue, Julieta walked in with Evangeline's phone blaring."Ms. Evangeline..." Julieta glanced at the name on the screen, hesitated for a second, then said with a warm smile, "You've got a call from Mr. Walter Gordon."Regardless of how Evan
Too bad, just as Evangeline had managed to pull it off, Cole got all awkward from their lovey-dovey talk and excused himself.Evangeline watched Cole walk away and breathed a sigh of relief. When she picked up the phone again, her voice was icy, like she had flipped a switch."Out with it, Walter. Why'd you call?"She was not in the mood for small talk with Walter. She owed him thanks for the call that cleared up any doubts Cole had, but getting the lowdown was way more pressing than a 'thank you'.Walter's mouth twitched. Since when could Evangeline switch gears so fast? She was sweet one moment, and the next, a thunderstorm. He did not even get a heads-up.However, he had to focus on why he would call in the first place."Remember the woman we saved downtown?"Celina? Evangeline's gaze faltered for a moment. "Yeah, I remember. The Fosters are still keeping her safe. What's up?"Not that she was itching to go into detail, but she figured Walter was already clued in on the Fost
Why would the Fosters let Evangeline walk into danger?Yale only agreed to send a car for Evangeline after making sure Celina bore her no ill will. Celina was in bad shape, with a severe concussion and her neck out of whack from a car crash. She was bedridden, strapped into a brace.This was not like a prenatal visit. Evangeline would be in the public eye, around the clock. Yale was not worried.To keep Celina from flipping the script, Yale had the nurses tie her to the bed. When Evangeline walked into the room, Celina was trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey.Celina knew Yale always played it safe when it came to her well-being, but she never imagined he would go to such lengths. With her head pounding from a severe concussion, just the thought of getting out of bed felt like a brave act.There she was, Celina, slight and fragile. In her state, even if she had wanted to hurt Evangeline, she simply did not have the strength. What was the point of all those extra precautions?Eva
"Sure, if that makes you feel any better, I'm fine with it."Evangeline's eyes twinkled, not the least bit surprised by Celina's revelation that she had once saved her.Celina's eyes widened in astonishment. "You knew all this time?""Of course."Evangeline raised her head with a mischievous grin. "You know, you almost had me fooled. Too bad the handkerchief you gave me was a little frayed around the edges—obviously a well-loved item. However, we're not exactly at the 'sharing used stuff' stage of our friendship, so I knew something was up. That is, until David saw the handkerchief."Just one look from him was all it took to prove Evangeline right.Of course…"I'm not one to keep score, Celina. Just so we're clear, I helped you because it was the right thing to do. Even if you were a total stranger lying on the side of the road, I'd have done the same.""Then I owe you big time." Celina's face was ghostly, but her smile was like a lily in full bloom—delicate and pure, the kind
Celina's unique identity was clear as day.Evangeline was already questioning Walter's real reasons for wanting to see Celina.Things were a bit simpler, since she did not even want to see him, saving her from overthinking the whole situation for ages."I guess I'll head back, then. You stay here and heal up, okay?"Evangeline was about to get up and leave. She was in a risky spot those days, with who knew how many shady characters out there gunning for her."Hold on!" Celina's voice rang out, stopping her in her tracks. "Ms. Evangeline, I really don't want to stay in this hospital. Can I come and recover at your place?"The Bennison family's purges were legendary for their ruthlessness. No one in a thousand years had ever escaped their grasp alive. She was incredibly lucky to have narrowly escaped death by the skin of her teeth.With the first purge attempt botched, she knew more would follow. If she wanted to stay alive, she would have to be extra careful. Sticking close to Ev