Walter was in the middle of a meeting, but he did not care that the top management was still around. He bellowed in disbelief, "What did you just say?! How on earth could Evangeline just disappear?"He wrapped up the meeting in a hurry and sent out his entire company's workforce, vowing to find Evangeline no matter the cost.The news made him instantly think of Julia.Julia had always been irked by Evangeline, treating her like a constant pain. With her parents gone and no family to speak of, Julia was like a wild card, unpredictable and unafraid.However, what worried Walter more was whether Julia was acting out of pure spite or if the Bennison family was pulling the strings.Everything he knew about Julia and the Bennison family was just guesswork. He had never found any solid proof of a scheme between Julia and the Bennison family.Of course, all those concerns paled in comparison to finding Evangeline. The thought of the baby Evangeline was carrying sent a shiver of urgency t
Julia knew that scene by heart; it was etched into her memory forever.There was no fond remembrance, no sense of reunion, just a surge of hatred that filled her heart.The first time, it was Walter's goons who dragged her there. She was bound and helpless, tied to an old, rusty bed.Ignored by everyone, those men left her there, alone on that cold bed, drowning in a sea of despair.How ironic.Back then, Julia knew nothing, still naively hoping Walt would come to her rescue.Eventually, Walt did show up… but not to save her. He was the one who sent her tumbling into a new kind of hell.A hell far worse than that rusty bed.Julia's steps were deliberate, slow, as if she was measuring the warehouse with her feet.She stopped only when she reached a narrow iron door.Julia's lips twisted into a wicked grin as she pictured the scene inside. She could not believe Evangeline's turn of fate.She fought back a snicker, put her shoulder into it, and shoved the door open.The room w
Conrad had warned her that Cole's health was hanging by a thread, only kept stable by the Foster family's constant care. He could not handle another blow.She prayed silently, desperately hoping Cole would stay in the dark about her kidnapping.However, Julia, pacing around the cot, was deaf to Evangeline's heart's cries, stopping ominously by her side.Winter had wrapped its chilly fingers around the world, and Evangeline was bundled up in layers of clothes. Yet, Julia's eyes cut through the fabric, fixating on the obvious bump that marred the silhouette. A surge of unprecedented loathing bubbled up within her.Why was it Evangeline who got to have Walter's baby, while she, despite all her efforts, had not even gotten close to him?Julia's manicured fingers paused their primping, drifting over to rest on Evangeline's stomach, stroking it ever so lightly.The thick layers muffled the sensation, but Evangeline could feel each of Julia's touches, sending shivers down her spine, her
"Come on, tell me, when have I ever not stepped aside for you? Anything you wanted, I never even laid a finger on it!" Evangeline tried to talk sense into Julia, keeping her voice as even as possible. "Besides, it's always been you who's taken more from me, hasn't it?"However, the moment she said that, Julia's eyes lit up like a spark had ignited within them, shining with an intense fire. "I took what's yours? Evangeline, don't you get it? All those things were meant to be mine from the start, none of it was ever yours!"It was like she was echoing her mother, Lydia. "If it weren't for you and your mother, how would I have ended up the secret butt of jokes, the so-called 'illegitimate' kid everyone sneered at for years? And if it weren't for you, wouldn't I have picked up my beloved violin way sooner?"It was downright maddening!Evangeline's hands balled into tight fists as she shot back, "Did you ever stop to think that if it weren't for you and your mom, the three of us could s
Julia had toyed with the idea of one last visit to her parents. However, she just did not have the guts.That was exactly why her anger at Evangeline burned even hotter. She blamed Evangeline for wrecking her entire life!Evangeline was so enraged that she was at a loss for words.She finally understood that she and Julia were way past the point of talking things out."Julia, let's face it, the past is done. My dad and your mom are in heaven now. There's no point in us fussing over their old troubles."You're after Walter, right? Well, here's the straight truth. My marriage to Walter has been dead in the water for ages. I only decided to have this kid because my grandfather got sick. And the only reason we haven't signed those divorce papers is because of him."She took a deep breath and forced herself to get it all out. That was the last thing Evangeline wanted to admit, but she had no choice.She had to make it crystal clear that she and Walter were history, that she would nev
Still, there was one thing she was not sure about."Evangeline, do you think Walter will come rescue you all by himself? He has to, right? If not for anything else, then at least for the baby you're carrying. He wouldn't want you to die here all alone..."The more Julia thought about it, the more thrilled she became. With a sharp snap of her fingers, the bodyguard approached with utmost respect."Silence her."She could not stand to listen to Evangeline anymore, not even a whisper.Meanwhile, Walter, racing toward the abandoned warehouse, was startled by a strange number flashing on his phone. It was Julia's voice that greeted him when he answered."My dear Walt, you must be so worried. Missing me, are you?"Walter was frantic and fuming, quickening his pace, struggling to keep his composure."Where have you taken Evangeline? Julia, if you lay a finger on her, you'll regret it!"However, Julia was no longer intimidated by his threats."So, you're not scared that Evangeline mi
With Evangeline's life hanging in Julia's hands, Walter felt he had no choice but to play along with whatever she demanded."Fine, I'm on my way.""No!" Julia's voice was firm. "Walt, it's our 'wedding night', and we've got an audience. You've got to look sharp, don't you think? If you don't dazzle me, I might just have second thoughts. I can wait, so take your time getting ready."Julia was clearly savoring the control she had, making Walter jump through hoops for her amusement."Okay."Walter's response was immediate.If it meant saving Evangeline, he would do anything, even if it meant playing dress-up for Julia's twisted game.Walter's mind was buzzing with questions about the sender of that cryptic text.The message had pinpointed the location perfectly and seemed to carry a vibe of kindness toward Evangeline. Who could be looking out for her from the shadows? Was it a guy or a woman?However, Walter was not sweating the details. If they were on Evangeline's side, they we
However, what could he do? The thought of Julia, the thought of his true love Evangeline trapped by that witch, sapped all his will to care about his appearance.Walter slowly lifted his hand, brushing his chin.Overnight, his face had sprouted a rough stubble, making him look worn and nothing like the dashing Mr. Walter Gordon of the Gordon family.Was Walter the kind of guy Julia would be happy with?He was not sure, but just putting on a clean shirt to see Julia who made his skin prickle was pushing it for him.Walter kept his calm and did not bother calling the police. After all, when he was part of the mighty Gordon family, he did not need the police to handle a lady.Once he had set up the rescue team for Evangeline, Walter hit the road solo, heading to the spot they had picked out.Warehouse 226, just outside the city, was like a blast from the past.Taking over the company from Alex had not been a walk in the park. The old guard did not take kindly to change, and Alex's
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