"I nearly lost my life saving you back then, and this is how you treat me in return. You repay kindness with betrayal. Even the stars are laughing at you, Walter!"As tears of mirth welled in her eyes, any last hope that Walter truly loved her vanished. When he had pinned her hands and tossed her onto the bed with such coldness, the truth hit her hard. She was nothing to him.Why keep dreaming?Walter's eyes were red with fury, and Julia's illusions shattered completely. She knew then that she had never been the one he wanted. His heart belonged to Evangeline, that snake.However, Julia would not stand for it. She would not let Evangeline win, and she certainly would not let Walter have his way.Unbeknownst to her, Walter's patience had snapped. He lifted her with a fierce grip and slammed her back onto the bed, his voice like ice."I'm done with the past, Julia. All I care about now is where you've hidden Evangeline."Walter was convinced Julia knew Evangeline's whereabouts, an
Julia was the one tied up with a necktie, but Walter was the one who felt like he was in knots."You're lying! She can't be dead!"Walter's eyes were fiery with rage, itching to rip apart the vile woman before him, but he held back, knowing she had the information on Evangeline's whereabouts."Spill it! Where is Evangeline?"Evangeline could not be dead, nor could their child. They had not even started their happy life together. How could Evangeline be gone?If he could just get Julia to talk, there would still be time to save them!"Where is that witch? How should I know? I just sent her off to meet her maker..."Julia's words were casual, but inside, she was already filled with remorse.She was so caught up in having a perfect night with Walter that she did not make sure Evangeline was dealt with for good.If Walter had found Evangeline and the kid gone for good, it would have haunted him forever. Her, the one behind it all, she would have been a ghost in his memory, always
Motorcycles—the ultimate icons of speed and passion.Evangeline clung to the biker's waist, the wind howling in her ears, her head resting against his back without a second thought.Under normal circumstances, she would be the one embracing the rush, arms outstretched, savoring the thrill. However, not this time. This was different. She had a new life growing inside her.After she became a mother, Evangeline was not the fearless Foster family princess anymore. She was just a mother who wanted nothing more than to see her child grow up safe and sound.Out of nowhere, the howling wind around her ears came to a halt, and the motorcycle stopped in front of a sleek white BMW.Then came a teasing voice."Time to hop off, my Cuddly Cutie."That nickname!Evangeline's eyes widened in shock. "You are..."The man glanced back at her with a playful spark in his eyes. He put a finger to his lips, signaling her to be quiet, and then suggested, "Maybe we should get off first?"Evangeline t
Evangeline overheard Julia and Walter's phone call, every word sharp and clear.However, she knew Walter too well.Would he really come to that forsaken warehouse for her? If he did, it was probably just for the baby she carried, to clear the air with Trey.The warmth between him and Julia, though, was real.Tears caught her off guard, blurring her vision until the world was a watery haze.One tear hung in her sight, and suddenly, she was back in that autumn she loved, by the water's edge.The golden glow of the harvest season wrapped around everything, painting the water with a picture of plenty.She never noticed the solitude of autumn or its decline, believing it was beautiful to freeze in her prime if fading was inevitable."Take me to Amberstream Riverbank."The name was as lovely as a masterpiece. The first time Evangeline heard it, she was captivated. She promised herself she would visit.So one day, she slipped away from her grandfather and uncles, dodged the watchful
"Don't worry, I'm not."Evangeline caressed her belly, her eyes sparkling as she glanced at her companion."I've got company now, and Grandpa is waiting for me back at the family house. Why would I have any doubts?"She was just trying to relive a moment from her past. Perhaps this could be said as... a goodbye ritual.A final wave to the girl who once rescued Walter and lost her heart to him in an instant."Good to know." Snow Wolf's grin widened as he breathed a sigh of relief.He sure did not want to lose her just when they had met."Feeling hungry? Want me to grab you a bite?"Snow Wolf had not expected that she would be expecting a little one, so he had not thought to bring any snacks. He was pretty thoughtful.As soon as he brought it up, Evangeline's stomach let out a loud rumble.She laughed off the embarrassment and gestured to Snow Wolf. "Hold on, I've got a bit more to do here. We can head out together in a bit."With that, Evangeline got to her feet.She was sta
The keychain dropped into the river.The water was crystal clear, dotted with chunks of ice since winter was just ending. Through the cold, she could make out the little brown bear on the keychain."Goodbye, Walter," she whispered to herself, knowing those words were meant more for her than for him.From that day forward, Walter would be a chapter closed in the book of Evangeline's life.With that, it was just her, the child growing inside her, the Foster family, and her own strength."Snow Wolf, let's hit the road."With that, Evangeline did not look back. She hopped into Snow Wolf's car, and they sped off to find some comfort food.Little did they know, within minutes of their departure, a sleek black sedan raced past, pulling up at the very spot they had just left.Walter stood there, lost in memories of the girl he once knew, her laughter echoing in his mind."Evangeline! Where are you?" he called out into the void.Walter's hands formed a makeshift megaphone as he yelled
After the car crash scare, Evangeline was not taking any chances. She and Snow Wolf hit up a diner, and she borrowed his phone to check in with Yale.Yale's voice was rough, tinged with a thrill he could not quite mask."Evie, thank goodness you're safe."Evangeline figured he was just worried about her, not reading into it too much.However, a beat later…"Don't bother with the old house; head straight to the hospital. It's your grandfather. He..."Yale sounded utterly spent.He had no idea that Evangeline had only been safe and sound for less than eight hours since her disappearance.The Fosters could not keep a lid on it for even that short a time.Outside the operating room, the red light flicked on, and Yale's heart sank.Holden was a statue, his fists clenched, eyes glued to the operating room doors, not looking away for even a split second.Yale could not hold back his emotions any longer when he saw Holden's state. His eyes welled up as he quickly moved closer and ga
Evangeline's eyes were red-rimmed as she shook her head fiercely, refusing to accept it. "Grandpa is going to pull through. Dr. George said we have to believe," she pleaded, her voice breaking.She was holding onto Yale's hand as if her grip alone could keep her grandfather alive.She knew how serious it was, that he might not make it through the night. However, she could not bear the thought of her uncles returning, as if their arrival would seal her grandfather's fate. Yale understood her all too well, his own heart aching with the same fear.His hand gently touched her forehead, stroking it softly. "What's on your mind? Your grandpa is really sick, and your uncle Holden and I are swamped. We thought it'd be best to call your other uncles to pitch in."Evangeline knew it was a kind lie, but she could not bring herself to call it out.The day the Foster brothers all came together was the same day Cole got moved out of the ICU to a regular room.Evangeline was so happy that she c
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