Evangeline's eyes were wide with disbelief.Cole could not just randomly bring up happiness and Walter without a reason."Grandpa, let's not talk about this, okay? Dr. George said your surgery went really well, and you're not going anywhere!"The fear of losing her grandfather wrapped around her, and she could not bear to hear any more of that from him.Cole offered a weak smile. "Evie, everyone's got to face the big four: being born, getting old, getting sick, and dying. Even if I pull through this time, I can't dodge the final curtain."Don't be scared, okay?"Cole's smile was as warm and gentle as ever, his frail, aged hand reaching out to stroke Evangeline's hair, just like he did when she was a little girl."I won't!" Evangeline's tears had broken free, spilling onto the blanket that lay over Cole. "I want Grandpa to stay with me forever. I can't stand the thought of being apart from you!"Cole could not help but smile, "Oh, my silly Evie, you're still so young. If I staye
She had caused her grandfather's death!Tears slid down silently, leaving trails on Evangeline's face, her sobs then just a whisper.At that very moment, the hospital room door swung open. Walter, his face ashen, appeared at the threshold. Feeling the weight of everyone's stares, he fidgeted uncomfortably, his hand brushing the back of his neck."I heard Mr. Foster was ill, so I... I just came...""What are you even doing here?" Evangeline shot up from her seat and marched straight toward Walter. "Walter, did you have something to do with my grandpa getting sick? Did you really have to come here and play the concerned visitor?"If Walter had not been so hung up on Julia, if she was not worried about how heartbroken Cole would be to see Walter being mean to her, why would she have ever spent so much time away from Cole's side?"Evangeline, what are you doing here?"Walter was in total disbelief.Had not Julia taken Evangeline away? He had scoured every corner of Avalon City and
Walter's phone buzzed to life out of the blue."Sir, I'm feeling a lot better now, ready to get back to the mission in Southern Crownlands."David's voice was stuffy and sounded like he was on the tail end of a cold.He already knew the whole drama about Evangeline getting nabbed by Julia while trying to rush him to the hospital.Taking a beat, he cautiously broached the subject, "How's Mrs. Gordon holding up?"It was not that he doubted Walter's expertise, but Evangeline's trouble was tied to him, and he could not shake off the guilt without checking in."She's fine now." Walter kept his voice even, masking whatever he was feeling."She's fine?" David echoed, relief flooding his words. "That's a relief, a huge relief."Knowing Evangeline was out of hot water made his own heart lighter."I'll head out tonight, catch a flight to Southern Crownlands."He mulled it over briefly before filling Walter in."Sure about that?" Walter was the one caught off guard then. "Weren't you a
Walter was shocked to discover just how incompetent his team was."Sorry, Mr. Walter Gordon. We've done everything we could, but they're too slick. They fed us fake leads, and we bit hard. By the time we figured it out and doubled back, they were gone—like they'd vanished into thin air..."…Elsewhere, Julia lounged in a swanky villa, sweet-talking someone on a video call."Honey, don't be mad, okay? I know you're just worried about me. But look, I'm totally fine. Plus, I'll be home before you know it."Her voice was dripping with sweetness, like she was talking through a mouthful of honey.The bodyguard who had just walked in caught a bit of her sugary tone and quickly looked down, giving her a respectful nod as he updated her, "Ms. Rearden, we've lost the tail."Julia's face, which had been all smiles, turned to ice. "Good job. You can go now."With a dismissive wave, she sent the bodyguard scurrying out. As soon as he was gone, her sweet smile returned.On the screen, the m
The second Walter tied Julia to the bed, everything clicked for her.She never had a place in his heart. His kindness was just payback for the time she saved his life.She had fooled herself into thinking it was more, that his gratitude was affection. She had been lying to herself for years.It was time to snap out of it.Julia hid her face in her hands, fighting back tears, but when she looked up, she caught sight of the bodyguard who had not left. He was a constant annoyance.Her team was disciplined, and they knew better than to interrupt when the boss was on the line. However, that guy? He broke all the rules, brazenly reporting to the boss about Walter, right in front of him!She motioned to him with a flick of her finger.The bodyguard came over, bowing so low he was practically staring at his shoes.From above him, Julia's voice dropped flat and emotionless. "You better have a darn good reason for cutting into my call with the leader."Her tone was distant as she casual
Julieta's face fell, and she spoke with gentle caution, "Ms. Evangeline, we can't bring back those who've passed. Mr. Foster may be gone, but you've got the little one inside you to think about. You've got to stay strong for your baby."It hit Evangeline then, and she tenderly placed her hand on the swell of her belly. "I'll be careful, I promise."Cole had made her promise to look after their child before he died, making her feel like it was all because of him. However, that child was also a part of Walter, a continuation of their family. How could she ever let go?"Mrs. Lewis, when will Grandpa's funeral be?"When Evangeline asked her question, Julieta went pale as a ghost."Ms. Evangeline, you've been out cold for two days and nights. You just woke up, so maybe let's not worry about that right now..."Evangeline could tell Julieta was holding something back. "What are you getting at?"Julieta realized she could not hide it any longer and confessed, "Mr. Foster's funeral is to
Cole had been a titan in Avalon City. Even his funeral was a testament to that, with a never-ending stream of mourners coming to pay their last respects.The crowd was united in their sorrow, and as Evangeline looked on, her eyes grew red with tears.At the entrance of the funeral home, Yale, the eldest son, stood solemnly before his father's portrait. Evangeline's uncles were scattered around, each lost in their own thoughts.Evangeline made her way to the front, gently laying flowers on the casket.Yale's gaze followed her every move, his eyes brimming with concern. "Evie, why are you here? You should be resting after just waking up...""Uncle Yale." Evangeline's voice trembled as she fought back tears. "How could I miss Grandpa's final farewell?"She dabbed at her tear-streaked cheeks, inhaled deeply, and asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?""You..." Yale started to speak, then paused, struggling with his words. At last, he said, "Just stand behind me."Together, the
"Mr. Gordon, I know this gemstone bracelet was meant for your granddaughter-in-law. But let's face it: my marriage to Walter was a joke, and it would've ended ages ago if it weren't for Grandpa Cole's illness. Now that he's gone, it doesn't seem right for me to keep this beauty, does it?"She laughed, trying to keep it light, and took Trey's frail hand, pressing the wooden box with the bracelet into his palm. "Don't worry, even if Walter and I weren't meant to be, you'll always be my grandpa."With that, Evangeline spun on her heel and walked away, not looking back.It was not that she was distant. It was just that she was afraid if she hesitated, Trey would see the tears she was fighting back.She had a tender heart.After all, how could she not feel a bond with Trey after all the time they had spent together?What Evangeline did not see was Trey, with the wooden box at hand, standing still with tears welling up in his old eyes. He watched her walk away.He knew that the grandd