Julia was supposed to meet up with the boss in two weeks, but Cole's funeral had sped things up. Less than a week had passed, and she was already done with her tasks.She was meant to go back to her boss right away, as per their deal.However, every time she pictured Walter's dashing face, she just could not bring herself to leave.Why did she have to fall so hard for someone and not even get a shot at being with him?She would be content with just one wild, fiery moment with him—no regrets, for the rest of her days.Right then, her laptop dinged with a video call request. The caller's shadowy avatar blinked on the screen, unnoticed by Julia, who was away from her computer. However, the sound caught her attention.Julia peered at the message on her screen, her gaze sharpening. She composed herself, managing to craft a sweet smile before accepting the call."Dear, aren't you busy today?" she asked, peeking at the time on her computer, which showed it was work hours on the other s
If she pushed her luck, he would get mad. His anger only meant there was hell to pay."Come on, you get it, right? This is my hometown. If I go back to you, coming back here won't be easy. So, how about I stay just one more week, please?"She pleaded softly, making sure to back up her request with solid reasons."Besides, I'm not even late. I'm sticking to the schedule we set before."She did her best to sound sweet and accommodating, but his response was curt."No way."Those two words knotted Julia's brow, but she could not let her frustration show. In a flash, she put on her most charming, innocent smile."Come on, it's just a tiny delay of a week. Plus, I've wrapped up everything I wanted to do here. However, if I leave now, I've got to pass on my work to someone else. There's got to be a proper handover, right?"He hesitated, showing a glimmer of willingness to discuss."Look, once I'm back, I'll be with you every day. You'll be so sick of me, you won't be able to shake m
When the waiter returned, he brought a fancy coffee set.The room was quickly filled with the rich scent of coffee, mingling with the earthy fragrance of aged Gold Standard Colombia Coffee, making the air delightfully aromatic.Even Julia, no coffee connoisseur, found herself sniffing the air, drawn to the inviting smell.The waiter, with great reverence, placed the coffee cup before Julia and asked, "Ms. Rearden, would you like to order anything?"Julia recalled the menu she had briefly skimmed and shook her head. "No, let's wait for him to get here before we order."With the waiter gone, Julia's unease vanished, and she stood up to pace the room.She had not expected the reclusive man to agree to a meeting, and to choose such an... extravagant place at that.It was her first time there, and she was clueless about the cost of dining in such an establishment.However, a quick look at the menu told her that even a simple meal could set a person back an astonishing 15 thousand do
Alex broke the silence, diving straight into the question that had been nagging him at Julia.Julia eyed him warily, but Alex got to the point immediately."It's not every day we get to chat like this. Once you head back to the boss, coming back won't be a walk in the park. Think of this as a little send-off.""That's it?" Julia's voice was laced with skepticism.She and Alex were just leaders and employees, nothing more. Their usual chit-chat did not warrant a goodbye dinner at a place like that."Nope, there's more," said Alex instantly. "I've got to ask you something face-to-face, no beating around the bush."Be honest, Julia. Did you have a hand in Evangeline's miscarriage?"Alex was thanking his lucky stars he had men stationed close to Trey. Without them, he would be in the dark about what happened to Evangeline.With Julia's cover blown, Alex had to play it casually to avoid suspicion, all while secretly pulling some strings on the side.Just when he thought he could re
Nothing mattered more to Alex than Evangeline, especially her well-being.He had moved mountains in secret just to be with her. If her health failed, how could they hope to spend a lifetime together?The child, carrying Walter's blood, should have been his nephew. However, then, as a father figure, Alex did not bat an eye…"You think I'm just making up excuses? I've got to admit, I'm a little jealous of Evangeline. She's found someone who loves her so deeply. She's incredibly lucky."Julia's heart ached with the thought. If only Walter could show her a fraction of the devotion Alex showed Evangeline, she would gladly give him everything. Alas, it was all just a pipe dream.Her dreams lay in pieces, so how could she stand by and watch Alex cling to his?"Alex, you might be indifferent about Evangeline's baby now, but what about later? That kid, born from her and your brother, will be a living reminder, every single day, of their betrayal. You might hold it together for a year, but
She did not need to spell out what she meant by 'restoration'. Alex immediately understood, and his face twisted with a mix of emotions."You know the deal. If I go back to the boss and I'm still... intact, it'll be a big problem. So I need someone to help me out with that...""And you picked Walter for this?" Alex was still trying to wrap his head around her choice, even though he had seen it coming.Although Alex had guessed Julia's answer, he was still incredulous about her choice. After all, he had seen Walter humiliating Julia in that abandoned warehouse. In a moment like that, Julia actually wanted to become intimate with Walter. What could Alex even say?She was acting like it was her right, too."Well, obviously. Walter can't stand my body, but he still claimed it and made sure Evangeline saw the whole thing... So, who's really getting under whose skin here?"Just picturing that moment, imagining the look on Evangeline's face, sent a thrill through Julia."One thing's fo
Alex, on the other hand, clenched his jaw and, with a resentful glance, reluctantly followed Julia's lead, picking up his spoon to eat.Julia's cigarette was almost out, and as the smoke danced around the room, Alex felt a wave of irritation wash over him for no good reason.He got up and cracked open the door to their private room, but for some reason, he did not swing it all the way open, just enough to peek through.Unbeknownst to him, down the hall, two sharply dressed men were huddled by the door, whispering."Did you get the scoop? When is Mr. Walter Gordon going to show up? We've been twiddling our thumbs for half an hour. The Gordon Group's folks can't possibly be this late, can they?"The one talking was Yestin Zeller, the head honcho of Bennex Medical Equipment. Ever since he started his company, he had not put up with that kind of disrespect.Jeff Bradford, Yestin's assistant, was quick to calm his boss. "Mr. Zeller, chill out. Our staff worked their tails off to set u
A quick peek through the slim door crack revealed Julia's sly, side-smile.What was Julia doing there? Who was she talking to?Unbeknownst to Walter, during the brief moment he stood there, his glossy dress shoes had drawn Alex's gaze.As Julia babbled on, Alex was already hatching a plan.It did not matter who was outside; he could not keep this up with Julia. The risk of his identity being exposed and the fallout that would follow was something he could not handle.Meanwhile, Walter, having recognized Julia's voice, was sure of who she was. The female executive, noticing Walter's hesitation, was about to say something but caught his signal to be quiet and go.She entered the private room they had booked with Bennex Corporation, leaving Walter alone at the door, eavesdropping on the chatter inside.The server, who initially wanted to stop Walter, paused, only to be whisked away by the manager for another task.Inside, Julia was savoring the spread before her when she suddenly
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