"Oops, looks like your date dashed off. You might still catch her if you hurry."It was true, Evangeline's sudden arrival had interrupted their cozy moment. Ever so considerate, she even pointed out the way Julia had gone.However, whether Walter would go after Julia was none of her business. Having given him a friendly tip, she headed straight for the restroom.What she did not realize was that Walter, standing at the doorway, was wrapped up in thoughts of Evangeline. It was not until she disappeared into the restroom that he snapped back to reality and remembered just how important Julia was.Torn between his feelings for Evangeline and his responsibility toward Julia, Walter made a snap decision. He strode quickly to the corner, hoping to spot Julia.The long hallway was deserted, except for a waiter poised at the entrance, ready to take orders. Not a single stranger was in sight.Then, out of nowhere, a man cloaked in black, his identity hidden, suddenly came into view.Walt
Evangeline's eyes found Walter again, taking in his face that seemed to have aged beyond his years. Her feelings were everywhere. "If there's nothing else, I'm going to head out," she said, ready to walk away."I need to talk to you," blurted Walter, stepping in front of her. However, as their eyes met, he was at a loss for words. Should he tell her how much he missed her? It just did not seem right, not at that moment."You just lost a child a few days ago. Shouldn't you be at home, resting up, instead of being out here?" He knew women needed time to recover after a miscarriage, so why was Evangeline acting like it was no big deal?"Huh?" Evangeline was stunned. Walter stopped her just to lecture her about her health?"My body, my rules. What's it to you?" She could not help but snap back, her irritation with Walter's meddling growing. "And what about you? Don't forget, you lost a child too. And here you are, a few days later, wining and dining with other women? You're some 'great
"Mr. Walter Gordon, Evie isn't into your vibe right now, so back off, will you?"Walter's gaze hardened.Given how things stood between him and Evangeline, Hank, the outsider, should not have had a say, especially not like that. However, Hank had spoken, and Evangeline had not objected.What did that mean? It meant she was okay with it all.So, Evangeline had a thing for Hank after all?First Alex, then Hank.He balled his hands into fists, silently telling himself… Why the heartache? It was never him in the picture.Right in front of Walter, Evangeline slipped her arm through Hank's with a cozy familiarity. "Hank, is our food here yet? I'm starving, let's head back and eat." Evangeline's voice was as soft and sweet as when she first married Walter.Her words lingered in Hank's ears, awakening the deep love he had tucked away in his heart. He smiled fondly and gently patted her hand, saying, "Okay, let's have dinner now."The pair, walking shoulder to shoulder, turned heads. W
Hank's doubts were mostly about his parents, so much so that when they pushed him about getting married, he only gave them a vague answer.Then Cole died, and Evangeline lost the baby.He knew she must be devastated, but selfishly, a part of him was relieved.With the child gone, the last obstacle between him and Evangeline had vanished. Would it not be perfect for them to come together and for Evangeline to have their own kids someday?Hank was sure he could handle his parents' reaction to Evangeline's divorce. That was one less thing for her to fret about.He also knew springing the 'let's be together' talk on Evangeline out of the blue might send her running for the hills. So, he figured they would have to take things slow."So, Evie, what's up? What are you doing at home these days?" he asked casually.Evangeline thought about the overbearing housekeepers and her own life, and she smirked wryly. "What do you think? Living luxuriously, just eating and drinking and taking care
Their banter flowed easily, the air between them charged with warmth and excitement.Meanwhile, Walter sat in another room, his business deal done but his heart aching with loneliness.All he could picture was Evangeline, cozy and close with Hank.It was just like he had figured: Cole was gone, the divorce was final, and there was Evangeline, off to find her slice of happiness, leaving him alone with nothing but their old wedding photo and a heart full of what-ifs.Walter could only sigh, feeling the relentless grip of loneliness that haunted him day and night. What else was there to do?The networking event was over, and Walter said goodbye to the female executive before driving off from Morning Star Hotel alone.A true workaholic, Walter hardly ever ducked out of work early. However, he had zero desire to head to the office.…Crystal Waters House.His black Rolls Royce zoomed by, stopping right in the middle of the courtyard.Walter eased the car door open, unfolded his lo
The last thing Walter wanted was a call from James.James, a star lawyer, had only one reason to call himself: to put an end to his and Evangeline's marriage. He was not about to let Walter play dumb."Mr. Walter, let's skip the small talk," said James, preferring to keep things strictly business.At the office, he was just James, and he was not fond of Walter's attempts to be friendly.However, considering the bombshell he was about to drop, James figured it was not worth getting worked up over Walter."I'm calling to let you know that Ms. Evangeline has given me full control over the divorce. I'll be your point of contact for anything related to it. I've sent the divorce terms to your company by courier, so keep an eye out," James informed him."Got it," Walter replied, resigned.He knew that was coming. Evangeline had made it clear that waiting for a mutual divorce would take ages, and suing was the faster route. What more was there to say?"Once you get the mail, you've got
James set his phone aside and, as if they were the only two people in the world, explained to Evangeline, "Just some newbie at the firm, a legal assistant who can't seem to get even the simplest things right. It's driving me up the wall, honestly."Evangeline had caught wind of that new assistant, and she was puzzled.James was practically a legend in the legal field, and he was fussing over a bumbling assistant?If their performance was not up to the required standard, would it not be easier to just let them go? Why was James spending his precious time, painstakingly coaching them on their job?Unless…A mischievous idea popped into Evangeline's head. With a sly grin, she softened her gaze at James. "What's so bad about being a bit clueless? It's endearing, isn't it?"With a look that was both inquisitive and loaded with implication, Evangeline asked in a tone rich with suggestion, "Uncle James, can I ask if this bumbling legal assistant is a guy or a girl?"They were standing
A spark of determination lit up Julia's eyes.She could not just stand by and watch those two fall in love. This was her opportunity to orchestrate a little drama for them…Just then, the bodyguard knocked and came in with permission. "Ms. Rearden, have you picked a flight yet? The boss's people are asking."Julia, already annoyed from her run-in with Walter, sat up on the couch and flung a pillow out in frustration. "Why the rush? I said I'd go back in a week, didn't I? When have I ever broken a promise?"Julia was already feeling frustrated because of her issues with Walter, and the bodyguard came in with even more irritating news!The bodyguard hesitated, then said with a resigned tone, "If you're still undecided, I'll let the boss know."Nobody else could decide when Julia would head back—that was up to her. Even the boss had to respect Julia's wishes."No, that won't be necessary."Julia knew that if she tried to bow out again, the phone would ring with another nudge from
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