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
"Oh, and make sure Walter comes alone. If he brings a posse, he might not get the chance to see me."Julia was not about to let any randoms mess up her master plan. Walter was hers for the taking.…"Achoo!" Walter, buried in paperwork, sneezed so hard that his spine tingled. He shivered, a sure sign spring was playing tricks with the weather.He glanced out at the street, then touched with hints of green, but his thoughts were all on Evangeline.Walter counted the days, wondering how Evangeline was doing. The last time he saw her, her lips were ghostly pale, a clear sign she was far from strong. Should he not swing by the Foster place to check on Evangeline?Then there was Julia.He had just gotten an invite from her, delivered by one of her minions. Julia, that wild card, wanted to meet him at Kronovia Royale Pub—alone.That was just fine by him. He had a burning question from the past that only Julia could answer.Ever since he found out Julia was not the one who saved hi
Evangeline flashed a 'come-and-see' smile. "Go ahead and look, I'm an open book!"She was always a straight shooter with her friends.Except for that tiny bear keychain tucked away at Amberstream Riverbank, she had locked away all her secrets in her hideout. So, Celina had nothing to sneak around for.Celina flipped open the invite and her eyes instantly landed on two names she knew all too well."Julia, Walter..." She whispered under her breath, then her gaze swiftly shifted to Evangeline. "Ms. Evangeline, this invite... you're not actually thinking of going, are you?"It was clear to Celina what the invite was all about, and she was just worried about Evangeline.Evangeline's name was not on the invite, which screamed that showing up would be social suicide.She was sure Evangeline could read between the lines too.However, seeing Walter's name on the guest list threw her off a bit. Everyone knew Evangeline's heart skipped a beat for Walter."No way." Evangeline took a swig
It was kind of sad, really. Julia's invite for Walter to hang out at Kronovia Royale Pub had somehow ended up in her hands. There they were, not even officially divorced yet, and the whole thing was out in the open.What was Walter thinking? Maybe he finally felt bad, like he actually wanted to make things right.Of course, who ever said no to a little extra cash? If Walter was in a giving mood, Evangeline figured she might as well go with it.She scribbled her name on the bottom of the new divorce papers Walter had whipped up and slid them back into the folder.Then both their names were on it. All she had to do was send the thing off to James, and the big day would be just around the corner.Evangeline plopped down on the bed, staring out the window, but her mind was miles away.Was that really it for her and Walter?It all seemed like some weird dream.Just yesterday, she was the beaming bride, trying to figure out how to get Walter to buckle down and start a family.Then,
Evangeline noticed the bodyguard's lingering concern and tossed him a verbal lifeline. "Relax, if anything goes south, you can point the blame at me."With a conflicted heart, the bodyguard exited Evangeline's room.As he replayed Evangeline's instructions in his head, a shiver of anxiety ran through him.What if things took a turn for the worse? Even if he pinned it all on Evangeline, would that really make a difference?The Foster family members were all about results. They would not let him off easy just because he tried to pass the buck.Unbeknownst to him, Celina noticed his hesitation from her vantage point at the stairwell corner.She had sensed Evangeline's sour mood the moment she laid eyes on that invitation. Thus, when Evangeline asked for some time alone in her room, Celina did not stand in her way.However, her lack of protest did not mean she was not worried, especially not after seeing the bodyguard's troubled exit from Evangeline's room.She decided to approach
Celina was a master at reading people, and she quickly got the bodyguard to reveal his fears.He thought to himself that he had no real connection to the Foster family, who would not hesitate to punish him. However, Celina was different, she was Ms. Evangeline's right hand. The Foster family would likely go easy on her for Evangeline's sake.Why not have an ally to share the blame?Still, he had to set one thing straight."I'll tell you the truth, but you can't let Ms. Evangeline hear about this, okay?"After all, crossing the Foster family or Evangeline was something he could not afford to do.Celina understood where the bodyguard was coming from and gave him a reassuring nod, even giving his shoulder a comforting pat. "Don't worry, since you've spilled the beans to me, we're in this together. If there's trouble, nobody's getting off scot-free. But you know, better safe than sorry. If anything were to happen to Ms. Evangeline, you couldn't handle it alone, could you?"Tell me a
Celina did not wait for the bodyguard to take it. She just slipped it into his pocket."Why are you being so old-fashioned? We've got to play it by ear in situations like this. We can't stop Ms. Evangeline from stepping out, but if the big shots ask and we're clueless about her whereabouts, aren't we in deeper trouble? It might not be the most upright move, but at least we're keeping Ms. Evangeline safe, right?"…In the CEO's office at Gordon Group headquarters.Walter wrapped up his work for the day, his eyes drawn to the invitation on the corner of his desk. The red with gold lettering was impossible to miss.Somehow, Julia's actions had escaped his grip, and she kept pulling stunts that surprised him.The letter was an example. While his people were out there turning over every stone for her, she had the nerve to send an invite right to his doorstep!Well, that worked out. It meant he could stop the wild goose chase.However, he was not about to let Julia keep playing hooky
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