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
"Draft up a number that makes sense and shoot it over to me, pronto."Walter was quick to decide, but he did not skip on giving a reason."We've been sitting on this diamond mine deal for ages. If we let it drag out any longer, we'll have sunk too much into it to ever make a decent profit."After all, snagging this deal meant breaking into the jewelry design market, a venture that would cost a pretty penny in the early days."Got it. I'll hustle on my end," replied David, nodding. As the meeting wrapped up, David lingered on the line, something clearly weighing on his mind."Uh... Mr. Walter Gordon, I've got a question..."Walter, already clued into what was coming, did not beat around the bush. "Celina is sticking close to Evangeline, so she's in good hands. However, that's as far as my help goes."Walter recalled when he had tried to smooth things over for David with Celina. She was a tough nut to crack, not even wanting to hear him out. His hands were tied."Understood, unde
The door clicked shut, and Walter was left alone in the suddenly spacious private room.Julia was still a no-show. Walter, without a second thought, reached for the cocktail on the table.Julia could not escape even if she tried. What was there to worry about?It was just a cocktail. Walter could hold his liquor—how bad could it be?He did not gulp it down right away but instead took a moment to inhale the cocktail's refreshing fruity aroma.He had to hand it to the Kronovia Royale Pub's bartender—they knew how to mix a drink with a kick.Without overthinking, Walter took a tentative sip.The strong alcohol vaporized, enhancing the fruit's sweet fragrance to the max, a sensation that hit his taste buds with a delightful punch.Walter could not help but take a generous swig.The drink warmed him from the inside, leaving a subtle sweetness lingering on his lips.Suddenly, the room spun, and a wave of dizziness washed over him, slowly dragging his consciousness under.Through t
She had all the time in the world—no rush.Her fingers danced lightly over Walter's face, boldly tapping his nose.Julia's chuckle floated through the air. "If I don't tie you up, you might bolt. I can't have a repeat of last time, Walt."She was not about to let her prize slip away again.At this point, Julia no longer wanted to talk to Walter. Her focus was then on the waiter still in uniform."Wyatt, you've outdone yourself. Looking for a little bonus?"Wyatt, the boss's right-hand man, never failed to deliver. Whether it was drugging Evangeline or nabbing Walter, he was the man for the job.Julia knew she would better reward him well, or someone with his talents might just walk."Who wouldn't want a reward?" Wyatt's grin was radiant, his eyes locked on Julia, sparkling with unsaid promises."Still, if it's a prize from you, Ms. Rearden, I've got to give it some serious thought."Julia's eyes narrowed just a touch.She was a knockout, with looks that turned heads and a fi
That was the hard truth.Wyatt, standing over Walter, just gave a slight, knowing smile. "Mr. Walter Gordon, being born unwanted is a world of hurt. Did you ever consider if Ms. Evangeline's baby wanted to be part of this world?""You're out of your mind!" Walter was at his breaking point and did not hold back his opinion.Julia chimed in, nodding."You really are crazy! Since when do kids get to decide whether they're born or not?""That's the tragedy of it all," said Wyatt, his voice trailing off as he looked into the distance. "If being born means a life without joy, maybe it's better not to be born at all..."Walter lay there, paralyzed in his bed, straining to hear the echo of Wyatt's sigh fading away.Julia's eyes lingered on Wyatt's stoic face, reading the untold stories behind his unruffled facade. She let out a quiet sigh, just as he snapped out of his reverie. "Ms. Rearden, I've finished the job, so I'm off to get some rest," he said before slipping out the door, which
However, Walter was like a defanged tiger at the moment, and Julia was not scared in the slightest.Seeing his reaction only made her want to laugh more."Aw, did I strike a nerve just by mentioning Evangeline? Did you feel sorry when you sent me off to Northern Montavia, to that brutal place that chews people up and spits them out?"Julia's fingertips trailed down from Walter's chin to rest over his heart. "Walt, you know I've loved you since we were kids. No matter how much you've wronged me, how much you've hurt me, I've never stopped loving you."Out of Walter's line of sight, Julia watched his face with eyes full of wonder and fascination."Let's not bring up the sad stuff, okay?"We've got this whole night to ourselves, thanks to fate. Why don't we make it one to remember?"When she returned to her boss, there was no telling if she would be able to return.Youth did not last forever, and she did not want to live with regrets. That was why she was doing that to Walter.Sa
With those thoughts, Julia's boldness surged.She was no longer content to stand by the bed, merely touching Walter. She was like a predator that had never been satisfied, focused solely on claiming the man before her, on consuming him entirely.Without a second thought, Julia climbed onto the bed and extended her long legs…However, Walter was not one to be underestimated. Even though he was bound, he had quickly adapted and could then control his movements.At that pivotal moment, Walter shifted, and Julia found herself embracing the empty air."Walter, seriously, you're all tied up and still trying to be a hero?" Julia's patience had snapped.She could not believe it. She had the perfect setting, the perfect timing, and not a soul to interrupt, yet she could not get the upper hand over that guy?Her earlier sweetness evaporated in an instant, and she glared at Walter like a predator eyeing its prey, muscles and all."Julia, if you think you can get me to do... that with you,
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