Walter was desperate for a shower, but the thought of using Julia's bathroom? No way. That was out of the question.Then, like a lightbulb flicking on, Evangeline's face popped into his mind.The idea that she had a place in Meadowvale was something he had never even considered. Back in the day, he could not have cared less about where Evangeline owned property. Then? He was not in any position to care.However, what if he went over to her place, laid everything out, explained the whole Julia situation? Maybe, just maybe, he could ask to use her shower. Could that work?Walter, with a mix of hope and urgency, rapped on Evangeline's door. He tried the bell and then knocked harder, but silence was the only answer he got."Evangeline, please open up. I need to explain something to you!" he called out, his voice echoing down the hallway.The bodyguard, who had arrived a little too late, sidled up to Walter and whispered, "Mr. Walter Gordon, um... I've just found out that the lady is
How could he, Walter, have been so blind? To have mistaken his own lifesaver!Julia was losing her patience. "What do you really want to ask? When are you going to let me go?"A chilling laugh suddenly filled the air, making Julia's skin crawl.She remembered that laugh. It was the same one Walter had when he planned to send her off to Northern Montavia.Just as expected, a second later…"Julia, if you don't even recognize this keychain, how can you say you're my savior?"Walter's voice rumbled deep and rough, each word slicing through the air like it was forged in the depths of the underworld.Julia's mind snapped into focus, her eyes darting away in a guilty flinch. She could not bring herself to meet Walter's gaze."Walt, I was just... I was so ticked off when you yanked me up earlier that I didn't really look at it, okay? But staring at this keychain, it sort of rings a bell. Looks like the one I snagged from you way back."Her wavering voice was all the confirmation Walte
"Please, Ms. Rearden, don't be mad. We're in a tight spot here. See those bodyguards over there? They're with the Foster family. We're small fish in Avalon City, and the Fosters? They're sharks. Mr. Rearden made us swear to keep our heads down and steer clear of trouble."At the time, the Fosters' crew had just pulled Walter and Evangeline to safety.Both were out cold, but the Fosters only whisked Evangeline away, leaving Walter by himself, sprawled on the shore.Julia, curious about the lack of commotion, strolled over with her bodyguard to inspect the still-unconscious Walter. "Any of you know who this guy is?"She could not help but notice how handsome he was at first glance. Marrying him would be a dream come true.However, dreams were all they could be. The Reardens were nobodies in Avalon City, and their bodyguards would not know a VIP if they tripped over one. They had no clue who Walter really was.Julia sighed, a mix of disappointment and longing, as the bodyguard shook
When Walter made it clear he intended to make Julia his bride, Trey, defying everyone's expectations, managed to get Evangeline hitched to the Gordons.Just like that, Julia's dreams of marrying into high society crumbled to dust…Snapping back from her reverie, Julia locked eyes with Walter, his gaze dark with barely concealed anger."Julia, even now, you won't come clean, will you? Let it go."Walter sighed. He knew Julia was all too familiar with weaving tales of fiction, and offering her a chance to save face might not even appeal to her. Why go to the trouble?"You went into such detail about my rescue back then. You must know who my savior was, right? I'm not interested in digging up the past. I just want to know, who was it that saved me?"For years, Walter had been thanking the wrong person, and in doing so, he had hurt the one girl he truly cared about.What a total backfire!Regret swallowed Walter whole, but he knew he could not go easy on Julia. She was a handful, w
Was she not just using Evangeline's name?All she wanted was his love. How could that be wrong?However, the guy standing in front of her had no problem playing a game of life or death with her!Julia could not help it, she burst into wild laughter on the ground. Pushing herself up on shaky arms, she managed to sit up while Walter watched, his body shaking with anger."Julia, come clean now, and I swear you'll make it out of this alive," Walter threatened, his voice a low growl.He was not sure he could keep his composure if Julia kept up her stubborn act. Would he be able to let her off the hook again if that happened another time?However, Julia was not scared.Staring down Walter, who looked like he could breathe fire, she knew that being caught by him was a fate worse than death. So why play into his hands?"Tell me, Walter. Why don't you love me?" she challenged him.Julia knew she had put in as much effort as Evangeline ever did, so why had she not ever captured Walter's
"I don't want to see anyone, I'm not in the mood!" Walter snapped back without hesitation.Julia had pushed him to his limits, and he had no desire to talk to anyone else.The bodyguard persisted, "But sir, he claims he's here to take Ms. Julia Rearden with him. He insists he won't leave without seeing her."A rescuer for Julia?After her parents were gunned down, the only one left to shield her was probably the mysterious powerhouse backing her.The Bennison family!A spark of interest flickered in Walter's eyes. He composed himself and then commanded, "Show him in."With Julia under his control, there was no rush to leave. If that stranger had the guts to show up, he must believe he could take Julia from Walter's grasp.Well, Walter was eager to see just how much that person was willing to sacrifice to save her.The room was in disarray thanks to Julia's earlier struggle, but luckily, the living room was still spotless.Walter settled onto the sofa, waiting for his distingu
Just then…"No, you really do need to."The guy was dead serious, a determined glint in his ocean-blue eyes.Walter was lost for words, about to retort, when the guy went on, "I didn't come to fetch Julia without bringing something big to the table."He gave Walter a knowing look and a smug smile, like he was sure Walter would not turn him down."I'm offering the diamond mines of Southern Crownlands in exchange for Julia. Sounds like a sweet deal for you, Mr. Walter Gordon, right?"Walter's brow creased as he weighed the likelihood of that guy having any say over the diamond mines.Those mines were a big deal for the Bennison family, yet this guy was talking like it was a walk in the park, not something to be taken lightly."Do you even realize what you're suggesting?"Walter needed to make sure, but he kept the conversation going smoothly. "The diamond mines in Southern Crownlands are a big deal for the Bennison family, aren't they? Are you sure you're the one who can make th
The diamond mines in Southern Crownlands were a gold mine, literally. Any official could name their price and be set for life. There was no way they would turn down a fortune that was practically in their hands.Unless... It was all because of the guy standing in front of Walter.As Walter locked eyes with him, the man casually threw up his hands. "No need to be suspicious. I gave him a ring before I came to see you. For a deal this big, he wouldn't dare call the shots without backup."Walter's stoic expression betrayed none of his thoughts, while the man in front of him seemed like he could not wait a second longer."Do you still have reservations? If you do, why don't you mull it over here while I go see Julia?" The man spoke as he casually opened his arms, allowing Walter's crew to give him a quick pat-down."Don't worry, I'm here to rescue, not to wreak havoc. Why would I bring anything dangerous?"Walter caught his bodyguard's eye with a meaningful glance.Getting the hint,
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