Evangeline had not guessed Walter was only pretending to sleep. A wave of embarrassment washed over her. She had been about to cover him with a blanket, and he had not been asleep at all!Her well-intended action then felt like a cruel joke.Evangeline snapped, "I was just looking at an animal."Walter narrowed his eyes, taken aback by the woman's biting wit as soon as she opened her mouth. He clicked his tongue and pulled Evangeline close.He was curious to taste her defiant spirit.Their lips met in a deep, unexpected kiss.Surprisingly, her kiss was sweet, a stark contrast to her sharp words.The thought lingered in Walter's mind, compelling him to kiss her more intensely.Evangeline had not seen it coming. Walter's lips had swiftly moved from hers to her neck, leaving a trail of fervent kisses that sent a wave of tension through the air.She snapped back to reality.Why should she let him have his way?She had wanted a child, and he had flatly refused, leaving her humili
Evangeline winced as Aria's piercing voice echoed in her ears, prompting her to reflexively rub them.There were times Evangeline seriously considered getting Aria some throat lozenges to save her voice and her sanity. How did Aria manage to yell like that day in and day out?Evangeline nonchalantly replied, "Sorry to burst your bubble, but that's your son's handiwork. He can be a bit rough, but I can't say I mind it..."Evangeline watched Aria's face twist with fury, her nose nearly bending out of shape.Evangeline had figured it out. Aria just could not stand the thought of her son being affectionate with her."No way! You must've slipped him something, you temptress!" Aria glared at Evangeline as if trying to bore holes into her with her eyes.Deep down, Aria was making plans. She could not let Walter and Evangeline carry on like that. Evangeline was too cunning. If she ever got her way, it would be a disaster!With those thoughts, Aria discreetly pressed the service bell. A
Walter was fuming. "What was she thinking, running off like that? Said she was visiting my mother, but I bet she was out with some guy. Does she want a baby that bad, to the point where any man will do?"His last shred of sanity was gone, and all he could think about was tracking down Evangeline.Over at Crystal Waters House, in a hotel room upstairs, Evangeline lounged back, one leg crossed over the other, eyeing the group of half-naked men before her. "Put some muscle into it!" she snapped. "What, did you skip breakfast or something?"The men, clad only in underwear, knelt on the floor, their faces a mix of fear and anger. With each command from her, they slapped themselves harder, chanting, "I am not human!" It was a small comfort to Evangeline to see them like that.They were Aria's lackeys, sent to strip her and snap some scandalous photos.Evangeline had to laugh internally. As if such a cheap trick could take her down!She already spat out the drugged coffee and then dealt
"Understood!"Amid Walter's frantic preparations to dash downstairs and drive after Evangeline, his phone rang.His subordinate's voice came through, trying to sound light despite the bad news, "Sir, we've lost track of Mrs. Walter Gordon..."Walter's fists tightened, fury bubbling up inside him. "A bunch of useless fools!"Evangeline was in a fragile state, emotionally shattered. Without someone by her side, who knew what might happen? He could not bear to think about it.As he wrestled with his worries, a call came in from his mother, Aria."Walter, you wouldn't believe the racy photo your wife sent today." Aria clucked disapprovingly. "A woman like that, so flighty and flirtatious, just doesn't belong in the Gordon family. You need to kick her out, and fast."Aria was smug, waiting for Walter's agreement. Instead, a frosty voice came through the phone."Mom, cut the act. I know you're behind all this."Aria's heart skipped a beat. Walter's voice had never been so icy. "Walt
"Goddess! Goddess!" The crowd chanted loudly, her star shining brightest on the racetrack tonight.In the throng of people, there was someone encircled by fans, her silhouette and stance a mirror image of Evangeline's. She even brought to mind the defiant figure who had given Evangeline the finger at Sunlit Heights. Was it truly her?Walter elbowed his way through the crowd."Let's race. The prize? The winner takes the loser's night. Are you game?" he said, locking eyes with the queen of the racetrack.The woman hesitated, her reaction silencing the crowd momentarily.Staking one's own night was a bold move."So, if I lose, you 'own' me?" she asked, her tone not quite matching Evangeline's."That's right. However, if you lose, you're mine tonight," said Walter, emphasizing every word.She let out a scoff, laced with scorn. "I won't lose. But sure, I'll bet against you, just to see that look of scorn wiped off your face later. Unless I'm mistaken, weren't you the one who lost th
A fan club waved their light-up signs in the air, celebrating the queen's arrival, their cheers thunderous in the throng.Walter was seething with a possessive rage, feeling as though his brightest star had been stolen from him."You've won, congratulations. Tonight, you own me," said Walter, his gaze intense and piercing as he pushed through the crowd to face her.Evangeline's eyes were icy, laced with scorn. Walter was hopelessly sentimental, rooted to the spot at the mere sight of the racing goddess. He had chased her from Sunlit Heights to Mystic Opal Hill, still playing the lover while refusing to let go of their marriage.What would his reaction be if he discovered she was the same racing goddess everyone adored?Imagining Walter's dumbstruck face made Evangeline chuckle. She removed her helmet, her black hair tumbling down like a waterfall, her stunning features then fully visible to the wind and the world.Her gaze met his mockingly. "Sorry to burst your bubble," she said
Walter needed to see how Trey was doing. His grandfather had lost his appetite since Evangeline's departure, and Walter was worried about his health.Upon entering, he found Trey engrossed in the latest news about Evangeline, his eyes gleaming with admiration.Walter caught the look on his grandfather's face, which held no trace of shock at the revelation that Evangeline was a queen of the racetrack."Grandpa, you knew about this all along, didn't you?" Walter probed.Without even bothering to glance back, Trey responded, "You've been Evie's husband for how long and are still clueless? What could I possibly know that you don't?"The old man's tone was laced with irritation. "Evie's a rose that's been planted in a pile of manure!" He shook his head in dismay. "How on earth did the Gordons end up with a dud like you?""Grandpa, I admit I messed up before, but is there anything else you know about Evangeline?" pressed Walter, desperate to uncover all he could about her."I've said
Oscar was a die-hard Cole fan. Cole's larger-than-life tale had even hit the silver screen, with flicks like 'The Gambling King's Saga' and 'The Gambler and His Three Thousand Ladies'. He had grown up on those stories and had dreamt more than once of being spotted by Cole, becoming his protege, and ruling the casinos. He imagined striking it rich overnight and living a life dripping with wealth and excess.The harsh truth was that his job was breaking his heart day after day, and trying to find someone had become as futile as searching for a needle in a haystack, with the constant threat of getting the ax hanging over his head.The next morning, Walter was up with the stars, waiting outside Evangeline's old place—a charming Victorian house she had lived in as a kid, back when her mother was still around.Walter remembered how her mother was a woman with flowing hair and warmth that could light up a room.Staring at the house brought a flood of childhood memories. He had lived just
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