Was it not natural for two people who cared for each other to marry?From what Celina had said, she clearly did not dislike David. It was just the idea of marriage…"David, does Celina have some bad experiences with family stuff, which makes her hesitant about getting married?"In my opinion, you jumped the gun. Talking about marriage so soon after getting together can be overwhelming."Evangeline was always going to have Celina's back. That was just who she was.After her own marriage to Walter, she understood all too well how different being married was from just dating.If two people were not completely ready, it was better not to rush into anything. Otherwise, they might end up wasting their best years and miss out on true happiness.David cast his eyes to the floor, his voice filled with disbelief. "Is it me? Did I get it wrong? I thought marrying her was the right thing to do."He was questioning everything at this point: his abilities, his looks, or maybe his charm as a
Evangeline did not realize how much seeing the old butler would stress her out.She had finally gotten rid of a headache, and then she had to spin tales to keep her loyal, hardworking butler in the dark.As she wrestled with that problem, the villa's door burst open. Yale marched in with purpose.Spotting Evangeline on the couch, he went straight to her. "Evie, did you catch the person who broke into the old house last night? I couldn't find anything on the security feeds."That oversight was massive. If anything happened to Evangeline because of it, how could he face his father and his sister who had passed away?"We caught him, but..."Evangeline's mind lingered on David, who had just slipped out the door. She pointed feebly outside and said, "He's gone again, Uncle Yale. Didn't you see him leave?"Yale looked at her confused, trying to grasp what she meant. "Gone again? What's going on?"The family's old butler caught on quickly. "Ms. Evangeline, Mr. Yale Foster, are you two
"Uncle Yale, there's no going back for Walter and me, that's for sure. And about David… This time, he's not here for me."For a split second, she dared to hope that David was her and Walter's middle-man. However, the sting of old wounds reminded her there was not much to hope for.Maybe it was best to just let the dust settle."You've probably heard about David and Celina's drama. He just showed up to say sorry to her. And yeah, there is a problem with our old house's security."David went old school, using just a rope and a grappling hook to scale the high walls of the old house, then he made a straight shot for it, getting in through the kitchen. I wonder if our Foster Group's security team is so focused on cybercrime that they're missing the simple stuff."Technology was great and all, but sometimes the old ways were the best ways. Brute force could still get the job done.That oversight was a huge blind spot for the Foster Group's security—a deadly one, even.Evangeline's wo
Even though Celina insisted on calling herself Ms. Evangeline in front of Julieta, Evangeline's feelings toward Celina had never wavered.She did not even let Celina have the chance to object as she said gently, "Open the door, let's talk this out."If Celina could cry over that, it meant she was not indifferent to David. That meant her turning down David's proposal had to be for some other reason.As Celina's big sister, Evangeline was determined to find out what it was.The door swung open, and Evangeline stepped in without a second thought, taking Celina's hand and sitting beside her on the bed, "Celina, why did you turn David down?"Evangeline's heart ached as she looked into those tear-swollen eyes."Because..." Celina lifted her hand to dry her tears. "Ms. Evangeline, I know you've been nothing but good to me, but I... I need to go back.""Go back? Back where?"Evangeline had thought of countless possibilities, but that answer caught her off guard.Celina had her secrets
"Please, Mr. Walter Gordon, don't make me take time off! I'll get my act together, I promise," David said, his voice full of determination.He was desperate for Walter to pile on more work so he could drown in it and forget all about his troubles with Celina."But can you really snap out of it just like that?" Walter gestured to the chaos on the desk and added, "Don't push yourself too hard. If you're not up to it, just take the time to rest...""Thanks, Mr. Walter Gordon, I mean it... but I'm fine. If you want me to recover fast, then please don't send me away," David pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion, and by the end, his eyes had started to well up.Walter sensed trouble the moment he saw David's face. "Is everything okay with you?"He thought about the recent drama surrounding David and had a hunch. "You've been to see Celina, haven't you?"Walter had a knack for reading people, and he had guessed right on the money about what was eating David up.However, David was we
Evangeline was half-right.Walter had indeed taken the call without David's okay, but he had not snatched the phone. "What's up?" Walter was not in the mood for a debate with Evangeline. Her tone made it clear that David would not share his personal business with her. He was getting ahead of himself."It's nothing much," Evangeline hesitated, "Celina... She's looking to get away for a while and clear her head with a trip. If he wants to say goodbye, he should swing by the airport before nine tomorrow morning."Evangeline wanted to be honest, but with Walter in the picture, things got complicated. Walter had other intentions toward Celina and Evangeline needed to keep him out of the way. So, she made it sound like she and Celina were joined at the hip, hoping that would make Walter think twice about messing with David and Celina's bittersweet farewell.After laying out her plan, Evangeline added a little extra just to be safe."Look, Celina didn't want me to tell David, but they're
Walter remembered Evangeline's hushed instructions and tacked on another line."Oh, and she said to keep it on the down-low. When you get to the airport, don't make a big deal out of it. Act like you just bumped into each other, okay?"Normally, dropping Celina off at the airport was no biggie for someone like him. However, Evangeline had gone out of her way to make sure he got that message.That could only mean one thing: Celina was heading out solo this time.So, if Celina was splitting from the Fosters, where to?Her roots... her real home.The Bennisons' place!If his hunch was right, and Celina was actually going back to the Bennisons, was she not walking into a trap?No way, he could not let that happen. He had to keep her from leaving Avalon City. If he could not stop her, he would be right there with her, heading back to face whatever was waiting.Walter noticed the serious look on David's face and could not make heads or tails of what he was thinking. Then, out of the
"That's why the wife comes first! I mean, think about it—I even scaled a wall in the dead of night to get Celina back."Scaling walls at midnight.Walter could not suppress a smirk, trying to picture his assistant in such a ridiculous predicament.David was on a roll, but Walter cut him off with a wave of his hand.Suddenly, the office felt too big, too quiet, with just Walter there.He lingered by his desk, hand on his chin, lost in thought over David's words.Was a wife that crucial? Evangeline was his wife, and he had to admit, he had not been half David.All his doubts seemed to find their answers.Why did the Foster brothers label him a troublemaker? Why did Alex keep saying he was too tough on Evangeline?Those sad, sad eyes of Evangeline—was he the reason for her sorrow? Was he the common denominator in all those issues?Walter slapped his forehead, a lightbulb moment, but then the worry crept back in.What was he to do? Should he take a page out of David's book and t
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