However, Trey was the last person to get caught up in emotions."Alright, from now on... just do a good job."He gave Alex a reassuring pat on the shoulder and walked out of the chairman's office.Why hand the company over to Alex? Trey wrestled with that question all night and finally found his answer.He always felt guilty about kicking Alex out of the company. Walter's half-hearted management only deepened his guilt over breaking his promise.Besides, he had seen all too clearly how Walter had been faring since his divorce from Evangeline.Walter knew the score. If he bailed on Gordon Group, his next move was a no-brainer: head straight to the Fosters and get Evangeline back.He was totally smitten with her.Walter, however, was not playing the same game.Trey never planned for things to go down like that, but the crazy turn of events left him no choice.With the company's business all squared away, it was just a matter of time before Walter and Evangeline's happy news hit
Evangeline felt her eyes burn with fury as she scrambled to devise a way to clear the rumors.Evangeline zoomed in on the photo on her phone, a snapshot that had set the rumor mill ablaze about her and Alex.It was only when she recognized the backdrop that she remembered everything.She had slipped out to meet Alex, and that's when he had poured out his heart to her, his fingers brushing hers in a moment of confession.The photo was legitimate with no editing.However, the angle was perfect, capturing the way she gazed at Alex, eyes brimming with unspoken words.Whoever snapped that shot had to be lurking inside the cafe.What kind of sneaky photographer could snag a seat so close to them and snap a picture so boldly? Piecing together the clues, there was only one answer: Alex had orchestrated that whole setup. He must have given the green light for that photograph opportunity to go off flawlessly.She felt like a fool, having swallowed every word Alex said, even worrying abou
At this point, Evangeline could not hold back anymore. She was out of patience to wait for Alex to admit it himself."You had someone take those photos, didn't you? And that buzz on social media. You orchestrated that too, right?"The silence on the other end of the line said it all. Evangeline did not need to hear his voice to know the truth."Alex, do you actually like me?"A sudden wave of sadness overwhelmed her, and she could not stop the tears. The one person she trusted most had played her, all in the name of love? How could she have been subjected to something so vile?"You're in love with yourself, aren't you?" She did not wait for Alex to respond, already sure of her answer."No, Evie, it's you I'm into, I love you!"Alex's voice was thick with emotion, almost breaking. His feelings for Evangeline had always been pure and true. How could she question them?"Do you have any idea how much I've sacrificed for you? Do you have any clue about the nights I've endured, the h
"Even if you're right, what's it to you? Evie, you're cornered with nowhere to go but into my arms."Alex gloated.He had meticulously cut off every possible escape for Evangeline before he even set his plan in motion. She had no choice but to watch as his scheme played out!After all, a woman who had been married to his brother, then rumored to be involved with him, would be a scandal in any family. For a woman who was divorced, it was downright devastating.The only way for Evangeline to save herself and protect her company was to agree to be with him.He was so sure of himself because he knew Evangeline was smart enough to recognize the best option when she saw it.When Evangeline caught on to his game, her face turned ghostly white with fury. "Alex, how could I have been so blind to your sleaziness?!"She regretted ever thinking of Alex as a confidant, a true friend who she could confide in. She even went out of her way to buy him a birthday present when she knew he was not
Evangeline could not bear to think about it. Then, as if a switch had flipped, she grabbed her phone and dialed Yale's number."Uncle Yale, I need to know where Walter is. Now. Immediately!"Her voice was laced with urgency, a tone that brooked no argument.Yale was puzzled. Evangeline had finally stepped out of Walter's shadow, so why was she suddenly so desperate to track him down?"I'll get someone on it right away, Evie. Though... Why do you need to know?"Evangeline had cut ties with Walter after their divorce, leaving no reason for her to worry about him. However, Yale had no idea that the question he asked was exactly what Evangeline feared most.Her heart was heavy with concern for Walter.Years of love had turned caring for him into something instinctive, something carved deep into her very being.Despite the public humiliation and the way he had dragged her pride through the mud, the pride of being the Foster family's darling, she could not stop her heart from aching
Yale's heart softened as he took in the mix of hurt and annoyance in his beloved girlfriend's eyes.He wrapped an arm around Roslyn's delicate shoulders, the tension draining from him as he propped his chin on her shoulder. "Are you still mad? Please, let's make up."He understood the root of Roslyn's anger.They had chosen to be together, but the age gap left Roslyn feeling insecure.Evangeline had just gone through a divorce, and Roslyn did not want to rub salt in her wounds, so they agreed to delay their wedding.However, there was one thing they could not wait for—starting a family.Yale was fit for his age, but they needed to start planning for a baby to put Roslyn's mind at ease. Giving up smoking was step one."Does it really matter to you if I'm angry?" Roslyn shot back, her words hitting Yale like a punch to the chest.Yale's stubbornness was to blame. He had insisted on treating Roslyn like she was on the same level as Evangeline, and he had gone about it in such an e
"Why should you care if I can handle more drinks? I want to drink today. Who are you to stop me?"The woman gave Walter a pitiful look, but as she did, her eyes locked with Evangeline's.She jumped to her feet and asked excitedly, "Ms. Rearden, what are you doing here?"It was no secret that Walter and Evangeline were an item, and thanks to her sister Julia's fame, Evangeline had made quite a few public appearances. So, it was not a surprise that the woman standing before her knew who she was.Evangeline, with a flick of her wrist toward the door, said calmly, "Time for you to head out. We don't need you here. Take a left once you're out, and someone will handle your pay."She understood the woman had her struggles, which was why Evangeline did not want to embarrass her—just to have her leave.However, she had not anticipated that the woman would not go down without a fight.Arms crossed, the woman stood tall and defiant across from Evangeline as she said challengingly, "Why do
"I'm not going anywhere! Mr. Walter Gordon invited me, and he hasn't told me to leave. What gives her the right to kick me out?"The woman stood her ground, but Evangeline was running out of patience.With a subtle nod, Evangeline signaled the bodyguard, who promptly seized the woman."So you're the Foster family's darling princess, huh? Think you can do whatever you want? Please! Just another spoiled brat riding on her family's coattails." The woman writhed and fought back in the bodyguard's hold."Be quiet!" The bar owner barked in anger.She had single-handedly ticked off two of Avalon City's big shots, and she did not seem to care if it was the end of him!Evangeline, hearing that, had a change of heart and crooked her finger at the bodyguards.The woman was pushed before Evangeline, who gave her a dismissive once-over."My family's name is my ticket, and I'll use it as I please. What are you going to do about it?"Here's a piece of advice for you: better to put your energ
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