James watched as Evangeline dropped the pretense and decided he would do the same. "Alright, I'll lay it out for you. The name's Foster, as in from the northern Foster Group empire. Evangeline is my niece."Keep stirring the pot, and I won't hesitate to have you slaving away at a sewing machine for the next few decades. And if you fancy a more 'special' kind of hardship, say, missing a limb or two? I'm your guy."His tone was steady, a stark contrast to Evangeline's fiery demeanor, but the threat in his words was crystal clear. He might play the part of a gentleman, but make no mistake—there was not a single delicate flower among the gambling king's kin.They played nice with him, he would play nice with them. The Foster family did not take kindly to enemies that crossed them, crossed him. The only ones still standing were the Gordons, and that was saying something.Even the most sheltered of folks knew better than to mess with the Gordons of the South or the Fosters of the North—u
The voice on the other end was nothing but deferential."Ha! You little tramp, roping in some stooge to play along with your little act. What's the going rate for that these days? Or did you just scrape up some sleazy gigolo to fill in?" mocked Lydia venomously.Asher's face went stone-cold on the other end. Someone insulted the Foster Group's princess? That was a one-way ticket to trouble."Miss, did you run into some kind of mess over there? Need me to come over with backup?" Asher was all business."No need for the cavalry, but there is something else you could help me with," replied Evangeline calmly.Asher braced himself for what might be a complicated request, but he was ready. "Miss, just lay it on me. Even if it's Foster Group business, I'm on it.""No, that's not it. Remember how I axed that endorsement deal for the newbie, Julia, with our company? I've heard that Gordon Group went behind my back and set her up with Brighton Media. Give them a ring and let them know I ju
"Evangeline, no—hear me out, my girl. I loved your mom for real. If she hadn't fallen for some guy and gotten knocked up, planning to run away with him, I never would've left her."And it was Lydia! She was the one who lured me in. She even snapped those photos of your mother with that guy. I've been true to you and your mother, you have to believe me." Andrew's legs were unsteady, and he was almost about to collapse.The repulsed Evangeline stepped back while Lydia lunged at Andrew, clawing and smacking him. "You're pinning this on me, you jerk? You were the one who couldn't wait to jump into my bed! I'll knock the betrayal right out of you!""Zip it! If you hadn't stirred the pot, I never would've clashed with Yessica! You're nothing but trouble!"The argument escalated into a full-blown brawl, hair-pulling and face-slapping, while Evangeline backed away, not wanting to get caught in their crossfire.Julia was at her wit's end, hurling accusations at Evangeline. "Are you satisfi
Whatever Walter had planned for Julia's sake, Evangeline's resolve to retaliate against Julia's family was firm, unchangeable."I'll see you in court, Walter!" Evangeline's voice echoed, each syllable of his name a sharp note before she stormed out, slamming the door behind her.Julia's heart clenched at the sight of Walter's troubled face. This could be a disaster! Had Walter overheard her calling Evangeline those awful names? She had to fix that, even if he had heard.Desperate, Julia wiped her tears and rushed to Walter, grabbing his arm with a dramatic flair. "Walt, please tell me you didn't hear the horrible things she said. She's so heartless, not satisfied with kicking us out of the old house. She wants to take back this new place you've given us too! What are we going to do?"I might be young enough to handle living on the streets, but our parents? They're too old for this kind of suffering. She's being so cruel..." Her voice trembled, her eyelashes glistening with tears, i
Julia was not the only one silenced by his words. Andrew and Lydia, who had been loudly urging Walter to leave Evangeline and be good to Julia, froze in shock.Walter had never paid them any mind, and he certainly was not about to start showing them any courtesy."I heard every word you two said. I'm going to dig up every dirty deed you've done to Evangeline. And let me make this crystal clear: If she sheds one tear because of you, you'll pay back tenfold, in blood!"Walter stormed out, not even sure how he managed to leave.Ditching his bodyguards, he found himself in a bar, knocking back brandy after brandy. All he could see was Evangeline's gaunt face, feigning strength.What had he done to her? Why did he not ask more questions and try to understand her suffering?Reflecting on his treatment of Evangeline since their marriage, he was filled with such self-loathing that he could barely stand it.With a final burst of anger, Walter stormed off, his bitter words echoing behind
With a triumphant smirk, Julia slipped by the watchful eyes of the bodyguards and tiptoed out the back door.…Evangeline settled into her private booth at Kronovia Royale Pub, surrounded by glasses of Bloody Mary.The Fosters were gambling royalty, their power unchallenged.Evangeline, a true Foster by blood, had always been drawn to the color of blood.Staring into the deep red of her drink, her favorite, Evangeline could not shake the image of Walter from her mind.'Evangeline! You're the Foster family's treasured princess, the apple of everyone's eye, raised with love and care by your doting grandfather and uncles—not to be mistreated!'What's a guy like Walter even worth? To think he drove you to drink your sorrows away and torment yourself. Does he deserve that power over you? Absolutely not!' ran her thoughts.Evangeline's heart screamed the answer, but her hand betrayed her, lifting the glass and emptying it in one defiant swig.Walter was, after all, a man she had onc
The servant nodded and hurried off.Aria had been convinced that Walter was just fiercely protective of Evangeline, but when Trey's unexpected message reached her, her heart lurched.She was never Trey's favorite, and him seeking her out could only mean trouble. Even so, Trey's word was law in the Gordons' world, and she could not just ignore his summons.With her heart pounding, Aria made her way to Trey's study and asked with a shaky voice, "Dad, you wanted to see me?"Trey waved the servant away, and once they were alone, he finally spoke up, "I brought you here to tell you something."You're aware of Cole from the Foster family, aren't you? Evangeline is his granddaughter."Those words hit Aria like a ton of bricks."Are you kidding, Dad? If she's his granddaughter, doesn't that make Evangeline the Foster family's heiress?""Why would I lie to you? I'm telling you now that Evangeline is leagues above Julia, the perfect match I've handpicked for my grandson. And remember, fo
As soon as Evangeline was out the door, the relentless paparazzi spilled the beans.In no time, the story of Evangeline, the Foster family's enigmatic darling, was the talk of the town.She had once ruthlessly stolen her sister's fiance and kicked her own father out. Recently outed as a notorious, polarizing figure in the racing scene, she had, in a single night, become the Foster family's mysterious princess.With her family's clout and a billion-dollar fortune, she and the Gordon family's Mr. Walter Gordon were seen as the perfect match, a true power couple.Evangeline had just inked a deal that put the Gordon family's shares in her grasp, effectively giving her the reins of both the Gordon and Foster family fortunes. This was not some cliche tale of a cunning woman latching onto a wealthy heir. No, it was the story of a formidable beauty who, for reasons she kept close to her chest, had been playing her cards under the radar.Such a twist would be too bold even for the wildest
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