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
To her surprise, a soft chuckle came from the other end of the line. Alex's laughter, light and unexpected, echoed through the phone."Why do you think I'm here to talk you into something?"There was a hint of challenge in his voice as if he was gently pushing back against Evangeline's assumption."Don't they say it's better to tear down a house than to break up a marriage? You're like a brother to both me and Walter, so it makes sense you'd call to talk some sense into me, right?"Evangeline paused, taking a deep breath."Bro, I don't hold a grudge for how things turned out with Walter and me. You're not here to see it, but we've been at each other's throats..."On New Year's Eve, Walter had set up a fireworks display for Julia. She had to drag him back home in the dead of night, and even her hints at divorce could not stir his sympathy.Afterward, she looked after Julia, who had tried to end it all, giving her a place to stay and the help she needed.With every step, Evangeli
However, as soon as she set the phone down, the doorbell chimed."Who's there?"Evangeline had splurged on the presidential suite and had one rule: No interruptions. Apparently, that was too much to ask.Were the hotel staff clueless? What were the bodyguards even there for if not to keep people out?"Hello, room service!" came a muffled call from the other side of the door.With a frown, Evangeline swung the door open, her patience wearing thin. "I thought I made myself clear. No disturbances, remember?"However, the words hung unfinished in the air as she saw the mischievous grin plastered on the face of the unexpected visitor.There were no bellhops or maids in sight, just the malicious-looking Roslyn and a bodyguard who looked like he had seen a ghost.Roslyn was a vision in red, her tank top and miniskirt combo screaming 'party', her legs encased in sexy black fishnets, towering heels adding to her height, and her face done up in dramatic smoky makeup. She was a nightclub
At the clap of Roslyn's hands, a bodyguard appeared with a full array of skincare and makeup, plus an outfit that was nothing short of sizzling.Evangeline's mouth twitched in a half-smile.Roslyn had come ready for anything.Evangeline had made her bed, and Roslyn was not about to let her lie in it.Before long, Evangeline, her eyes smoldering with smoky makeup, found herself at Whiskey Barrel Pub, the biggest nightclub in the South, courtesy of Roslyn's insistent tugging.The strobe lights danced across the room, and the thunderous beats of heavy metal music set the crowd in motion, their bodies swaying instinctively to the rhythm.Towering among the dancers, a man in sleek black slacks and a crisp white shirt moved with a grace that belied his formal attire, drawing eyes with every fluid step.On the sidelines, Julia, clad in a modest white sundress, watched him with a mix of shock and envy.Walter, her Walter, was a revelation on the dance floor. She had only come to the cl
Only when the server emerged with their drinks did Julia seize her moment, darting in front of him.A triumphant glint swept over her as she looked at Evangeline.'Evangeline, you're so smug, aren't you? Well, tonight's the night you're going down in flames,' Julia thought, a gleeful smirk playing on her lips.Evangeline, settled in her booth, received her cocktail.It was a stunning shade of bright blue, the ice cubes casting a cool mist. If she leaned in close, the crisp scent of tequila would tease her senses.Evangeline's lips curled into a pleased smile.'Tomorrow' was blue, no? That was exactly the drink she had had in mind.She took a delicate sip, letting the flavors dance on her tongue.The liquor was potent, rushing to her head, and Evangeline knew she would be over the edge if she had more than half.She reined in the urge to gulp it down and, as the dance floor pulsed with a new song, she eagerly pulled Roslyn into the throng.The beat was infectious, and Roslyn w
Evangeline fought back with everything she had, kicking and flailing in the man's hold, but it was useless. Her resistance only seemed to pull him in closer.Then, a sharp pain shot through her ear."Evangeline, if you don't stop squirming, I won't be responsible for what happens next..." hissed a voice, hot and close.A shiver ran down her spine.Despite her heavy disguise, he knew her. That was no ordinary creep.The pain in her ear brought back a flicker of clarity.Who was that guy? She had to find out.As her head spun, she heard the click of a door unlocking.Through the dim light of the hallway, she caught a glimpse of his face—blurry, but familiar.Those features... They somewhat looked like Walter's.Impossible. What were the odds that she had bumped into Walter there, in a nightclub where Roslyn had dragged her to let loose?She must be seeing things. She rubbed her eyes, desperate for a clearer view.The door shut, plunging the room into darkness.Evangeline, he
Walter was determined to make Evangeline realize who she was dealing with."Walter, you are a monster!"Evangeline turned off the shower, braced herself against the tub, and stood to face him."No, you're worse. You're a real demon!"Didn't my uncle tell you that I'm divorcing you tomorrow? So what are you doing here? What's the deal? Are you trying to be trendy with a parting shot before the divorce, Mr. Walter Gordon?"Evangeline's biting words left Walter with no chance to argue back.The moment Evangeline stepped out of the chilly water, a wave of heat engulfed her. It was an all-consuming blaze, as though she was a steak sizzling on a grill.What on earth was happening to her?She tried to bear the searing pain, but a refreshing sensation on her cheek caught her off-guard. Her eyes snapped up to meet Walter's, who was looking down at her with a chilling smirk."Finally awake, Evangeline? Do you see who's before you?""I'd know you anywhere, Walter. You could be a pile of
Evangeline had no time to react as Walter grabbed her arm, hoisted her, and tossed her onto the bed. The brief contact with Walter's body, cool through their thin clothes, was too much for her already frayed nerves.The relief she felt was like rain after a long drought, so soothing that she could not help but sigh.However, why should she give in to Walter, a man she despised?What she did not realize was that Walter was struggling too. He felt as if he were on fire, his thirst unquenchable.The very person who had ignited that flame was still in bed, whispering sweet nothings, her hands pushing against him relentlessly.He inhaled deeply, fighting the urge to give in to temptation. When he looked at Evangeline, his patience seemed to grow.His hand gently caressed her warm, blushing cheek. "Evangeline, tell me, who's with you in bed right now?"Evangeline, driven by instinct, moved closer to the composed presence before her, her mind too muddled to think clearly."... Walter.