Chapter 365

Brooks stepped out, took in the scene, and instantly knew what was happening.
He gave Evelyn a quick look but kept his thoughts to himself. Just then, the food he had ordered arrived. After a meal with Josephine, the evening crept in. Brooks had other plans that night, so he headed out first. Evelyn, wanting to enjoy more time with Josephine, stayed behind. The two of them were deep in a heartfelt conversation.
Evelyn’s phone buzzed. She pulled it from her pocket, spotting an unrecognized number. Although her new phone didn’t have Charles’ number saved, she knew it by heart. With just a glance, she ended the call. It had been two years. After a close brush with death, she thought she’d be able to face Charles calmly, without letting him get under her skin. Yet, seeing him still blindly defending Dahlia and doting on Sandy like a prized possession stirred her anger, making her feel it was unfair to Charlie. The last thing she wanted was anything involving Charles.
“Eve, why didn’t you answer?” Josephine asked with a hint of concern. “Just a telemarketer,” Evelyn replied, keeping her cool. But no sooner had she spoken than her phone buzzed again. This time, it was a text: “Answer the phone, or face the consequences.”
The threatening message shook Evelyn for a moment, but she quickly pulled herself together, hoping Josephine wouldn’t catch on. As soon as she regained her composure, the phone rang again. It was Charles.
“Mom, it’s a work call. I’ll just step outside to take it,” Evelyn said with a smile. But as she turned away, the smile vanished. She left the room, slipped into the stairwell, and picked up the call, her voice icy. “Charles, can you act like a decent person?”
“If I do, will you stop causing trouble and listen?” Charles shot back, his tone equally cold. He was referring to her letting Wesley loose to go after Dahlia and her subsequent threats to take someone away. Evelyn got the message. Her expression turned steely, and she let out a sarcastic chuckle. “Ha.”
“Come back,” Charles demanded, his voice frosty. “Don’t make me say it again.” He had seen Evelyn get into Brooks’ car, and it had been hours since. She’d spent all that time with Brooks. He had told her to keep her distance from Brooks. He couldn’t stand seeing her with him. Evelyn’s grip on the phone tightened. Then, she simply hung up.
She took a deep breath, composed herself, and made sure her emotions were in check before returning inside. Back in the room, Evelyn said calmly, “Mom, I’ve got some work to
finish up. Make sure you get some rest.”
“Alright, just don’t work too late. Take care of yourself,” Josephine advised. “Will do.”
Before heading out, Evelyn thought she’d call the caregiver back, but Josephine told her not to worry and that she’d take care of it herself. Evelyn didn’t suspect a thing and left.
As soon as Evelyn was gone, Josephine got up, threw on a coat, and discreetly followed her daughter, hailing a cab. Slipping the driver some cash, she instructed, “Please, follow that car up ahead.”
The driver nodded, “No problem, I’ll keep right on them.”
With one car trailing the other, the driver proved his skills, maintaining a steady distance without losing sight of Evelyn’s vehicle. When Evelyn’s car stopped, Josephine had the driver pull over across the street. From the car, she watched Evelyn get out. The person she approached was… Charles.
As soon as Evelyn reached him, Charles seized her by the jaw and, ignoring her protests, kissed her right there on the sidewalk. Josephine’s eyes widened in shock, unable to stay put any longer She flung open the car door and rushed toward them.