Chapter 119

Chapter 119

When Evangeline woke the next morning, her face was streaked with dried tears.

She took a moment to compose herself before leaving her room and heading toward the living room. The old manor was a fair drive from the city, so she planned to say goodbye to her grandmother and then set off right away.

But just as she was about to enter the living room, she saw Flora coming in from outside.

“Morning.” The greeting slipped out automatically.

Flora and Mr. and Mrs. Fawkes always had their breakfast at the manor–so seeing Evangeline there after her overnight stay was no surprise. Flora glanced at her with cool indifference, clearly planning to ignore her, but then her eyes landed on Evangeline’s chest and she froze.

Pointing at Evangeline’s neck, Flora demanded, “Where’d you get that necklace p>

Evangeline looked down, puzzled, and realized Flora meant the necklace Glenn had lent her the night before.

“A friend gave it to me,” she answered quietly.

“Impossible!” Flora shot back without missing a beat.

Never mind that Evangeline barely had any friends–and even if she did, who would give her a necklace that valuable?

That was the showpiece from the Lockridge Charity Ball, sold in the final auction for two million dollars, with Glenn as the winning bidder.

Flora knew she was being lied to, but couldn’t reveal why. The Fawkes family never attended Lockridge events; Flora had only gone in secret because Glenn would be there. No one in her family knew, and she had no intention of letting Evangeline find out either.

With an air of entitlement, Flora jabbed a finger at the necklace. “Take it off. Let me see p>

“I’m not taking it off,” Evangeline replied.

“What did you say?” Flora’s temper flared.

Evangeline repeated herself, her tone calm. “If you want someone to do something, the least you can do is say please p>

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Flora’s face flushed red.

The word “please” stuck in her throat. She simply couldn’t bring herself to say it.

Was this a joke? Her, asking Evangeline nicely for something?

It felt absurd. Completely humiliating.

Watching Flora stand there, unable to get the word out, Evangeline could guess exactly what she was thinking. But she wasn’t about to back down–not this time.

She stepped right past Flora into the living room, greeted her grandmother, and left

without another word.

It took Flora a long moment to snap out of her daze. Staring at Evangeline’s retreating figure, she threw a few furious punches at the air.

Had Evangeline lost her mind? How dare she defy her? Wasn’t she worried Flora would run and tattle to her brother?

But all bluster aside, there wasn’t much Flora could actually do. At breakfast, she stabbed moodily at her fried eggs, seething. Evangeline would apologize, just like always, and when she did, Flora promised herself she’d refuse to forgive her–no

matter what.

Still, she couldn’t shake her curiosity. How on earth did Evangeline get that

necklace?

She was still puzzling over it when Helena tapped her gently on the arm. “You’ve got piano lessons later, and next week’s competition is coming up. Quit daydreaming and eat your breakfast p>

Only then did Flora manage to set the whole business aside–at least for now.

Meanwhile, Evangeline drove back to the office. The mood inside was noticeably lighter.

She soon learned that after Finn’s investment, several companies eager to work with the Lockridges had approached Glenn, hoping to discuss partnerships and deals. Where these companies had once been hesitant and noncommittal, seeing the Lockridge family’s choice had finally made them pick a side.

With the UME investment crisis resolved, Glenn sent out a company–wide email announcing a celebration dinner that evening.

Everyone was in high spirits–even Theo was smiling for once. Though, when he looked at Evangeline, his smile faded just as quickly. She could tell he still had a serious issue with her.

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But she didn’t let it bother her, simply went about her work as usual.

After a sleepless night, she felt groggy and decided to head to the break room for some coffee. As she approached the door, she heard a disgruntled female voice from inside.

“I mean, honestly, don’t you think Mr. Carlisle is giving that new girl Evangeline way too much special treatment p>