Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Flora deliberately ignored Evangeline, chatting enthusiastically with Poppy instead. She fully expected Evangeline to come over with a gift for her, just like she always

did.

Flora was already planning to toss the gift aside in front of Poppy, just to make it clear she had no interest in anything Evangeline offered.

But several minutes passed, and Evangeline still hadn’t approached.

Unable to resist, Flora shot a sideways glance at her and was surprised to see Evangeline calmly sitting on the nearby couch as if nothing was happening.

Even more curious, Flora noticed that Evangeline was only holding a single gift bag this time.

No matter how she looked at it, it didn’t seem like it was intended for her.

Flora frowned in confusion.

Maybe the gift was just really small this year? Had Evangeline slipped it into her pocket?

But that didn’t make sense–her dress didn’t even have any pockets.

Flora couldn’t hold back any longer and called out, “Evangeline, where’s my gift p>

Evangeline was caught off guard by the question. She hesitated for a moment before answering, “I didn’t get you anything p>

“You didn’t?” Flora’s temper flared instantly.

Sensing her irritation, Evangeline added, “You’re usually not interested in the gifts give you anyway. I figured even if I did bring something, you’d just throw it out p>

The words hit their mark, and Flora’s anger faded as quickly as it had come. That was exactly what she’d been planning to do.

Suddenly, Flora felt a pang of regret.

She realized she now sounded like she was begging Evangeline for a present.

Irritated by her own reaction, she blurted out, “Whether I throw it away or not is my business. Buying the gift is yours. My brother gives you plenty of money–since you don’t have to live with the Fawkes family, are you just keeping all that cash for yourself? ”

Chapter 33

That used to be the accusation Evangeline dreaded the most.

In the past, she would have rushed to explain, desperate not to seem greedy in the eyes of the Fawkes family, eager to account for every cent.

But now, Evangeline had let go of such anxieties. She realized that once suspicion. takes root, it doesn’t matter how she tries to justify herself–Flora was never going. to believe her.

With a calm voice, Evangeline replied, “I married into the Fawkes family. The money my husband gives me–if I don’t keep it, who should? You? Should I hand it over to you instead p>

Flora hadn’t expected such a sharp retort and was momentarily speechless.

She was just about to snap back when Helena descended the stairs.

Helena was dressed in an elegant, custom–made pale blue gown, exuding an air of refinement from head to toe–every detail, down to her hair, was impeccable.

She glanced lazily over at the group and held out her hand.

Evangeline was about to get up to help her, but before she could move, Poppy sprang to her feet, smiling as she took Helena’s hand. “Aunt Helena, it’s been ages. You look as young and beautiful as ever p>

“And so do you,” Helena replied coolly.

Flora, spotting Helena, immediately lost interest in arguing with Evangeline about the missing gift. She grabbed the gift bag and hurried over. “Mom, this is from Poppy. She spent ages picking out this dress for you–it’s really special p>

Poppy smiled graciously. “It’s just a little something. I hope you’ll like it p>

“Oh, Poppy, you’re too modest! Anyone can see this dress wasn’t cheap–how could you call it a little something?” Flora chimed in, eager to flatter.

The three of them chatted away, their conversation warm and lively. Flora even raised her voice on purpose, making sure Evangeline could hear every word, hoping to get under her skin.

She assumed Evangeline was sulking because Poppy had come to visit and hadn’t brought a gift. Flora figured she’d let Evangeline stew, show her that stubbornness would get her nowhere.

Oblivious to Flora’s scheming, Evangeline kept her focus on the latest industry news on her phone. She’d been out of the loop for some time and was desperate to catch up.

Just as she was scanning a new update about UME, Helena’s cold voice suddenly rang out “Evangeline, what are you doing sitting there? Come over here p>

With no choice, Evangeline put her phone away and walked over.

Helena withdrew her hand from Poppy’s grasp and placed it on Evangeline’s instead

With a frosty expression, Helena said, “Evangeline, I hate to say it, but you really have no sense of occasion. There are guests in the house and you haven’t even offered them a cup of tea. Is this how the Fawkes family taught you to treat

visitors p>