Soren didn’t spare her a second glance. Ignoring the shock and pallor on her face, he shook off her hand without hesitation and strode past her out of the room. 

Evangeline finally stopped when she returned to the main hall, her breath catching in her chest. She turned to Finn and murmured, “Thank you.” 

If it hadn’t been for Finn, she might not have made it out alive just now. 

She couldn’t tell if it was coincidence or fate, but every time Finn appeared, it always seemed to be at her lowest, when she needed 

someone the most. 

And she certainly hadn’t expected Finn to expose Poppy the way he had. In her mind, Finn had always kept out of disputes between women. The last time she’d needed his help, he’d seemed cold and distant–she’d assumed he wouldn’t bother to get involved this time either. 

Almost as if he could read her thoughts, Finn arched his brow and said, “You know, I’ve always thought women are adorable–even when you’re fighting. Today you might go at each other tooth and nail, and tomorrow you’ll be arm–in–arm at the mall, laughing over a new handbag. I’ll admit, I don’t understand how your mind’s work, so I usually stay out of it.” 

“But today was different. You’re different from her.” 

“And let’s not forget, there’s Soren in the middle of all this. So it wasn’t just you and Poppy having a spat–it was both of them ganging up on you.” 

“And I have a strict rule: I never let a beautiful woman get bullied.” 

With a mischievous glint in his eye, Finn reached out and gave her cheek a playful, mock–sympathetic pinch. 

Evangeline couldn’t help but pick up on the teasing note in his voice, but his words caught her off guard all the same. 

It was a perspective she’d never considered before–but it made perfect 

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sense. 

After a moment, she asked, “But weren’t you worried Soren would actually demand to see the video?” 

The truth was, she’d been half–convinced that Finn might have recorded it. He’d sounded so convincing that even she’d believed him for a second. But when he’d shown her his phone, the screen had been completely black. She’d nearly broken out in a cold sweat. She never expected Poppy to confess so quickly. 

“He was never going to watch it,” Finn replied, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Soren’s too arrogant to believe evidence handed to him by someone else. He’d never lower himself to actually look at it.” 

As he spoke, Finn fished his phone out of his pocket and waved it in the 

air. 

“Figures–those ads about waterproof phones are a complete lie. One little drop of water and the thing’s toast. Only someone as clueless as Poppy would fall for that overseas nonsense.” 

“I’ll get you a new one tomorrow,” Evangeline promised, reaching out to take Finn’s phone. 

But the moment she glanced at the logo, her heart sank. 

She recognized the model–five zeros in the price tag. 

Evangeline mentally tallied up her entire savings, then her monthly salary and bonuses. There was just no way she could afford to replace it. 

Maybe she should have fought harder during the divorce, taken at least a fraction of Soren’s fortune. Too late for regrets now. 

Finn noticed her staring at the phone, saw her face flush with embarrassment, and immediately guessed what she was thinking. He smirked and lifted an eyebrow. “Don’t worry about the phone. But honestly, just a thank you for saving your life? Seems a little… impersonal, don’t you think?” 

Evangeline hesitated. He had a point. 

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“I don’t really have anything to give you right now,” she admitted after a 

pause. “But I can promise you three favors. Anything you ask–if it’s in my power, I’ll do it.” 

Finn’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Anything at all?” 

She nodded. “Anything I’m capable of.” 

Finn studied her for a moment, his gaze lingering on her determined expression. Then he leaned forward, lips quirking in a half–smile, voice somewhere between playful and serious: “So what if I asked you to be my girlfriend?” 

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