Chapter 167 

The two men beside her kept up their animated chatter, but Evangeline barely heard a word. 

Her attention was fixed on the screen, where the camera flashed briefly across the 

audience. 

The crowd was dense, and the shot lasted only a few seconds. Yet after five years of marriage–five years spent revolving around him–she recognized Soren Fawkes instantly, sitting dead center. 

He wore a tailored blazer with an open–collared shirt, a glowing sign for Poppy in one hand, his dark eyes brimming with admiration. 

In five years of marriage, Evangeline had never seen him look at anyone like that. 

Most of what she’d gotten from him was indifference, impatience, even open 

contempt… 

She’d long since told herself none of it mattered anymore, but right now, there was no stopping the ache in her chest. 

Everything she’d spent five years and all her energy chasing after–Poppy had claimed with a careless wave. 

And now, Poppy was basking in praise for things she’d stolen from Evangeline, while Soren, oblivious, just looked on with admiration. 

! 

It was almost comical, the absurdity of it all–except it wasn’t funny. It was just sad. The elevator reached the lobby. The two men pocketed their phones. 

Evangeline took a steadying breath and moved on, acting as if nothing was wrong while she signed her discharge papers. 

It didn’t take long for Glenn Carlisle to hear she was leaving the hospital. He hurried over to pick her up. 

“You really should listen to your doctor and stay a few more days,” Glenn said, studying the pallor of her face, concern etched in his features. 

But he knew how stubborn she could be; once Evangeline had made up her mind, there was little anyone could do to change it. 

She caught his worried look and managed a small smile. “The nurses keep telling 

20:00 

me to rest, so honestly, I’ve been getting plenty of sleep.” 

It wasn’t a lie. Every time a nurse came in and found her working at her laptop, she’d be firmly ordered to rest. Eventually, Evangeline learned to squeeze in work only when no one was watching. 

Glenn could only sigh, but he didn’t press the issue. 

Back at the office, Theo looked surprised to see her but said nothing, returning to his work uploading data for testing. 

This time, Evangeline was taking no chances. She handled everything herself, keeping all critical files private; the rest of the Tech Division only got the most basic tasks. No one would see the real project until the day of the launch. 

Time ticked by. 

Meanwhile, after the Fawkes Enterprises event, the industry was buzzing. The first batch of the new product sold out immediately. People who missed the pre–order window flooded the company website with complaints, and sales numbers shot up. Poppy, as project lead, was suddenly the name on everyone’s lips. 

By contrast, things at UME felt bleak. 

“Fawkes Enterprises has already stolen the spotlight. Do you really think Evangeline has any hope left?” Giselle Whitmore asked, lounging in the break room with a cup of sweet tea, glancing at Lily. 

Lily was in a great mood. Fawkes Enterprises‘ success meant her boyfriend Frank’s success–and that big new house they’d been dreaming about was suddenly within reach. 

She grinned, unable to hide her delight. “Of course not. She refused to reschedule, insisted on handling everything herself, and still has nothing to show for it. I’d say it’s only a matter of time before Director Shaw kicks her out of UME.” 

Technology wasn’t like housework; you couldn’t just throw something together and call it done. 

With only a few days left and nothing to show for her efforts, it looked like Evangeline’s time was running out.