Apart from scrolling through her phone, she didn’t really have any other way to vent her frustrations. 

Flora let out a soft huff, the thought flickering through her mind as she sulked. 

Evangeline, unaware of Flora’s mood, glanced at her screen just as a notification popped up: Glenn’s flight was arriving an hour ahead of schedule. 

Looks like I’ll be seeing Grandma sooner than expected. I should find a way to leave. early. 

In the study, Soren lounged lazily at the desk, idly tapping his fingers on the polished surface. 

Across from him, his father, Clyde Fawkes, had been silently reviewing some company documents for what felt like ages. Soren finally broke the quiet, his tone casual but with an edge: “Dad, you didn’t call me in here just to watch you work, did you?” 

Clyde set aside the papers and said, “I heard you’re working with the Whitmore family again?” 

Soren arched an eyebrow. “Word travels fast,” he said with a faint, mocking laugh. “Wasn’t it you and Grandma who insisted on collaborating with them in the first place?” 

Clyde could hear the irritation in his son’s voice. 

Back when they’d arranged the marriage alliance with the Whitmores, they had forced Soren into plenty of things he never wanted. 

Clyde sighed. “Given the Whitmores‘ current situation, there’s no need to keep bending over backwards for them–especially not for Evangeline…” 

He paused, searching for the right words. “Back then, that marriage was a necessity. With all eyes on the Fawkes family, if we hadn’t kept our promise, the other families would’ve started doubting our integrity.” 

“But it’s different now. Soren, if you really don’t want to be with Evangeline, you can get a divorce.” 

Soren’s fingers stilled on the desk. 

“Divorce?” he repeated, arching a brow. 

That familiar, restless frustration welled up inside him once again. 

After a moment, he let out a dry, self–mocking laugh. “Now you’re not worried about- the family’s reputation anymore?” 

“It’s not the same.” Clyde’s voice was calm. “Back then, the marriage was set in stone–Evangeline’s mother gave her life for the deal. But now, you and Evangeline have been together five years, and your marriage is… well, it’s what it is. 

“What is it, exactly?” 

Soren cut him off before he could finish. 

Clyde looked at his son–part frustration, part resignation. 

What is it? He has the nerve to ask? 

Everyone in Serenity City knew that Soren and Evangeline barely got along. They didn’t even bother to put up a front anymore. The whole city had unofficially crowned them the second least harmonious couple in town. 

Now that Poppy was back, the gossip mill was in full swing, betting that Soren would ditch Evangeline and rekindle his old flame with Poppy. 

Some people had even started an actual betting pool. 

The question was whether he’d stay married to Evangeline or leave her for Poppy. Plenty of Clyde’s business associates had assured him, on the surface, not to worry. But behind the scenes, they were putting serious money on Poppy. The odds against Evangeline had climbed so high it was almost laughable. 

Still, Clyde kept those thoughts to himself. 

www 

He’d never liked meddling in his children’s private lives, and he knew Soren wouldn’t want to hear any of it. So, he kept it brief, “It’s your choice.” 

“If you want to divorce Evangeline, I’ll have your mother speak with her and we’ll make sure she’s compensated generously.” 

“I imagine she knows where things stand–she’d probably agree.” 

Soren’s mind felt like a tangled mess. Just hearing the words “Evangeline” and “divorce” sent another wave of frustration crashing through him. 

First, they’d forced him into marriage. Now, everyone was pushing him to leave. 

His voice was sharp. “Who said I wanted a divorce?” 

Clyde was taken aback by Soren’s resistance. He’d honestly thought Soren would be relieved at the prospect. 

Clyde frowned, puzzled. “You know why Poppy’s back. Aren’t you going to give her an answer? After all, back then- 

Soren waved him off, agitation written all over his face. “That’s my business, not yours. You and Mom can stop worrying about it.” 

Seeing how adamant Soren was, Clyde let the matter drop. 

He’d never liked interfering in his kids‘ relationships anyway. As long as Soren didn’t jeopardize the Fawkes family’s interests, Clyde didn’t care who his son ended up with. 

“All right,” he said at last. “It’s getting late. Let’s head downstairs.”