“Has Evangeline arrived?” 

“My sweet girl, it feels like it’s been ages since you last visited your grandmother.” 

Evangeline was waiting in the living room, sitting quietly on the couch. She hadn’t even seen anyone yet when she heard Old Mrs. Fawkes‘ warm voice drifting in from the hallway. 

Moments later, Old Mrs. Fawkes appeared, beaming as she entered with the help of a maid. Despite her age, she walked with surprising energy. 

Seeing this, Evangeline hurried to her feet, ready to greet her. Just as she stepped forward, Flora barreled past and bumped into her hard. 

Evangeline stumbled, nearly losing her balance before managing to steady herself. When she looked up, Flora and her two companions were already at Old Mrs. Fawkes‘ side. 

Flora pouted, her tone both petulant and playful. “Grandma, you always remember Evangeline. But do you still remember me? Am I still your little darling?” 

Old Mrs. Fawkes couldn’t help but laugh, her eyes crinkling with delight. “Of course, darling. You’re both my precious girls–there’s room in my heart for you and Evangeline alike.” 

“That’s more like it.” Flora gave a satisfied huff before throwing her arms around Old Mrs. Fawkes in a dramatic hug. 

Ever since she was a child, Flora had always been quick–witted and charming, her silver tongue perfectly suited to delighting her grandmother. 

But Helena, standing off to the side, couldn’t help frowning. The way Old Mrs. Fawkes spoke made it sound as though, in her eyes, Evangeline and Flora were equals. And yet, when she’d entered, she’d called for Evarigeline first–not Flora. 

If you thought about it, it really did seem like the old lady favored Evangeline just a bit more. The realization left Helena oddly unsettled. 

Flora, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to this. She kept chattering away, her sweet voice showering her grandmother with affection.. While Old Mrs. Fawkes was still basking in the attention, Flora quickly pulled Poppy forward. “Grandma, look who’s here!” 

Poppy’s smile was gentle as she greeted the old woman. “Hello, Grandma. It’s been 

a while you look younger every time I see you.” 

Back when she was still dating Soren, Poppy had gone out of her way to win over Old Mrs. Fawkes, even volunteering at a retirement home to learn what older folks. liked to hear. She thought this compliment would make the old lady happy. 

But Old Mis. Fawkes simply tilted her head, studying Poppy with a puzzled. expression. “And you are?” 

Poppy’s smile faltered, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. 

Flora hurried to explain, “Grandma, this is Poppy–Soren’s girlfriend. Soren used to bring her to visit you all the time, remember?” 

Recognition flashed across Old Mrs. Fawkes‘ face, but her expression darkened slightly. “Oh, Soren’s ex–girlfriend. What brings you here?” 

Her tone was frosty, and she made a point of emphasizing “ex–girlfriend.” 

Poppy had half–expected this and quickly composed herself. “I came with Soren. We just got back to town, and I wanted to stop by and say hello to you–and to Uncle and Auntie.” 

Old Mrs. Fawkes replied, “I’m sorry, dear, but today is a Fawkes family dinner. We don’t usually invite guests.” 

The room fell silent, the atmosphere instantly awkward. 

Truthfully, no one in the family really saw Poppy as an outsider–not even Helena, who, despite her reservations, had resigned herself to the likelihood that Poppy would eventually marry into the family. 

Still, for all the discomfort everyone else felt, it was nothing compared to Poppy’s own embarrassment. She was left speechless, caught off guard by Old Mrs. Fawkes‘ bluntness. She’d followed Soren here deliberately, hoping to slowly win. back the family’s approval. She hadn’t expected such a direct rejection. 

Even Flora, usually so quick with words, was at a loss. 

After all, by the strictest definition, Poppy really wasn’t a member of the Fawkes family. 

Before anyone could recover from the tension, Old Mrs, Fawkes moved swiftly to Evangeline’s side, her face softening with genuine affection. She took Evangeline’s 

one to gently smooth a stray lock of hair from her 

hand in both of hers, 

temple. “Evangeline, you look thinner. Are you taking care of yourself?” 

Old Mrs. Fawkes frowned, giving her a once–over. “You’ve lost weight, haven’t you? 

2/3 

Chapter 36 

Has Soren done something to upset you? Don’t you dare cover for him, my dear. If that boy gives you any trouble, you come straight to me. I’ll set him straight.” 

Evangeline felt her nose sting as emotion welled up inside her. 

Ever since her mother had passed, these were the only moments when she truly felt the warmth of family.