As soon as Soren finished speaking, he glanced over at Poppy. 

Sure enough, he noticed the scrape on her hand. 

It must have happened when she fell earlier. The wound wasn’t deep, but the cut stood out against her pale skin, edged with dirt from the ground. 

Poppy shook her head, worry etched across her face. “I’m fine, really. We should check on Evangeline first.” 

Flora immediately jumped in. “She’s faking it, Poppy. What’s there to see?” 

“And besides, you need your hands to play piano. What if this leaves a mark? That would be a disaster.” 

At that, Soren didn’t hesitate. He took Poppy’s hand gently. “Let’s get you inside and clean this up.” 

Whether Evangeline was faking or not, Poppy’s hand was the real priority right now. Especially since she’d only gotten hurt because Flora had pushed her. 

A little pain might teach her a lesson. 

Meanwhile, Evangeline couldn’t make out what they were saying. The sharp pain from before had nearly knocked the senses out of her; their voices sounded distant and muffled, like ocean waves swirling around her, sticky and unreal. 

When the pain finally began to ebb and her mind cleared, she realized everyone was gone. 

The night seemed even darker than before. 

She was left standing alone in the sprawling backyard, shadows swallowing her whole. Laughter and music still drifted from inside the house. 

Evangeline glanced back over her shoulder, took a shaky breath, and–biting her lip–dragged her numb, aching foot toward the parking lot, limping with every step. 

“See, I told you, she’s fine. She was just putting on a show,” Flora said with a huff, standing at the second–floor window and watching Evangeline’s figure slowly disappear into the darkness. 

She shot Soren a look of disdain. “You worry too much.” 

1/2 

Chapter 44 

Soren didn’t answer. 

He stared at the limping silhouette, something tightening in his chest. 

He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something felt wrong. 

Flora noticed Soren’s gaze lingering on Evangeline, the flicker of concern in his eyes, and let out a sigh of exasperation. 

Her brother was hopelessly dense when it came to girls and their games. 

She decided to spell it out for him. “Evangeline was obviously trying to get your attention in front of Poppy. If you show any concern, she’ll find a way to flaunt it and make Poppy jealous. Then–boom!-Poppy will misunderstand you. And if that happens, good luck ever getting back together with her.” 

“Getting back together?” Soren shot her a look. “Who said anything about getting back together with Poppy?” 

Flora just stared at him. 

Soren pressed on, “Poppy and I are just friends. I’m only helping her out as a friend, nothing more.” 

Flora rolled her eyes. 

Did he even believe that himself? 

She figured he was just worried their grandmother might hear something she wouldn’t like. 

“Come on, Soren. Don’t bother pretending around me. I’m your beloved little sister, remember? Your secrets are safe with me,” she insisted, patting her chest with a solemn nod. Then, with a conspiratorial grin, she asked, “So, be honest–when are you planning to divorce Evangeline?” 

“Divorce?” Soren’s brows drew together. “Who told you there’s going to be a divorce?” 

Flora gave a dismissive snort. 

Did he really need to say it? Anyone with half a brain could see where things were headed. 

“Whatever, Soren. You don’t have to keep up the act. Everyone knows what Evangeline’s like–she’s made a name for herself stealing other people’s boyfriends. As your sister, I fully support you breaking up with her.” 

2/3 

Chapter 44 

She looked at him with the air of someone offering unconditional support. 

But Soren jus 

grew more irritated. 

His expression darkened and his voice turned cold. “Flora, no matter what Evangeline’s done, or what people say about her, she’s still your sister–in–law.” 

Flora gaped at him. After a stunned moment, she patted her own cheek to make sure she was awake. 

Had her brother just taken Evangeline’s side–and scolded her? 

Weird. Really weird. 

She’d pushed him before about divorcing Evangeline, and he’d always agreed or kept silent. But this time, just hearing the word “divorce” made him snap. 

He’d even called her by her full name–and reminded her Evangeline was still her sister–in–law!