“You’re not seriously here just because you heard we were going on vacation, are you?” 

Giselle couldn’t think of any other explanation. 

All these years, Evangeline had been like a songbird in a gilded cage at the Fawkes estate–no friends, no job. Even if she needed to go abroad, the Fawkes family had their own private jet. There was never any reason for her to show up at a public airport. 

Evangeline could tell they’d misunderstood, but before she could say a word, Winston’s face hardened. “Evangeline, what’s gotten into you? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” 

Winston actually thought Hazel had a point. 

After all, it wasn’t the first time something like this had happened. Once, they’d planned a trip without Evangeline, only to discover her hiding in the trunk of the car at airport security. He’d had no choice but to buy her a last–minute ticket. 

That trip had been a disaster. Even now, the memory left a bad taste in his mouth. 

Hazel gave a gentle, placating smile. “Well, since Evangeline’s already here, it’s just a matter of buying one more ticket. But what worries me is–shouldn’t Evangeline check with Soren before she goes anywhere? She’s married now, after all. She’s part of the Fawkes family.” 

Hazel deliberately emphasized that last sentence. 

Winston’s expression darkened as he remembered how Evangeline had refused to help the Whitmores not long ago. 

Before he could say anything, Giselle blurted out, “Mom, Dad, don’t bring her!” 

‘This trip is to celebrate our partnership with the Fawkes family. Evangeline didn’t help at all–in fact, she nearly made things worse! Why should she get to come with us?” 

Hazel’s lips curled into a smile. “Darling, I’ve always told you, no matter what anyone else does, we should be generous.” 

“And besides, Evangeline is still your sister.” 

Hearing that, Evangeline let out a cold, mocking laugh. 

12 

Chapter 48 

Back when she was younger and naive, she’d truly believed Hazel cared for her, and did whatever Hazel suggested. It wasn’t until much later that she realized Hazel was always the one stirring the pot, manipulating Winston and everyone else with nothing more than a well–placed word. 

And Winston, blind as ever, still didn’t see it. 

Sure enough, as soon as Hazel finished speaking, Winston shot Evangeline a cold glare. “She’s selfish–she doesn’t act like a sister at all.” 

“Hazel, you’re too kind. Don’t waste your breath defending her. Giselle is right. She doesn’t deserve to come with us this time.” 

Then he turned to Evangeline, his expression icy. “Go home. I won’t be soft–hearted again.” 

Evangeline didn’t move. Giselle assumed she was refusing to leave, so she marched over. “Didn’t you hear Dad? Go home already!” 

As she spoke, Giselle reached out to shove Evangeline away. 

But before her hand could make contact, her wrist was caught–gently, yet with a grip so firm she couldn’t budge an inch. 

Annoyed, Giselle looked up to see who dared intervene. 

The sight stopped her breath. 

Bathed in the golden light of the setting sun filtering through the airport’s glass, a tall figure stood between her and Evangeline, his back to the light. 

A deep, calm male voice spoke. “Excuse me, Evangeline is my friend. She’s here to meet me. Please don’t give her a hard time. Thank you.” 

Giselle stared, taking in the elegant, striking face–handsome, dignified, with an air of restraint, utterly different from Soren and yet every bit as unforgettable. 

She felt her cheeks flush and, almost involuntarily, nodded. 

Glenn released her wrist. Even as he let go, Giselle kept her wide eyes fixed on him, absently rubbing her wrist, her heart unexpectedly pounding. 

Chapter 49 

Chapter 49