Evangeline was momentarily stunned by his words. 

Back in the years when she loved Soren the most, she’d done plenty of foolish things for him. She had even suggested taking a job as his personal assistant, eager to manage his schedule and look after him in both work and daily life. 

But as soon as she’d brought it up, Soren had shot her down, saying he didn’t approve of favoritism or backdoor deals. 

She’d taken his words to heart, so she secretly submitted her application anyway. 

To make sure she’d get into Fawkes Enterprises, she’d asked for a laughably low salary. 

In the end, her strong performance helped her beat out most of the other candidates in her group. 

Still, during the final round of interviews, Soren saw her name on the list, his expression immediately turning cold. He didn’t even grant her an interview–just had someone eliminate her candidacy. 

Afterwards, she’d asked him, heartbroken, why. 

Without a second thought, Soren had sneered, “No matter how far the Fawkes family falls, we don’t need a woman stepping up to the plate in public.” 

And now, he was the one inviting her into Fawkes Enterprises. 

And doing it through the very backdoor connection he used to despise. 

Ever since he’d gotten together with Poppy, he really had changed. 

With a light, teasing tone, Evangeline asked, “So what is this, then? Some sort of compensation?” 

“If that’s how you want to see it,” Soren replied. 

Evangeline fell silent. 

For a few seconds, there was only the hush on the line. Soren assumed she must be overwhelmed. After all, she’d tried everything to stay close to him, and now he was finally giving her the chance. 

“But there’s one condition,” Soren added, thinking back to that morning when he’d 

seen her get into another man’s car. The thought still irritated him. “I don’t tolerate anything improper. I don’t care what you’re thinking–end any inappropriate 

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Chapter 73 

relationships as soon as possible.” 

Inappropriate relationships. 

It took Evangeline a moment to catch his meaning. 

He was talking about the divorce. 

So, he couldn’t even wait a month? 

A bitter smile touched her lips. “I want to get it over with quickly, too,” she said quietly. “But… just a little longer, okay?” 

She glanced at the calendar on her desk. “Twenty–seven days left.” 

When Soren heard the number, he remembered the date circled on the calendar in her apartment. Twenty–seven days. It lined up perfectly. 

He’d never understood the significance of that day before, but hearing her now, it clicked. 

He figured she’d hired that man for a month, just to make him jealous. 

In twenty–seven days, their arrangement would end. 

Soren did some quick mental math. The timing matched exactly. His mind was suddenly clear, but he didn’t call her out. Instead, his voice turned cold. “Fine. I’ll give you twenty–seven more days. But this is the last time, Evangeline. My patience has limits, and so should your games.” 

Evangeline didn’t quite understand what he meant by that last part. 

But she understood the rest well enough–Soren didn’t want the divorce to drag on. 

The feeling was mutual; she wanted to move on, too. 

She almost asked if he’d been to her place, but before the question could leave her lips, the call ended. 

She was left laughing at her own ridiculous thought. 

Soren was desperate to sever their ties–why would he ever show up at her door? 

She didn’t dwell on it, but the first thing she did after hanging up was order a security camera online, planning to set it up in the living room. 

After that, she finally felt a weight lift from her chest. 

The next morning, she woke early, packed her things, and took extra care with her makeup, making sure she looked flawless before stepping out the door 

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Chapter 73 

While waiting for the elevator, she noticed the apartment across the hall–the one that had been under renovation for the past week–had its door wide open. Workers bustled about, hauling in a brand–new sofa and cabinets. 

Sunlight filtered through the dusty hallway window, falling softly across her right shoulder. 

For a moment, the mix of noise and gentle warmth left her feeling strangely dazed. 

It didn’t feel so lonely anymore. 

The sunlight was real. 

The ground beneath her feet was solid. 

Today was her first day back at UME. 

A new chapter was beginning–for her career, and for herself.