When Finn was living abroad, he’d already heard the story: back when his cousin Victor Lockridge was about to marry his fiancée, Theresa, it was Evangeline who secretly helped Theresa run away on the eve of the wedding. 

Victor had been furious. He didn’t just target Evangeline–he made things hell for the entire Whitmore family, nearly crushing them under his heel. 

Still, Evangeline refused to reveal where Theresa had gone. 

“Hey, sis, what do you think–if I manage to charm her, maybe I could get that answer Victor’s been dying to know out of her?” Finn grinned, his tone playful. 

Arabella shot him a stern look, her brows knit tight. “Don’t even think about it. She’s married to Soren now.” 

“I know, but didn’t you hear? Word is, they’re about to split up anyway,” Finn pressed. “That doesn’t matter. Whatever the truth is, Evangeline is still Soren’s wife. You’ve only been back in Serenity City a short while–you have no idea how complicated things are here. Don’t go stirring up trouble.” 

Finn caught the commanding edge in Arabella’s voice and realized she was genuinely annoyed. He threw up his hands in surrender, a placating smile on his lips. “Alright, alright, I’ll do as you say.” 

Only then did Arabella let it drop, heading slowly down the stairs. 

Finn watched her go, then turned his gaze back to the gathering below, where Evangeline was chatting with a cluster of guests. 

His dark, fox–like eyes narrowed with interest. 

So, he was reckless because he didn’t understand how things worked in Serenity City. But if he did understand the city, that wouldn’t count as reckless, would it? 

She was just a woman, after all. 

Finn had never failed with women before–he’d waded through more than his share of romantic entanglements and never once come up empty–handed. 

A slow, knowing smile curved on his lips. 

Inside the charity gala, Evangeline and Glenn split up as planned. 

Chapter 90 

Although Glenn had fallen out with the Carlisle family and struck out on his own, he was still a Carlisle, and plenty of guests recognized him, eager for a quick chat. 

Evangeline, on the other hand, had kept a low profile ever since her marriage to Soren became a favorite subject of gossip. She rarely attended events like this. Tonight, she looked quite different from her usual self and made a point to avoid Soren while introducing herself. As a result, not many people recognized her. 

She made her way to the CEOs she’d researched ahead of time, following last night’s carefully rehearsed strategy–clinking glasses, making small talk, pitching UME’s business, and trying to drum up investment. 

At first, everyone seemed friendly and open to conversation. But the moment she mentioned UME, something in their expressions shifted. Suddenly, they’d find an excuse and slip away. 

After this happened several times, Evangeline began to wonder if there was some misunderstanding and tried to explain further. 

But the man she managed to stop looked almost panicked. He jerked away from her, blurting out, “UME turned down investment from Fawkes Enterprises. You’ve crossed them, and now you’re here looking for money in Serenity City? Dream on. Anyone who invests in UME now is making an enemy out of Fawkes.” 

With that, the man hurried off, as if even being seen with her might get him into trouble. 

Evangeline finally understood. 

This was Soren’s doing. 

But she could see the logic–Soren’s goal wasn’t to destroy UME outright, just to force Glenn to come crawling back and beg for Fawkes Enterprises‘ help. If Soren truly wanted to ruin them, she and Glenn wouldn’t even have been allowed into the gala tonight. 

Deep in thought, Evangeline continued walking–only to collide with a man who seemed to appear out of nowhere. 

Her drink sloshed, and though she tried to recover, a few splashes still landed on his suit. 

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there,” Evangeline blurted out, flustered.. 

She quickly grabbed a napkin from a side table and began dabbing at the damp spot on his jacket. 

2/2