Chapter 93 

She didn’t bother with any more beating around the bush and asked directly, “You’re really not afraid of crossing Soren?” 

Finn’s smile grew even brighter. “If it means protecting a beautiful woman like Miss Whitmore, there’s nothing I fear.” 

Evangeline fell silent. 

you, 

Every time she tried to have a serious conversation with him, Finn always managed to act so unreliable, almost as if he was playing a part. And yet, just when she was ready to give up, his words would catch her curiosity all over again. 

She was about to ask another question when the gala began in earnest. Guests started heading into the neighboring auction hall. 

Finn stood and straightened his jacket. “I have something to attend to, so I’ll be leaving now. There’s no need to rush your decision–think it over carefully.” 

“When you’re ready, you know how to reach me.” 

With that, Evangeline watched him glide away, all effortless grace. 

Once he’d gone, she hesitated a moment, then took out her phone and searched for news about Finn. 

It didn’t take long for her to confirm he’d told her the truth. 

The Lockridge family was divided into the direct line and the branches, and Finn, contrary to what she’d assumed, was not from a side branch. He was actually a direct descendant–the second son of the current head of Lockridge Holdings. 

Finn had spent most of his years abroad, which explained why he was rarely mentioned in domestic circles. Still, Evangeline found a report from when Finn turned eighteen: the entire Lockridge family had flown overseas just to celebrate his coming–of–age. That alone said everything about how much they valued him. With this new perspective, Finn really did seem like the best investor she could hope for–second only to Soren. 

She had no wish to wage open war against Soren, but when it came to her own future, she wasn’t about to let the Fawkes family dictate every step she took. 

Her mind made up, Evangeline stood and made her way toward the auction hall. Just as she was about to enter, she caught sight–at a distance–of a figure she recognized instantly. 

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Chapter 93 

What is she doing here? 

Baffled, Evangeline took a step forward, but before she could get far, a hand landed firmly on her shoulder. It lingered a moment too long on her bare skin, fingers splaying with deliberate carelessness. 

A chill ran through her, and Evangeline jerked away, moving hastily aside. 

She found herself face to face with Mr. Wellington, a slightly portly man whose eyes crinkled with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Miss Whitmore, where are you rushing off to in such a hurry?” 

“That’s really none of your business, is it?” 

Evangeline didn’t recognize him, but her instincts screamed that this man meant trouble. 

Mr. Wellington only chuckled, his gaze sliding over her appraisingly, an air of greedy satisfaction settling over him. 

Compared to Giselle, Evangeline was much more his type. Giselle was a childish little girl–amusing, perhaps, but ultimately uninteresting. Evangeline, on the other hand, was all mature poise, the sort of woman who sparked a man’s curiosity to know more. 

A 

Feeling the weight of his stare, Evangeline shuddered with disgust. 

Still, she didn’t want to cause a scene. With forced politeness, she said, “Excuse me, I have something to take care of. If you’ll let me pass.” 

She took two steps before Mr. Wellington blocked her path again, feigning offense. “I’m an old friend of your father’s, Winston. Practically family. Why, I even held you when you were a baby. Don’t you think it’s rude to just walk away? The least you could do is share a drink with me.” 

Evangeline almost laughed. 

As if Winston had any real friends. The only people circling him all these years had been leeches, eager to bleed the Whitmore family dry. 

But Mr. Wellington was playing the “elder” card, and Evangeline knew this wasn’t her turf. She didn’t want to make a scene. 

Clearly, there was no dodging this drink. Fixing him with a steady gaze, she asked, “If I share a drink with you, can I go?” 

Mr. Wellington’s expression softened immediately, turning back to his falsely jovial self. “Of course.” 

$2/3 

Chapter 43 

He walked over to a nearby table, fetched two glasses of wine, and handed one to her. 

Evangeline clinked her glass against his, then tossed back the wine in one swift motion and set the empty glass down, eager to end the encounter. She turned to leave. 

But she’d only gone a few steps before everything went dark. Her head spun, and the world began to tilt.