Chapter 66
Macy still seemed hesitant.
She wondered if maybe Soren’s words had just been said in anger. Was he letting his temper get the better of him?
But almost immediately, she dismissed the thought. Soren was not the type to make empty threats. When Evangeline crossed him, he meant it–if he said there would be consequences, there were. Macy remembered one time when Soren flatly told Evangeline she was not allowed to have his child. In the five years since they’d married, Evangeline had never once gotten pregnant.
That memory cleared the doubt from Macy’s eyes.
Seeing her change in expression, Poppy realized her words were having an effect.
With a gentle smile, she placed her elegant hand softly on Macy’s shoulder and said in a low, soothing voice, “Macy, haven’t you figured out why Soren allowed me to move in here?”
She gave Macy a moment, then continued, “Even if you can’t see it, you must know Evangeline isn’t coming back. So, wouldn’t you say this room is more like a guest room now?”
Macy was finally convinced.
Poppy patted her shoulder lightly. “You don’t need to tidy this room. I’ll take care of anything I don’t need myself. Maybe use this time to look into who I am–and what I am to Soren. It might help you decide whose side to take, going forward.”
With that, Poppy said nothing more. She turned and walked straight into the room.
Macy stood frozen for a moment.
It took her nearly two minutes to snap out of it. She quickly pulled out her phone and dialed her son, who worked at Fawkes Enterprises. “Sweetheart, can you help Mom look into someone?”
244
After breakfast, Soren left the house.
He’d barely started the car when, almost without thinking, he took out his phone. Evangeline still hadn’t replied to his message. A strange, uneasy feeling crept over him.
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It had been quite a while–what if something had happened?
He hesitated, then called her.
The call barely rang for two seconds before it was declined.
His frown deepened.
A wave of indescribable anxiety swept over him.
Suddenly, he remembered what Macy had said earlier.
A woman living alone is vulnerable. If someone targeted her, it could be dangerous. Evangeline was a woman, too.
What if…
He didn’t let himself finish the thought. Instead, he immediately ordered, “Gregory, turn around. We’re going to find Evangeline.”
His voice was sharp with worry.
Gregory didn’t dare delay. He pressed the gas pedal to the floor, speeding through the city until they screeched to a stop in front of Evangeline’s apartment building.
“Mr. Fawkes, should I-” Gregory began.
But Soren was already out of the car, striding toward the building’s entrance.
Watching his usually composed boss move with such urgency, Gregory was taken aback. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Soren this rattled.
He hurried after Soren up the stairs. When they reached the apartment, Soren pounded on the door. “Evangeline, open up!”
No answer.
After a moment, Soren confirmed the apartment was empty, then barked at Gregory, “Get someone to open this door.”
He added, “And check the security cameras nearby. Find out where Evangeline went.”
Gregory hesitated at Soren’s show of force. “Mr. Fawkes, maybe Miss Whitmore just stepped out for a bit…”
Soren cut him off without a second thought. “Stepped out? For what?”
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Chapter 66
Evangeline barely knew anyone in Serenity City. Most days, she stayed home, and if she went out, it was usually just to visit Soren’s grandmother at the estate. The rest of the time, she tended to her plants and kept to herself.
Soren couldn’t picture a single reason she’d leave.
Gregory thought about pointing out that Evangeline had moved out to make a life for herself, to earn a living. But Soren’s growing impatience made him swallow his words.
“Stop wasting time. Do what I said,” Soren snapped.
Gregory had no choice but to comply.
He worked fast. In less than five minutes, the locksmith had arrived, and under Soren’s intense, intimidating glare, nervously set about opening the door.
