Soren made a quiet sound of acknowledgment and ended the call.
As soon as the line disconnected, Poppy’s smile faded. The warmth on her face chilled to stone as she stared at the text Evangeline had just sent.
She’d called Macy earlier and found out that after leaving the office, Soren hadn’t gone back to the house.
So he really had gone to see Evangeline?
Poppy wasn’t sure what to believe about Soren’s claim that he was returning to the
Fawkes estate.
Ever since that night, she’d noticed his attitude toward Evangeline had grown increasingly ambiguous. The thought unsettled her, gnawing at her nerves.
She couldn’t afford to wait any longer.
She needed to push things forward with Soren–and fast.
Unaware of Poppy’s turmoil, Soren sent her a quick text after hanging up, reminding her to get some rest.
Less than thirty minutes later, he pulled up at the Fawkes family estate.
It wasn’t until after he’d sat down with the family that he realized Clyde intended for him to host the upcoming birthday celebration.
But as soon as the subject of Soren’s partner came up, the conversation stalled.
Helena and Flora made it clear they wanted Poppy to take Evangeline’s place and co–host the event with Soren.
Clyde understood their reasoning, but he hesitated. After all, Soren and Evangeline had been married for five years. It was only natural she should stand by his side for such an important occasion.
The three couldn’t reach an agreement, so they left the final decision to Soren.
He was baffled by the whole debate.
“What’s there to argue about?” he said flatly. “Evangeline should co–host with me. That’s only right.”
His firm response caught the others off guard.
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Flora was the first to break the silence. “Big brother, has Evangeline put some kind of spell on you? Or do you really not get what this means? This is the perfect. chance for you to make things official with Poppy–if you let it slip by, there might not be another one.”
Soren’s brows knit together.
Make things official?
He opened his mouth to reply, but Flora pressed on. “Let me put it this way: if Grandma announces that you’re taking over Fawkes Enterprises, and Evangeline is the one standing next to you, have you thought about how Poppy will feel?”
“It’s not that serious,” Helena interjected. “But this is a big family event, and Evangeline isn’t exactly the life of the party. I honestly think Poppy would be a much better fit for this sort of thing.”
“Besides, everyone knows about you and Poppy. Even if
and Poppy. Even if you choose her, nobody’s going to be shocked.”
Soren wasn’t surprised to hear Flora championing Poppy. But to hear Helena say so too–that caught him off guard.
Still, she wasn’t wrong.
Over the years, he’d rarely brought Evangeline to large gatherings. She tended to freeze up at big events, while Poppy–who’d studied abroad–handled herself with far more poise and confidence.
Objectively, Poppy was the more suitable choice.
But…
He hesitated. Evangeline was still upset with him over the situation with Poppy and the child. If he chose Poppy again this time, Evangeline would only be more hurt–she might not even want to see him anymore.
With that in mind, Soren spoke up. “Poppy’s been really busy lately; I doubt she has the time. And honestly, it’s time Evangeline took on a role like this.”
Flora looked as if she wanted to argue, but Soren cut her off. “I’ve made up my mind. There’s nothing more to discuss.”
Flora fell silent, sulking. Helena, seeing there was no use pressing further, let the matter drop.
Clyde gave Soren a long, meaningful look.
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He knew exactly what was going through his son’s mind.
