On the other side of the building, after leaving Theo’s office, Evangeline tracked down Giselle. But Giselle adamantly insisted that no one else had seen the files.
Her voice was unwavering, and she didn’t look like she was lying.
By the end of their exchange, Giselle had even started to suspect Evangeline.
Giselle glared at her, her frustration barely contained. “Soren is your husband, and you know this project inside out. I have every reason to believe you leaked those files on purpose–and tried to pin it on me.”
Evangeline realized she wouldn’t get anything useful from her and saw no point in wasting more time.
The truth would come out sooner or later.
Right now, the most urgent thing was to create a new prototype before the launch
event.
She stayed in the lab late into the night, her computer screen cluttered with discarded drafts and failed ideas.
At some point, Glenn showed up, quietly bringing her a late–night snack.
Evangeline ate quickly, then went right back to her work.
Glenn didn’t say much–he just stayed nearby, offering an occasional word of advice when she needed it.
For a fleeting moment, Evangeline felt as if she were back in college–she and Glenn pulling all–nighters to finish a project, surviving on caffeine and determination.
But this time, their efforts seemed to be going nowhere.
By the end, her vision was blurring from exhaustion. Nearly a month of sleepless nights had left her mind foggy and sluggish.
She rubbed her temples, trying to clear her head.
“Let’s go home,” Glenn said gently.
Evangeline didn’t argue.
They walked back to their apartment complex together.
19:22
When they reached the door to her rented place, Evangeline hesitated, something on her mind. She couldn’t hold it in any longer. “Glenn.”
Glenn was unlocking the door. He turned to look at her, puzzled. “Yeah? What is it?”
She took two steps toward him, lips pressed together. “I used to love Soren. And he’s still my husband–at least, for now.”
Glenn paused, waiting for her to continue.
“So… did you ever suspect me? Did you ever think I was the one who gave the project files to Soren?” she asked.
Giselle’s accusation had gotten under her skin.
Just because she wanted to avoid certain thoughts didn’t mean those doubts didn’t
exist.
Other people might not know about her relationship with Soren, but Glenn knew everything.
hold ever bo
She wasn’t sure if that suspicion.
Understanding dawned on Glenn, and he let out a soft, reassuring laugh. “No.
Never.
He added, “And honestly, if you knew anything about how Fawkes Enterprises works, you’d realize that question doesn’t make any sense.”
Evangeline didn’t quite follow.
Glenn saw her confusion and explained, “The project lead for Fawkes‘ robotics division is Poppy.”
He looked at her, voice steady. “I know you loved Soren. But you’re not the sort of person who’d throw away your work just to hand it over to Poppy. Especially since… well, she’s part of the reason you’re in this mess.”
Evangeline hadn’t been following the details at Fawkes too closely, she only knew they’d put together a project team. She never expected Soren would appoint Poppy as project lead.
She’d thought she might negotiate with Fawkes about the stolen files after everything settled down. But with Poppy in charge–and knowing how protective Soren was of her–getting justice was going to be nearly impossible.
“Stop torturing yourself. Get some rest,” Glenn said gently.
1047
Chapter 157
Evangeline nodded and finally went inside.
The apartment was empty–Soren hadn’t come by tonight.
She figured he was probably out celebrating with Poppy after her big win for Fawkes Enterprises.
With a bitter smile, Evangeline slipped off her shoes and walked in.
Only when she got to the living room did she notice a note left on the coffee table.
Call me when you see this.
The handwriting was bold and unmistakable: Soren’s.
1645
