Glenn’s arrival caught both Winston and Helena off guard.
Winston’s face flushed with embarrassment. He didn’t dare scold Glenn, so he turned his irritation on Evangeline instead. “If you were waiting for a friend, why didn’t you say so earlier?”
Evangeline almost laughed. “Did you ever give me the chance to explain?”
Not that it would’ve mattered, she thought–Winston probably wouldn’t have believed her anyway.
“Alright then, since you’re waiting for someone, we’ll get out of your way,” Hazel interjected with a bright, diplomatic smile, trying to ease the tension.
Winston, clearly annoyed but unable to argue further, had no choice but to leave. with a sour look.
Hazel tugged gently on Giselle, who was still staring blankly, and the two of them headed toward the departure gate.
But just before leaving, Hazel couldn’t help glancing back over her shoulder.
In her memory, Evangeline was always a lone wolf–distant, self–sufficient, never the type to have close friends. When did she start spending time with people like that? And judging by his appearance, this Glenn fellow clearly wasn’t just anybody. As Hazel pondered this, Giselle suddenly stopped in her tracks, turned, and gazed dreamily back at Glenn. “Mom, that man is gorgeous. Do you know who he is?:
Hazel shook her head, curiosity piqued. She turned to Winston. “Do you recognize him?”
Winston squinted. “He does look a little familiar.”
Before he could say anything more, Giselle’s eyes lit up. “Dad, can you introduce us? Please? I really like him.”
Winston frowned slightly. Looking familiar is one thing, but I don’t actually know him. It’s not that simple.”
Giselle pouted, unwilling to give up. The thought that such an attractive man was here for Evangeline made her even more frustrated.
She clung to Winston’s arm, voice syrupy sweet. “Dad, it’s okay if you don’t know him. With your connections, I’m sure you can find
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Chapter 49
out, won’t you?”
She tugged at his sleeve, coaxing.
Hazel, watching her daughter’s earnest expression, nodded in agreement. “Come on, Winston, say yes. It’s rare for Giselle to take a liking to someone. Besides, he seems like a good match–and who knows, maybe one day he’ll be an asset to the Whitmore family.”
With Hazel’s encouragement, Winston swallowed whatever objections he’d been about to voice.
Honestly, from the man’s bearing and the custom–tailored suit he wore, Winston doubted Glenn was someone from their usual
cial circle. But then again, with the Whitmores now allied with the Fawkes family, who would dare snub them?
The three Whitmores huddled for a brief discussion and, on impulse, decided to cancel their travel plans. Winston–now carrying the hopes of both mother and daughter–set off to find out more about Glenn.
Glenn, meanwhile, was completely unaware of the commotion he’d caused. After the Whitmores left, he walked calmly toward Evangeline. “Are you alright?” Evangeline looked up at him, momentarily at a loss for words.
Compared to five years ago, Glenn seemed taller, more mature, more at ease in his own skin. The confidence in every gesture was almost unfamiliar to her now.
She clenched her fingers, turning her gaze toward her own reflection in the glass.
You can fake a background, you can fake your words, but you can’t disguise the aura you carry. No matter how expensive her dress or how dazzling her jewelry, her soul was dull and lifeless, as if all the light inside her had vanished.
Five years ago, Glenn and Evangeline had been the golden couple–envied by all.
Now, the gulf between them was as stark as night and day.
Her own downfall left her disgusted with herself. She’d seen it coming, but now, standing face to face with the reality of it, a sharp, quiet pain welled up in her chest.
Evangeline shook her head, searching for words to diffuse the awkwardness of this reunion. But before she could speak, Glenn strode forward and, to her shock, leaned down. In one smooth motion, he slipped his arms beneath her knees and lifted her effortlessly into his arms.
Chapter 50
