She had no idea whether Soren would be put off by the negative things being said
about her.
She forced a thin, awkward smile and pulled her hand away. “I’m just trying to be helpful. If you don’t appreciate it, then forget I said anything.”
With that, Poppy turned and walked off.
Evangeline watched her retreat, still radiating that effortless confidence, and couldn’t help but let out a helpless smile.
That must be what it feels like to have everything in your favor.
She knew, deep down, that even if she sent the recording to Soren, it wouldn’t make a difference.
Soren trusted Poppy and favored her. A simple recording wouldn’t sway him. Even if he saw Poppy provoking her with his own eyes, the most he’d do was put on a show and say a few perfunctory words–never anything real.
So she hadn’t expected the recording to help much. She just hoped Poppy would finally leave her alone.
Noticing it was getting late, Evangeline was about to call a cab back to UME when her phone buzzed. Soren’s name flashed on the screen.
There were times when Soren, in a bad mood, would nitpick his
meals–complaining that the food was too hot or too cold, asking her to reheat it, or sometimes sending it away untouched, just to make a point.
She figured he was about to complain about the soup, hesitated for a second, and then answered the call.
She intended to tell him the soup was made by his grandmother, and he could decide for himself if he wanted it.
But as soon as she picked up, Soren’s cold voice cut through. “Last time at the manor, you bullied Poppy and her arm hasn’t even healed yet. Why are you picking on her again?”
The accusation in his tone caught Evangeline off guard.
“I didn’t do anything to her,” she blurted out instinctively.
“Still denying it?” Soren gave a derisive laugh. “Look up.”
1/3
11:33
Chapter 85
Evangeline, a bit lost, followed his instruction and lifted her head.
Fawkes Tower loomed above, its glass windows glinting against the sky.
For a dizzying moment, she stood there, staring upward, and caught sight of a lone, imposing figure at the very top.
At that same moment, Soren stood inside his corner office, framed by the massive window, gazing down at her from his lofty perch.
Reception had just told him Evangeline had come by to drop off lunch, then left.
She used to always wait–never leaving until he’d finished eating, using it as an excuse to see him, no matter how much she claimed it was just concern for his well–being.
This time, her abrupt departure had almost made him think she’d changed.
But a few minutes ago, as he glanced down from his office, he’d caught a glimpse of Evangeline nearly confronting Poppy.
So that was why she’d left so quickly–to chase after Poppy and make trouble for
her?
The thought sent another chill through Soren, his mood turning icier by the second. Evangeline couldn’t see his expression, but she could sense his anger through the phone.
So this was what the call was about him swooping in to defend Poppy.
He hadn’t even bothered to get the facts before taking Poppy’s side without
hesitation.
She couldn’t defend herself, nor did she have the energy to try.
Her silence made Soren think he’d caught her in the act. His voice grew even colder. “Anything Poppy does, she does with my permission. If you have a problem, take it up with me.”
Evangeline gave a bitter little laugh. “Fine. Understood.”
“Understood‘ isn’t enough. Next time you see Poppy, you’ll apologize to her, in person,” Soren insisted.
Unlike before, Evangeline didn’t resist. She nodded, her voice calm. “Alright.”
Soren was taken aback. He’d expected her to argue, to get furious, to fight back.
2/3
11:34
Chapter 85
Instead, her quiet acceptance left him momentarily speechless. “You’re not angry?”
he asked.
