But Evelyn didn’t stay idle. Instead, she carefully planned how to arrange her mother’s third death anniversary.
Deborah placed great importance on the occasion. The third anniversary symbolized a formal farewell–a significant occasion in the older generation’s eyes.
There were still two weeks left, giving her ample time to prepare.
At noon, Sebastian called. “Graham put on an act today. He casually asked about the Flying Seal Group project’s progress. But let’s be real–he’s just curious about your research focus now that you’ve returned. Organize the project data and send it to him. He won’t be able to resist.”
This was a rare opportunity to break the ice. If Graham reviewed her work, it might help ease his lingering resentment toward her.
Truthfully, Evelyn was nervous. Back then, she had been preparing to apply for his graduate program. But in the end, she had been forced to give up everything–sold off to the Grant family to save Blake.
She didn’t hesitate. She compiled all her research insights and sent them to Graham’s email. It wasn’t until nearly 8:00 pm that she finally received his call.
Clenching her fists, she answered. There was silence on the other end. She wasn’t sure how much time passed before she heard a sharp scoff. “What? Did you lose your voice?”
Evelyn knew she was in the wrong and murmured, “No…”
“All right, I read the project plan. It’s not bad for your first project since returning. But in this field, talent cycles fast. If you want to secure a foothold, it’s not something you can achieve with half–hearted effort.”
If she hadn’t been held back these past three years, she would be far beyond this point.
Graham always had high expectations for Evelyn. For years, he had saved a spot for her in his graduate program. Yet, she had buried herself in marriage and never looked back.
Taking a deep breath, Evelyn said, “I’ll work hard.”
She had no idea when her illness would catch up to her and how much time she had left. All she could do was race against the clock.
Graham fell silent for a while before sighing. “How have you been these past few years?”
Evelyn knew what he was really asking about–her marriage. But she had no words. Silence stretched between them.
Then, with another scoff, he asked, “Why are you keeping quiet again? Why did Lucas go out of his way to see me and recommend that young woman? What’s his angle?”
He already knew Lucas was Evelyn’s husband–Sebastian had told him long ago. So, when Lucas showed up with Tiffany, he had his own suspicions.
Evelyn pressed her lips together. “I’m sure you’ve already figured it out.”
She knew Sebastian hadn’t shared details of her personal life, but Lucas had made it so obvious–his unmistakable favoritism. How could Graham not put two and two together?
She just felt ashamed of everything she had given up. And for what? A conclusion so pathetic it wasn’t even worth it.
This time, Graham didn’t lecture her. Of course, he could sense her reluctance to talk about it. But his voice still carried both anger and disappointment
“Since that’s the case, focus on your career. Winning over a man’s heart is pointless. If you lose it, so what? But your professional skills? That’s something you can’t afford to lose.”
Evelyn slowly exhaled. “I understand.”
Graham had a notoriously bad temper–stubborn and difficult. Once he was angry, there was no soothing him.
So, as soon as he finished speaking, he didn’t give her a chance to say anything else and promptly hung up. Still, Evelyn felt a sense of relief, She had more drive and direction now.
If she had the chance, she still wanted to pursue graduate studies under Graham. But for now, she had more pressing matters to handle.
It was Naomi’s third death anniversary. She hadn’t informed Deborah or Leonard about the divorce since there hadn’t been a good time to bring it up.
And if they were to hold the ceremony, Lucas would have to play his role to the end. She had no choice but to discuss it with him.
After some thought, she considered calling him. But the niemory of Tiffany answering his phone last time flashed in her mind. So, in the end, she called Maria instead
