Chapter 359
It was not that Evangeline did not miss Trey.
The Gordon family’s home, with all its familiar sights and sounds, always managed to stir up some not–so- happy memories for her. It was like the place had a way of bringing all those feelings right back to the surface.
Then there was Trey, who had always stood by her and Walter. She was about to walk away from that relationship for good, taking the Gordon family’s great–grandson with her. She could not help but feel guilty about leaving the old man behind.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been around,” said Evangeline regretfully. “Right after I took over at the Foster family’s company, Walter and I had this huge fight, and I just couldn’t find the time to come see you. By the time ! managed to get a CEO to fill in for me, Grandpa Cole got sick, and one thing led to another… I’m really sorry it took so long.”
She was trying to be as sincere as possible, but words seemed to fall short of expressing even a fraction of the guilt weighing on her heart.
After all, she did not just come to simply visit the Gordon family. She brought something else with her.
The Gemstone Bracelets, a treasured heirloom passed down through generations of the Gordon family’s daughters–in–law, said to be worth a fortune.
Cole had sent Evangeline over to share the good news that she and Walter were doing well, expecting nothing but smiles and laughter.
However, Evangeline had something else in mind.
Her relationship with Walter was beyond repair, and it felt only right to return the priceless Gemstone Bracelets, a symbol of her place in the family, back to Trey.
As she stood there, lost in thought, she heard Trey let out a deep, heavy sigh.
“Evie, sweetheart, you’ve got nothing to apologize for. This mess is all that troublemaker Walter’s fault! Just wait until I get my hands on him–I’m going to make sure he learns his lesson, all for you!”
Trey was fuming as he thought about what Walter had done, his anger practically steaming out of his ears.
“No need to worry about me, Grandpa. I’m over it,” said Evangeline, and she meant every word. Her gaze met Trey’s, and it was clear she was being honest.
3
Ever since she had made up her mind to let go of Walter for good, the anger had drained away, leaving behind a deeper understanding. Walter’s heart belonged to Julia, and Evangeline’s presence was an unwanted complication for him. How could he not resent being stuck with her?
When it came down to it, she realized she was the one who had set that whole tragedy in motion. Walter was just caught in the crossfire–how could he be at fault?
Her fingers brushed against her wrists, just below the sleeves where the Gemstone Bracelets she planned -to return were hidden.
However, Trey missed the hint in Evangeline’s words, his thoughts running in the complete opposite direction.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 359
“Oh, Evie, as long as you’re not upset, that’s all that matters to me. It means there’s still hope for me…”
Trey’s frail, aged hands gently tapped the back of Evangeline’s hand, his voice choked up with a mix of relief and gratitude. “You just leave it to me. As long as I’ve got a day left on this earth, I’ll make things right. No way I’m letting that scoundrel get the best of you!”
Trey’s wow was heartfelt, and each word landed on Evangeline’s heart like a warm and comforting spring. In her mind, she pondered…
The Gordon family was thriving, and so was Trey, but Evangeline’s connection with Walter just was not meant to last–a case of too little destiny to keep them together.
She was about to slip off her bracelet when she noticed Trey’s eyes, red–rimmed and teary, as if he was on the brink of a breakdown.
“Grandfather…”
All the hurt she had bottled up for days found its way to the surface, and Evangeline could not hold back the tears any longer, not with Trey looking on.
