Chapter 44
Caleb’s voice cut through the air like a frostbite. “So, Evelyn, you’re really turning down my offer for the company?” His stance was cool and detached. To him, it seemed clear that Aron and Evelyn was more than friends.
Caught up in his thoughts, Caleb remembered the curious letter he’d received the night before. It had contained just one thing: a photograph of Evelyn and Aron, looking cozy and intimate as they strolled down the street, hand in hand, like a couple. The shot was taken from a well-chosen angle, stirring suspicion in his mind.
Taking Evelyn’s direct gaze as confirmation, Bobby intervened, siding with her, “It’s nothing personal, Mr. Mercer. After taking everything into account, it’s obvious the Mercer Group isn’t a good fit for Evelyn Jewelry
With that settled, Caleb’s eyes lingered bitterly on Evelyn. “Well, congrats to Mr. Quinn,” he managed through gritted teeth before storming out of the room.
Once the door slammed behind Caleb, the tension in the air evaporated. Bobby caught Aron’s eye and let out a long-awaited sigh of relief
Evelyn, meanwhile, seemed lost in thought, staring at the now-vacant doorway. She quickly stifled any emerging discomfort and turned back to the men. “Aron, you and Bobby can hammer out the details. I need to step out. With a somewhat distracted air, she made her exit.
Aron had to bite back his words.
Stepping outside, Evelyn scanned her surroundings with a sense of disheartenment. She had been aware that Caleb and Aron were both vying for Evelyn Jewelry, which was why, despite not feeling well, she had driven straight over. She was now unsure if her primary motive had been to prevent Caleb from taking over the company. Her thoughts were interrupted when she overheard Caleb claim inside that he was the second-largest shareholder. The remark struck a nerve; how much had he actually cared about the company to stake a claim like that? Evelyn’s frustration was palpable, understanding that his involvement had been minimal at best, despite his substantial shares.
Evelyn was driving aimlessly, and before she knew it, the scenery in front of her became more and more familiar. She suddenly realized that, without being aware, she had actually returned to the South District.
The South District was the old heart of Glovia, almost out of step with the rest of the city, which had transformed with skyscrapers and modernity. Here, the embrace of green space and the smattering of small parks created a patchwork of residential life amidst the trees.
As she entered the district, the sound of sweet singing reached her ears. Evelyn pulled over, stepped out of the car, and meandered through a nearby park. There, a group of seniors were gathered joyously in song, their voices intertwining harmoniously. Children wove through the underbrush, their laughter and playful shouts punctuating the air, mingling with the occasional chide from a watchful parent.
This cacophony of community life rooted Evelyn to the spot, her heart swelling with a mix of nostalgia and reluctance. This was her old neighborhood. In all the years since her marriage to Caleb, her visits had ceased.
After a moment’s pause, determination edged out hesitation and she walked across the park toward its far side. There stood. an array of quaint single-family homes known collectively as the Forest Residences. With a deep breath, Evelyn approached the signboard marking the entrance.
Taking in the view of the scattered homes, a lump formed in her throat. It had been five or six years since she last saw them. Just standing there, her eyes began to glisten with unshed tears.
Perhaps Evelyn lingered too long, lost in her emotional homecoming because a voice suddenly called out from the security booth, snapping her back to the present.
“Hey there!” the security guard called, eyeing her curiously from his post. “You folks need help finding someone?”
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