Chapter 157: Chapter 165

The sky had darkened, and normally, Francesca would’ve returned home with Floretta at this hour.

However, it was unusually quiet in the house that day. Neither of them was anywhere to be found.

Angeline grew concerned when she noticed their absence. With a worried look in her eyes, she asked Evander, “Where’s Francesca and Floretta? Why haven’t they returned?”

“Relax. Let me explain,” Evander replied calmly. “I told Francesca to bring Floretta to the other mansion. It’s just nearby. In the meantime, you can stay here and focus on recuperating.”

“Okay.” Relieved, Angeline went to the doorway and stared at the mansion across from theirs. The usually dark mansion was lit that day, confirming Evander’s statement to be true.

He’s so wealthy, so it’s not a surprise that he owns more than one mansion. Moreover, I’m currently experiencing an allergic reaction. Adults have better immunity, but it’s not the same case with children.

I understand the need to distance myself from Floretta.

Since Francesca had her hands full with Floretta, the task of taking care of Evander’s daily life naturally fell on Angeline’s shoulders.

That night, Angeline whipped up a simple beef stew that garnered an endless stream of praises from Roger. His compliments rendered Evander’s expression thunderous.

Fortunately, Roger, being a tactful person, left the Golding residence immediately after dinner. Before his departure, he gave them a meaningful lecture. “As your good friend, it is my duty to remind you that it would be better if you don’t share a room while Mrs. Golding hasn’t recovered—”

Evander shoved Roger out of the doorway before the latter could complete his sentence and slammed the door shut.

Blushing, Angeline gazed at Evander bashfully. Without waiting for him to speak, she muttered, “I’ll go and sleep in the guest room. You should rest early too.”

With that said, she made her way upstairs.

Evander stared at her retreating figure, a resigned look surfacing in his eyes. However, an affectionate smile hung on his lips. He could tell Angeline had feelings for him and was just not used to living with him.

Just as he was about to head to the study, he saw Angeline walking back toward him. She stopped in front of the man and stared at him for a few seconds before standing on tiptoes and planting a soft kiss on his lips.

“Goodnight,” she murmured. Her voice was uncharacteristically gentle and low. It felt as if a feather had gently caressed his heart.

After saying that, she left in a haste. Unable to hide her coy expression, she behaved like a mischievous child who was caught sneaking candy.

Evander stood there unmoving and watched as she disappeared from sight. The aloof expression he usually wore was soon replaced by a warm and tender one.

That was the first time Angeline mustered her courage to kiss him on her own initiative.

Does this mean she’s finally acknowledging our relationship? Well, it’s fine. The results don’t matter. As long as she’s safe and sound by my side, I don’t mind if we have to take things slow. In fact, this ambiguous distance between us is a good thing. Rushing into things will only cause disaster.

The next day, Angeline prepared breakfast in advance and was placing two glasses of milk on the table when Evander came out of the bedroom.

He was clad in a brown suit, and his hair was meticulously combed. It seemed like he had an important meeting to attend.

Evander walked into the dining room, picked up a piece of toast, and slathered jam on it. He said, “I have work in the morning. If you feel bored, you can call Francesca and get her to come over and keep you company.”

“It’s okay. I’ll be fine.” Glancing at Evander, Angeline hesitated for a moment before adding, “Actually, I invited Jacob over today.”

She was worried Evander might get upset, so she had been putting off telling him.

As expected, his face immediately clouded over like the gloomy sky before a thunderstorm.

“Why?” he asked brusquely.

Sipping her milk, she liked the milk mustache off the corners of her lips and explained solemnly, “I need his help to go live and promote beauty kits. He’s currently the most popular up-and-coming celebrity in the entertainment industry. His fans would definitely snap up the items as long as he makes an appearance.”

At present, she was not in a state suitable for live streaming. Hence, she could only rely on others to help her build up hype for her sales.

Jacob was the best fit for the job.

“Since you’ve already made your decision, why are you asking for my opinion?”

Evander’s voice still sounded gloomy. Angeline’s explanation did not lift his mood in the slightest.

Afraid that he would misunderstand her intention, Angeline continued explaining, “I know there’s some misunderstanding between you and Jacob, but he’s a kind and sincere man. He’s not a bad person—”

Before she could even finish speaking, Evander slammed the glass of milk in his hand on the table, his expression as cold as ice.

“Do as you please. I’ll be leaving.”

Evander got up and left without another word.

Watching him leave, Angeline was inundated with puzzlement. She didn’t understand why Evander hated Jacob so much when the latter hadn’t done anything wrong.

The mere mention of Jacob’s name would set him off.

Unfortunately, the sumptuous breakfast she had gotten up early to prepare was barely touched.

Overwhelmed with aggrievement, she lost her appetite. She then cleaned the table and went back to her room.

Meanwhile, at the Yiurk residence, Lilian informed Joseline of the information she had found out.

“Mrs. Yiurk, everything is sorted out. Even the doctors said that there is no cure. Angeline is done for.”

Joseline was barely able to conceal her glee when she received the good news from Lillian early that morning.

She stood up and went to open the windows, taking in the fresh air. An indescribable feeling of relief rose within her heart.

Angeline will not be able to command Hanson’s attention now that her face is ruined!

“Mr. Yiurk, where are you going this early in the morning? Are you not staying for breakfast?”

The housekeeper’s anxious voice sounded from the living room.

Frowning, Joseline hurried downstairs, and she promptly lost composure when she saw Hanson towing his suitcase without looking back.

“Are you really leaving? We haven’t even had the welcoming party for our child yet!”

Hanson turned around and regarded her coldly as if he were looking at a stranger.

“There are plenty of people who can take care of you. You don’t need me to be here.”

He was completely unfazed by the mention of their child.

Joseline staggered when she heard his emotionless words. She gripped the railing tightly with a look of utter desolation in her eyes.

I don’t understand. Why does he continue to treat me so coldly? From the moment the child was born, he has never paid attention to the baby. He doesn’t seem happy to become a father at all. Nor did he show the slightest hint of concern for me.

Only then did Joseline realize emotional abuse brought so much more despair than a divorce.

“Hanson, I know you still have feelings for Angeline and you’re still hoping to get back together with her.

But do you know that she’s been disfigured? Would you still love her when she has red rashes all over her face?” Joseline shouted at Hanson, losing control over her emotions. Her face contorted with hatred, and she could no longer remain calm.

“What did you just say?”

Hanson’s expression went taut.

At that sight, Joseline was overwhelmed with desperation.