<b>Chapter </b>110


    She’d half–expected her grandmother to be confused, maybe to have simply misspoken, but Old Mrs. Fawkes’s tone was unwavering. “I said two rooms, and I meant it. Go on and make the arrangements.”


    With nothing else to say, the maid helped Old Mrs. Fawkes out of the room.


    As they watched her leave, the others still seemed puzzled by the whole thing–until Flora let out a soft, knowingugh. “Oh, I get it now. I heard thatst time someone came to visit, they only brought her a cheap, thoughtless gift. Looks like she didn’t care for it, and she’s still holding a grudge.”


    It took a moment, but realization dawned on the rest of them.


    It did make sense. Ever since thatst family dinner, Old Mrs. Fawkes had seemed in a sour mood.


    That probably exined why she, who used to do everything possible to push Soren and Evangeline together, seemed so indifferent today.


    Maybe she’d finally stopped seeing Evangeline as her future granddaughter–inw.


    Helena shot Evangeline a withering look, disappointed but no longer invested. In the past, she would have tried to smooth things over, maybe even yed matchmaker, but after everything Evangeline had done, she couldn’t be bothered anymore.


    Let Evangeline worry about it when she started to feel the consequences.


    “Let’s head back,” Helena said.


    Their own house was just a short stroll from the old family estate–barely a two–minute walk.


    Clyde nodded and stepped over to grab an umbre.


    Flora followed after him, but not before throwing a triumphant look back at Evangeline. She even stuck out her tongue, unable to resist a little gloating. “Congrattions, Soren. Looks like you’re finally getting your freedom.”


    With Grandma’s favor gone, there’d soon be a vacancy for Soren’s wife. Flora couldn’t help but think that brought Poppy one step closer to joining the Fawkes family.


    Evangeline nced at Soren.


    She’d expected to see relief on his face–a weight lifted, maybe. But he was unreadable, his expression giving nothing away.


    He was studying her too, those dark eyes steady and intent.


    He must have noticed the flicker of relief on her face.


    She didn’t want to share a room with him?


    The realization hit Soren with a cold finality.


    She used to chase after him, always finding ways to be closer. Now she couldn’t wait to keep her distance. Was she afraid he’d discover her secret?


    The thought settled heavily in his chest.


    He was almost certain now–his suspicions about the child were right all along.


    Evangeline had hidden the fact that she’d had his child, tucking it away from the world.


    Evangeline, meanwhile, was oblivious to the storm gathering behind his eyes.


    With Old Mrs. Fawkes retired to her room and the others gone, the living room felt unnaturally empty–just her and Soren left, every breath loud in the stillness.


    She felt suddenly, painfully aware of him.


    They’d barely spent any time alone since she moved out–and even before that, moments like this were rare. Now, the air between them was thick with awkwardness.


    She started for the stairs, nning to help the maid prepare her guest room.


    She’d barely taken a step before Soren’s voice stopped her. “Evangeline, don’t you have something to say to me?”


    She froze.


    Looking up, she met his gaze–so dark, so intent it was as if he could see straight through her. Her heart gave a nervous jump.


    Did he know about the investments?


    No… there was no anger in his eyes.


    Instead, there was something like hope. Something almost like joy.


    <b>212 </b>


    Chapter


    Evangeline couldn’t read him. She forced her voice to sound steady. “What do want me to say?”


    “Alison.” Soren’s voice was quiet, but every word was clear. “My child.”


    Evangeline went suddenly, utterly still.


    She’d thought she’d moved past the pain of losing her child.