The answer now was obvious.


    A hint of smugness crept into Poppy''s smile.


    Soren fell silent for a moment.


    When Poppy had first returned to the country, both Liam Leigh and Flora tried to persuade him to get back together with her. He hadn''t paid them any mind. But then Poppy developed a new project for Fawkes Enterprises, and thanks to her, thepany broke into the smart robotics industry.


    Suddenly, the calls for reconciliation grew louder. Poppy''s boldness with him made it impossible to keep ignoring the idea.


    He had, in fact, considered it.


    But in the end, his answer was-


    "The divorce isn''t real," Soren said quietly. “Evangeline would never agree to leave me."


    Poppy''s smile froze for a split second.


    Then, just as quickly, it blossomed into something even brighter. "That''s okay. I can wait."


    Though, honestly, she doubted she''d have to wait long.


    Poppy gazed out across the cidke.


    Earlier, she''d deliberately kicked Evangeline in the chest and sent her tumbling into a patch of weeds at the water''s edge.


    When Soren helped her out, that side of theke had already gone silent. It had been a while now, and Evangeline still hadn''t reappeared...


    Poppy didn''t actually want anything to happen to her.


    She just wanted Evangeline to see, crystal clear, that Soren would always choose her first—no matter the circumstances. That way, Evangeline would get the message and give up.


    But now Soren realized something was wrong.


    Evangeline had been quiet for too long.


    Even if she was still searching for that diamond ring, there was no way she could hold her breath underwater for so long.


    Suddenly, a thought struck him like a bolt of lightning.


    Evangeline couldn''t swim.


    He remembered once, at a pool party, someone had pushed her in. She''d iled about like a drowning cat for ages.


    Could it be...?


    Soren''s eyes narrowed in rm.


    He spun around, ready to rush into theke, but before he could take a step, he saw not one, but two figures breaking the surface, slowly swimming toward the shore.


    Thekeside was well-lit by the hotel''smps, casting a golden glow along the water, but the center of theke remained in shadow, touched only by faint moonlight.


    Through the gloom, Soren could just make out Evangeline''s frail frame, bathed in pale silver, inching her way towardnd.


    She faltered several times, but the person beside her steadied her, keeping her afloat.


    Assuming it was Glenn, Soren stopped in his tracks, the chill around him intensifying.


    His expression hardened, returning to its usual frosty severity.


    Perfect.


    He''d been meddling for nothing.


    By the time Evangeline reached the shore, she was utterly exhausted.


    She copsed on the ground, gasping for air, heart pounding furiously in her chest, the terror of nearly dying still gripping her.


    Poppy rose to her feet, shing a cheerful smile. "Evangeline, I had no idea you could swim! That''s wonderful."


    "Soren, see? I told you Evangeline could handle it. You''ve always underestimated her-"


    Smack.


    Before Poppy could finish, Evangeline, eyes zing, strode over and with all the strength she had left, pped Poppy hard across the face.


    The air froze.


    For a moment, the only sound was the gentlepping of water against the shore.


    The blow came so suddenly, even Poppy was caught off guard.


    She never expected Evangeline would dare to hit her-especially with Soren standing right there.


    Stunned, Poppy clutched her cheek, about to protest, but Evangeline didn''t give her the chance. Switching hands, she aimed for the other side of Poppy''s face.


    But before she couldnd the second p, a strong hand seized her wrist.


    Soren gripped her tightly, yanked her away, and with a forceful shove, sent her sprawling onto the ground.


    "Evangeline, what''s gotten into you?" Soren''s words were ice.