Eugene did not respond, but Cedric’s expression darkened immediately after Evelyn’s figure disappeared from the inn’s entrance. He stared at Eugene intently for a moment, his face clouding with a foreboding storm.


    “Eugene.” Cedric’s voice was stern, carrying the weight of his long–held authority. It was imposing.


    “I’ve warned you before to sever ties with Mniepletely. Since you decided not to listen to me, don’t me me for taking matters into my own hands!”


    Eugene was slightly taller than Cedric. When he heard what the man said, coldness flickered in his eyes. Matching his tone with the hardness of Cedric’s own, he replied, “You’ve been acting recklessly enough on your own. It’s time to rein it in.”


    This statement ignited Cedric’s anger. He exerted his dominance, asking back, “What did you say?


    Eugene merely responded by turning away and leaving, leaving the old couple behind.


    Ste’s expression soured. Although Evelyn had not explicitly stated it, Ste could tell she was probably concerned about Eugene’s immediate disy of protection for Mnie during the earthquake.


    Her gaze darkened considerably. Her intended daughter–inw could only be Evelyn.


    She… She could not think of anyone who could help her.


    As for the baby inside Mnie’s belly…


    She looked up and inadvertently met Cedric’s gaze. She could sense that they had the same intention. Ste quickly concealed her thoughts before sneering and taunting, “Why do you look so angry? Isn’t he just following your lead now?,


    “Wasn’t Alison the one who charmed you away back then that you even abandoned your wife and


    child?”


    Cedric’s expression grew even darker, and his gaze on Ste was like a poisoned dagger. “If you don’t have anything good to say, then just shut up!”


    It had begun drizzling in Prime City after the earthquake.


    When Evelyn returned home by taxi, it was already evening. Before she even entered the house, heard ambiguous<b>–</b>sounding voicesing from inside.


    Evelyn paused for a moment before pushing the door open. She saw her mother, who had always considered herself a strong woman since her divorce, being intimate with a man.


    “What are you two doing?” Evelyn’s eyes widened in shock.


    she


    Startled by Evelyn’s voice, Howard quickly <b>sat </b>up. He looked at Evelyn nervously and rubbed his hands as he greeted her, “Y–You must be Evie, right? I’m a good friend of your mother’s. I’m Howard Smith. You can call me Mr. Howard.”


    Seeing that Evelyn seemed nervous, Howard pulled at his sleeve after rubbing his hands and continued, “By the way, your mother mentioned to me before that you know my daughter. When shall we have a meal together?”


    “Your daughter?” Evelyn’s temper red slightly. She could not ept seeing her mother being intimate with a strange man in their home.


    Before she could explode again, however, Howard’s words caught her attention. “My daughter’s name <b>is </b>Mnie. You should know her.”


    Howard spoke cautiously. He was visibly nervous but also hopeful. Evelyn could not help but furrow her brows in thought.


    She had not heard anything about Mnie’s father when she inquired about her and <b>Eugene </b>previously. Instead, she had heard a lot about Mnie’s mother<b>. </b>


    She nced at Howard, not missing the cunning look in his eyes.


    After a moment of contemtion, Evelyn looked at Peyton, who was calmly adjusting her clothes.


    Peyton asked calmly, “Didn’t you say you were going to apany Ste to Crane Mountain for two days? Why did youe back today?”