Chapter 119

Chapter 119

Unlike other wealthy families, Vaughn and Imogen's marriage wasn't purely political—they'd had feelings for each other before tying the knot.

It was love at first sight for Vaughn.

After all these years of marriage, the two remained deeply devoted to each other.

No matter what happened, Vaughn always put Imogen first.

That's why, all this time, he'd followed her wishes to the letter, rarely keeping in touch with his old friends. Even when he did, his family always came first.

If Imogen was actually telling him to go out, something serious must be going on.

"Honey, you—"

Before he could finish, Imogen cut him off.

"I'm telling you now, when you come home tonight, keep it down. I haven't been sleeping well lately. If you wake me up, this'll be your last guys' night out."

Seeing the smile on her face as she spoke, as if nothing was really wrong, Vaughn finally relaxed.

"Alright. But if anything comes up, call me. Nothing matters more than you."

Imogen smiled and even gave him a gentle push toward the door.

"Go on, get out of here. I change my mind easily, you know. Don't come crying to me later when you regret not going."

After all that back-and-forth, Vaughn finally left. The bedroom fell silent, with only Imogen remaining.

After closing the door, Imogen walked to her vanity. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she suddenly felt like she was staring at a stranger.

What had she actually accomplished all these years?

Some things were already beyond repair. The only thing she could do now was stop making things worse.

Meanwhile, at the White Mansion entrance.

Evelyn stared at the delivery guy in front of her, then down at the package in his hands. "For me?"

"Yes, it's a same-city delivery."

Evelyn accepted it but didn't open it right away. Only after the delivery guy left did she tear into the package.

Inside the oversized box was nothing but a single document.

She pulled it out, inspecting it carefully to make sure it was intact before opening it.

It was a photocopy.

After reading through it, Evelyn realized it was a copy of the share transfer agreement she and Imogen had signed years ago.

The sender's name on the box was illegible, so she checked the tracking number. It showed the package had been sent from the Taylor Group.

What was she trying to pull?

That was the only thought in Evelyn's mind.

Why send her this copy out of the blue?

Something was definitely off.

There was no way Imogen would do this without an ulterior motive.

With that suspicion gnawing at her, Evelyn called Imogen.

The phone rang for a while before someone picked up.

Imogen's voice came through. "What do you want?"

Cold as ever, as if nothing had happened. That only made Evelyn more wary.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that? I just got a package—a copy of that share transfer agreement we signed. In other words, what are you up to?"

It wasn't that she wanted to assume the worst about Imogen, but ever since she'd returned to the Taylor family, Imogen had helped Amelia behind the scenes more times than she could count.

Whatever bond they'd once shared had long since turned to ash.

Don't tell her Imogen suddenly realized her mistakes and wanted to make amends. She wouldn't believe it. She wouldn't walk into that trap so easily.

As if anticipating this reaction, Imogen showed no surprise.

"You're overthinking it. I sent you that copy because I didn't want it lying around here annoying me every time I saw it. Also, I'll say it again—if you don't like Benjamin and don't want to stay with him, then just find an excuse and divorce him already. It'll save you trouble, and it'll save me trouble. Don't you think?"

Of course.

How could she have ever expected anything different from someone like her?

"Don't worry. I'll keep both the original and the copy safe, so you can't use this against me later."

After saying that, Evelyn's tone turned impatient.

"If that's all, then I won't waste any more of your time. Goodbye."

But just as she was about to hang up, Imogen spoke again. "Evelyn, I know you don't like life in Silverlight City. Once this is all over, leave as soon as you can."

Evelyn's hand froze on her phone. In the end, she didn't press the button.

A moment later, she let out a cold laugh. "Are you lecturing me now? Or are you just scared and want me gone so I don't get in the way of Amelia and Benjamin? Fine. Don't worry—I'll leave soon enough."

Realizing she'd said too much, Evelyn hung up.

She kept doing unnecessary things, over and over.

And every time she thought about it afterward, she felt ridiculous.

After putting the document away, Evelyn tossed the box into a nearby trash can and headed back inside the villa.

She didn't expect to run into Benjamin the moment she walked in.

He was sitting on the living room sofa, phone in hand, looking like he'd just finished a call.

Seeing him, Evelyn decided to just walk past him and head upstairs.

She'd barely taken a step when Benjamin spoke.

"How do you know Kimball?"

Straight to the point with a single question.

Evelyn stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him. "Is there a problem?"

Why was he suddenly bringing up Kimball?

Then it hit her—she remembered Kimball's call from earlier that day.

They'd met.

Or more accurately, they'd had some kind of conflict.

And now, once again, she was dragged into the middle of it.

"You two are from completely different worlds, but you seem pretty familiar with each other."

The next second, Benjamin stood and walked toward her, eyes locked on hers like he was about to devour her.

But this time, Evelyn didn't back down as she had before.

She met his gaze head-on, without a trace of fear.

"Mr. White, I don't think I need to report every friendship I have to you, do I? Your need for control is a little excessive. Who I choose to be friends with is my freedom. Don't you think?"

As she spoke, Benjamin stepped right up to her. His eyes were dark and unfathomable, reflecting her image within them.