Chapter 869 Others

Chapter 869 Others

Evan glanced over, "You've gotten smarter."

Rita shot back, "I was never dumb."

Evan just shrugged and kept his eyes on the road.

They drove for a bit, swapped cars, and finally pulled up to Riley's place after a few more minutes.

Riley's neighborhood was a newer, fancier villa community compared to the old-school charm of Smith Manor. The landscaping was top-notch, but it didn't have that lived-in feel.

Rita looked around, "It's my first time meeting your mom. Should I bring something?"

Evan smirked, "We're not actually getting hitched, so no need to impress her."

Rita insisted, "It's just good manners."

Evan asked, "Rita, ever heard the saying?"

Rita raised an eyebrow as she asked, "What saying?"

Evan couldn't remember if he'd told her before, but he didn't mind repeating it. "Nice guys finish last. Sometimes you gotta go a little wild. Stop being so agreeable all the time. You'll see, the world gets a lot more interesting."

Rita nodded, "Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a shot."

Evan got out first and opened the door for Rita. "Ava might be here. Whatever she says, just ignore her."

Rita thought for a second and asked, "Is she the one you mentioned to your grandpa?"

Evan looked her in the eye, "Curiosity killed the cat. Sometimes, the less you know, the better."

Rita sighed, "Evan..."

Evan cut her off, "What now?"

Rita said, "Grandpa was right. You talk tough, but you're not that bad."

Evan sneered, "Don't think you know me. When I lose it, even I get scared. Don't be so quick to call me a good guy, or you'll regret it."

Rita gave a small smile, "You don't have to act like a villain. Look at your friends, especially Vincent. He seems all nice and harmless, but everyone’s scared of him."

It was the first time Rita mentioned his friends. Evan raised an eyebrow, "You interested in Vincent?"

Rita glared, "What are you talking about?"

Evan said, "He's single. If you like him, just say the word. I can set you up."

Rita's eyes widened, "Are you nuts? I've only met him once. How could I like him? And even if I did, he might not like me."

Evan asked, "If he liked you, would you go for it?"

Rita rolled her eyes. "You really know how to hit the nerve." She turned to leave.

Evan suddenly grabbed her arm, "Did I strike a chord?"

Rita said, "I just want to make money and get my sister to Girona as soon as possible. I'm not thinking about relationships. And I definitely won't fall for a guy I've only met once."

Evan said, "Next time we hang out, I'll bring you along. Maybe after a few more meetings, you'll change your mind."

Rita's face flushed with anger, "Are you that desperate to get rid of me?"

Evan stammered, "I..."

Rita gritted her teeth, "Evan, I've told you I won't cling to you. As long as we can break free from our family's plans, I'm ready to call off the engagement anytime. You don't need to push me towards another guy."

Evan awkwardly scratched his ear. "Alright, I was just messing around. Let's head inside."

Rita was still fuming and didn't want to talk to him.

Evan reached out and grabbed her hand. "To keep my mom happy, I told her our relationship's gotten better. We need to put on a show for her."

Rita didn't want to upset Riley, so she reluctantly let Evan hold her hand as they walked inside.

Seeing them hand-in-hand, Riley looked pleased, but Ava jumped in first, "Finally decided to come back and visit?"

Evan asked, "Aunt, what are you doing here?"

Ava replied, "Your mom's not doing well. Of course, I'm here to keep her company. Unlike you, who disappeared after your dad's funeral."

Evan forced a smile, "Well, I'm here now. Rita and I will take care of Mom, so you don't need to worry."

Ava squinted, "Are you trying to kick me out?"

Evan said, "I'm just concerned about you getting tired at your age."

Ava turned to Riley, "Riley, look at him. He can't tell good from bad. The nicer people are to him, the more he lashes out. But the worse people treat him, the more he values them."

She shot a pointed look at Rita, "Who knows what tricks this woman used to charm you, Evan."

Evan tightened his grip on Rita's hand. "Grandpa chose her as my fiancée. I hope you'll respect that."

Ava was at a loss for words and couldn't find a comeback.

Evan didn't hold back, "You can leave now."

Ava looked at Riley, "Riley..."

Riley rubbed her forehead. "Ava, you've been taking care of me for days without proper rest. Go home and get some sleep."

Ava snorted and left.

After she was gone, Riley motioned for Evan to come closer. She opened her arms and hugged him. "Evan..."

As soon as she spoke, tears started to fall.

Evan comforted her, "Mom, don't be sad. You still have me. And I believe Dad and Tyrell in heaven wouldn't want to see you upset."

Riley said sorrowfully, "Your dad was fine that morning, even talking about wanting to see you get married and have kids. Who knew he'd be gone by the afternoon? Evan, will you leave me like your brother and father did?"

Evan hugged Riley tighter. "Mom, I won't. I'll always be here for you. I'll fulfill the wishes that Dad and Tyrell couldn't."

These words suddenly triggered Riley. "Evan, just focus on your game and live well with Rita. Don't think about the Smith Group. We don't need things that don't belong to us. Let them fight over it."

Evan didn't want to let go, but he couldn't upset his emotionally fragile mom. He had to go along with her. "Mom, I'll listen to you. I won't fight. I'll focus on my game and live well with Rita. We'll both take care of you."

Riley nodded, "Yes, if we don't fight, they won't target us."

Evan said, "Mom, I'll have the housekeeper pack some of your things. You can stay with me for a while."

Evan was worried that Riley would be constantly reminded of Royce and Tyrell if she stayed here. Taking her away might help her heal from the pain of losing them.