Chapter 118 Now in Retrospect, Invaluable
Outside Oasis Villa.
Edward stood by his black Ferrari, looking sharp.
He'd been digging into the Taylor family for days.
'Charlie bought this place for his first wife, Evelyn's mom. It's a unique, priceless estate. 'Oasis' was named after her mom, Victoria.'
Lost in thought, Edward snapped back as the door creaked open.
Evelyn stood on the steps, eyeing him.
'Edward's in beige trousers and a light blue jacket today. He looks fresh and noble, a change from his usual meticulous style. But it's just a front.'
Evelyn approached in house slippers, her steps light and cute.
Edward glanced at her feet, feeling a warmth in his chest.
"Why are you staring at my feet? Never seen slippers?" Evelyn's toes curled, her expression cold.
"You always wear heels. I haven't seen you like this," Edward replied.
"Your eyesight must be bad," Evelyn smirked. "For three years, I've walked around you like this. Now that we're divorced, no need to mock me."
Edward's heart sank, his face darkening.
He remembered.
'She used to greet me with those cheerful steps, wearing an apron, holding a spatula, her face shiny with oil, smiling gently. I used to scoff. Now, it's precious.'
"Let's talk in the car," Edward sighed, opening the door.
"Let's talk here," Evelyn resisted.
"So, inside then?" Edward stepped closer, sensing her vulnerability.
"Edward, don't push it!"
Before she could finish, Edward grabbed her wrist and shoved her into the car.
"You," Evelyn started.
Edward quickly got in, locking the doors.
"Edward, you don't need to lock the door just to talk," Evelyn tugged at the handle.
"But driving requires it. Mainly, I'm afraid you'll jump out."
Evelyn felt a darkness before her eyes, nerves on edge.
Edward leaned in, his nose almost touching hers, his lashes brushing her eyelids.
"What are you doing?!" Evelyn panicked, pushing his chest.
Edward grabbed her hand, holding it tight. "Evelyn, don't move."
He wrapped his arm around her waist, fastening her seatbelt.
Evelyn yanked her hand back, "Where are you taking me?"
"We agreed you'd get your things from my place today," Edward said, gripping the wheel.
"I'll go today. You don't need to do this!"
"I don't trust you," Edward said, starting the engine and glancing at her. "You've lied to me so many times since we got married. Have you ever told me the truth?"
"Never?" Evelyn sneered. "If you say so, fine. It doesn't matter anymore."
Edward felt a chill in his chest, like a bullet passing through.
'Sometimes, I wish she never had feelings for me. Then, everything I did would feel more justified.'
The Ferrari sped down the highway, the scenery blurring past.
With no escape, Evelyn crossed her arms, adjusted the seat, and pretended to sleep.
'Out of sight, out of mind,' she thought.
"About that, I'm sorry," Edward said, gripping the steering wheel tighter.
"What?" Evelyn asked, noticing how different he seemed post-divorce. He used to be stubborn, but now he admitted mistakes easily.
"I didn't know Landon was your brother," Edward explained.
"Oh, ignorance is bliss. You're forgiven," Evelyn said indifferently.
"But why didn't you explain?" Edward asked, looking at her.
"If I had said Landon and I were innocent, would you have believed me?"
He swallowed hard.
Evelyn shook her head. "This world is always harsh on women. If I weren't Evelyn but Lily, you'd think I was a gold-digger. I only care about the opinions of those I love."
Edward's face paled, his grip on the wheel tightening.
'Does this mean she no longer loves me, no longer cares about me?'
After a tense silence, Edward asked, "Your eldest brother is Landon, your second brother is Simon, your third brother is Aaron, and your fourth brother is Ulysses, right?"
"Edward," Evelyn said, her eyes cold. "Investigating my family crosses the line."
Edward started to speak, but Evelyn cut him off. "I've tolerated a lot because I'm a Taylor. I've been raised with grace and culture. But if you mess with my family, I won't let it go. Consider yourself warned."
Edward's grip on the wheel tightened, his fingers almost piercing the leather. "I didn't deliberately investigate him. I recognized him from military school yearbooks. We were classmates."
Evelyn turned to look out the window, ignoring him.
Edward glanced at her, then picked up his phone and dialed Bart, putting it on speaker.
"Hello, Edward. What can I do for you?" Bart answered.
"Get a pair of high heels for Evelyn from Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, or Manolo Blahnik. Send them to Riverside Villa."
Evelyn looked at him in astonishment, slowly turning to his composed profile.
'Those are all brands I wore frequently.'
"Yes! I'll get them for Mrs. Wellington right away!" Bart's voice was cheerful.
Edward lowered his gaze to Evelyn's feet, his eyes deepening. "Size 6, don't get it wrong."
