Chapter 125 Evelyn is Here
Patrick invited Mario and Laura for a round of golf at Westside Golf Course to chat about the Starhaven project.
The place was usually upscale with few guests, and today it felt even more exclusive with just the Wellington family and some VIPs around.
Tiffany was awful at golf but looked the part. Dressed in a white golf outfit and light makeup, she stood gracefully next to Debra.
Bringing Debra along was a chance to introduce her to Mr. and Mrs. Torres. At twenty-five, Debra was at the age for marriage, and Tiffany didn't want to miss any opportunity to promote her, even though Debra had feelings for Eric. Tiffany believed in casting a wide net.
"Mr. Torres, Mrs. Torres, hello," Debra greeted them with a graceful bow and a gentle smile.
"Oh, this must be your daughter! She's even more beautiful in person than on TV!" Laura said, sizing up Debra with a smile.
Tiffany and Debra's smiles stiffened a bit. Laura's comment reminded them of Debra's public apology at the last press conference. Though the incident had cooled down, embarrassing photos of Debra were still online, making it more humiliating.
Mario quickly cleared his throat and gave Laura a look.
Laura caught on and laughed awkwardly, "Tiffany, your daughter is truly a beauty."
"You're too kind, Laura."
Tiffany linked arms with Debra and smiled, "Why didn't your son come today? I've heard Bishop is a talented young man and a schoolmate of Debra's."
"Bishop had some work he couldn't get away from today," Laura replied.
"Oh, that's a pity. Next time, I'll arrange for our families to meet again," Tiffany said enthusiastically.
"Sure, if we have time," Laura replied, somewhat perfunctory. Then she asked, "By the way, don't you have another daughter? Why didn't she come?"
Debra's smile faltered. Laura's words suggested her disinterest in Debra and mentioning Molly felt like an insult.
Tiffany responded politely, "Molly is often sick and stays home to recuperate. She's also introverted, so she didn't come with us."
"Goodness, what malady afflicts her at such a young age? Is it serious?"
"It's nothing serious, just needs some rest."
Tiffany could sense Laura's calculations. She wasn't interested in Debra and was eyeing Molly for a potential alliance with the Wellington family.
Meanwhile, Edward and Patrick had already played a few rounds with Mario, leisurely strolling on the green and chatting.
"Mario, the Wellington family owes you a big thanks for helping us secure the Starhaven project," Patrick said, shaking Mario's hand with a smile.
"We're not strangers to collaboration. I have a promising venture at hand, so how could I not think of you?" Mario's tone was warm, reflecting their decade-long bond.
"Let's celebrate tonight. I'll make the arrangements!" Patrick said.
"It's my father-in-law's birthday tonight. No matter how busy I am, I have to be there," Mario laughed. "Let's celebrate after we officially sign the contract on Friday. We won't leave until we're drunk!"
Edward listened to their cheerful conversation, his face blank, but he felt like a boulder was crushing his chest, making it hard to breathe.
'I need to lock down this project before Friday.' Once the contract was signed, it would be harder to maneuver. Even if Edward exposed Tiffany's actions, it would just become a family issue. Patrick would likely cover it up to avoid scandal. He needed to create a big scene that couldn't be ignored to get Tiffany out of the picture.
Just then, a shuttle cart pulled up in front of them.
"Mario, Patrick, hello there," a clear, melodious voice rang out like wind chimes.
Edward's eyes snapped up, and to his surprise, it was Evelyn!
His heartstrings tightened, a hidden warmth surging through him.
Even though Evelyn had humiliated him just yesterday, seeing her again felt like a reset, as if he had forgotten what happened.
Everyone was stunned, and Debra couldn't help but shout, "How did you get in here?!"
"I'm a VIP here. I walked in through the front gate," Evelyn replied coolly, glancing at her.
Debra's eyes burned with anger, her cheeks reflexively stinging.
Tiffany's face also changed dramatically.
But Laura's eyes were glued to Evelyn.
'Where did this noble woman come from? She's exactly my ideal future daughter-in-law!'
William was the first to get off the cart, holding Evelyn's hand to help her down.
Today, Evelyn was dressed in a light blue golf outfit, with a white sun hat that accentuated her fair, delicate face. Her short skirt revealed slender, graceful legs, and as the wind played with her skirt, she exuded youthful vitality. It almost looked like she and Edward, who was wearing a matching polo shirt, were dressed as a couple.
Edward's eyes narrowed, a sudden heat rising in his chest.
'Indeed, she was stunningly beautiful.'
"What a coincidence, Ms. Taylor, to run into you here," Patrick greeted her with a surprising but welcoming smile.
"It's not a coincidence, Patrick," Evelyn clasped her hands behind her back, her eyes narrowing. "I came here specifically to see Mario."
"What?" Patrick's brows furrowed instantly.
Edward's chest tightened, his chiseled features turning even colder.
Having dealt with Evelyn several times, he knew her style well—cunning and unpredictable. She wouldn't show up without a reason, and her appearance always signalled something significant.'
"Mario, I heard you've taken over the Starhaven project in Mugden and are looking for a suitable developer to collaborate with." Evelyn's calm demeanor and determined gaze sparkled with ambition. "I'm very interested in this project. I hope to work with you to develop Starhaven."
Patrick and Tiffany's minds buzzed, leaving them momentarily speechless!
Mario was also bewildered, looking at Patrick and then at Edward in confusion.
Edward stared intently at Evelyn, feeling a burning sensation in his throat, his tongue dry and parched.
But Evelyn didn't spare him even a glance.
"Miss, who are you, please?" Mario asked, still puzzled.
Evelyn smiled slightly, extending her fair, slender right hand. "Hello, Mario. Let me introduce myself. My name is Evelyn."
Mario's expression remained somewhat dismissive at the unfamiliar name.
But in the next second, Evelyn added with a smile, "Charlie, the chairman of KnightSpear Group in Hameen, is my father."
