Chapter 167 Exchange of Interests, Forming an Alliance
Eric went out, and with Susan still abroad recovering, Debra's plan to impress her was on hold.
But just thinking about Eric accepting her gift made Debra so excited she probably wouldn't sleep tonight.
That afternoon, Jessica and Debra were enjoying the autumn scenery and sipping coffee under the big sycamore tree in the Clark family's backyard.
"Jessica, when did you meet Evelyn?" Debra asked, both hating and fearing Evelyn.
"At Christian's music performance the other day. I saw her backstage," Jessica said, crossing her legs and sipping her coffee. "Sounds like you have a grudge against Evelyn."
"A grudge? It's a blood feud!" Debra exclaimed.
"That serious?" Jessica asked, doubtful.
"Jessica, you've been out of the country, so you don't know. Evelyn's shameless, playing Edward and Eric like fools! The Wellington family is in chaos because of her!" Debra said, gritting her teeth.
"What? Eric likes her?" Jessica's eyes darkened.
"Eric was seduced by her!" Debra fumed, her face red. "But they're not close now. She probably has a new target."
"Eric's not someone any woman can control. He always plays women, not the other way around. Evelyn's just a fling; he won't take her seriously. I know him too well," Jessica said. Seeing Debra's upset expression, she added with a comforting smile, "But you're different. Our families are close, and I'll help you win Eric's heart."
"Jessica! You're so good to me!" Debra was moved to tears, feeling like she was on a ship sailing towards happiness.
"By the way, what's the deal between Evelyn and Edward?" Jessica asked, curious.
"Talking about this makes me even angrier!" Debra clenched her fists. "She is Edward's ex-wife!"
"What did you say?!" Jessica stood up, dropping her cup onto the lawn. "Ex-wife?! How is that possible? Didn't Edward break up with Nicole? He wasn't even married, so where did an ex-wife come from?!"
"They were secretly married and just recently divorced. Byron arranged the marriage," Debra explained. "Even after the divorce, they still had feelings. Nicole made a scene twice, but Edward never completely gave up on Evelyn! Although Nicole was abandoned by Edward due to her own actions, can he really say Evelyn had nothing to do with it?"
Now it was Jessica's turn to be furious.
'No wonder Edward looked at Evelyn with such longing! Nicole couldn't win Edward over after so many years, so why could Evelyn become Edward's wife?'
Jessica felt a pang of jealousy and bit her lip. "Debra, do you mind if I become Edward's wife?"
Debra was puzzled.
'Jessica really doesn't treat me as an outsider!'
"Of course, I don't mind! Compared to Nicole, I'd definitely prefer you to be Edward's wife!" Debra quickly pledged her loyalty.
"Since we both have clear goals, why don't we form an alliance and work together against our mutual enemy?" Jessica suggested, placing her hands on Debra's shoulders. "I'll help you win Eric, and you help me marry Edward. Deal?"
"Jessica, you know my family situation. Edward and I are half-siblings. We're not as close as you and Eric. I'm not sure I can do it," Debra said.
"But Patrick and Tiffany care about you. You can help me by passing on information and being my inside person. If we join forces, we can definitely deal with Evelyn. The benefits outweigh the risks!" Jessica's eyes sparkled with ambition.
Hearing they were going to take on Evelyn, Debra felt a surge of motivation. "Alright, let's team up! Let's see how Evelyn can still be arrogant in Mugden!"
Jessica crossed her arms, a confident smirk playing on her lips.
From a young age, Susan and Eric had spoiled her. She was classmates with royalty and had won numerous international awards. Her life had always been in the spotlight, filled with applause. She had never lost and always got what she wanted.
—"My hand is meant to be held by my woman."
'Edward, this time, I won't miss you. I must marry you. Your hand can only be held by me!'
Soon, it was time to head back to Hameen.
To make it back for the evening banquet, Evelyn had been rushing through work all day—approving documents, attending meetings, and discussing wedding plans, barely stopping.
But the results were worth it.
Ada's wedding plan was finally completed after Evelyn led the team through several days and nights of hard work!
When Evelyn announced "approved," everyone cheered, filled with joy.
Working with Evelyn required both mental and physical resilience. Otherwise, someone would definitely give up halfway.
But during this period, no one complained or backed down.
Despite her high position, Evelyn was hands-on with everything. As the daughter of the Taylor family, she wasn't pretentious at all. She worked just as hard as everyone else and never treated anyone unfairly.
Although she pursued perfection and had strict requirements, she was witty, creative, and always came up with solutions when the team was stuck, earning everyone's admiration and respect.
"Everyone has worked hard. Take three days off to catch up on sleep, and get two luxury buffet vouchers from the dining director to treat yourselves. I've been busy lately, so I won't be treating you to a meal."
Evelyn stood at the head of the oval conference table, leaning on the edge, and smiled at everyone. "Once we secure Ada, there will be bonuses, vacations, and your travel plans can be put on the agenda. I'll pay out of my own pocket to let you have a great time. I keep my promises!"
Everyone cheered.
Although the task wasn't completed yet, Evelyn's words gave everyone hope.
When they left the conference room, it was already five in the afternoon.
"Evelyn, I've prepared your dress for the banquet. It's in the dressing room. Do you want to change now?" William asked gently, following behind her.
"I'm too lazy to change. Uncle Elbert has watched me grow up, and he's good friends with Charlie. He's seen me in all kinds of outfits since I was a child."
Seeing it was almost time, Evelyn and William walked into the executive elevator.
As the elevator descended, she adjusted her hair in the reflective door and carefully applied lipstick to her delicate lips, instantly improving her complexion.
William watched her quietly primping herself, his heartstrings trembling, and he couldn't help but smile.
'Beneath Evelyn's strong and fierce exterior, there's still a soft and adorable little woman.'
Neither of them noticed the elevator had already reached the first floor.
The door opened.
The familiar violet fragrance, warm and deep, elegant and mysterious, wafted in.
It was Gilbert's scent.
Sure enough, Evelyn suddenly looked up and met Gilbert's deep, pool-like eyes.
Her pupils contracted slightly, her hand shook, and the carefully applied lipstick went off course, leaving a playful red mark.
Gilbert's lips curved into a charming smile as he looked deeply at her surprised expression.
"Evelyn, I'm here to take you home."
