Chapter 171 You're Just Regretting It

Gilbert's mockery made Randy's face change, and he clenched his fists.

The Taylor family members pretended not to notice, but Elbert's sharp eyes showed his anger at Gilbert.

Dinner was almost over when Gilbert left for the bathroom.

At the sink, Gilbert kept squeezing hand sanitizer into his hands, rubbing them until his skin turned red.

He washed his hands five times, sniffed them, and still felt a fishy smell. He squeezed more sanitizer and cleaned each finger carefully.

Just then, the bathroom door opened.

Randy walked in, looking grim. Seeing Gilbert's obsessive hand-washing, he mocked, "Must be torture for you, peeling shrimp for Evelyn all night. Will you dream of washing your hands?"

Gilbert ignored him, pulled out some paper towels, and wiped his hands.

"Gilbert, after all these years, I thought you'd learn something impressive at Aurora Isle," Randy sneered. "Turns out, you just learned how to please women."

"So, are you jealous?" Gilbert smirked. "You can't even get close to Evelyn, right?"

"You!" Randy snapped.

"Compared to you, who can't get near Evelyn, I'm obviously more valuable," Gilbert said proudly.

Randy's eyes reddened with anger. "No wonder Elbert never thought highly of you. Instead of being a good person, you insist on being a dog!"

Gilbert laughed, tossing the paper towel into the trash. "You've always ignored me. Why so chatty tonight? Anxious because my relationship with Evelyn is progressing? Feeling like you're not even as good as a dog?"

"Gilbert! Don't get too cocky! Elbert will never agree to you being with Evelyn! Do you think you can compete with me?!" Randy was furious.

"Whether I can or not isn't up to you," Gilbert said, adjusting his glasses. "When it comes to Evelyn, I'm determined to win."

Randy stormed out in anger.

Gilbert's smile faded, and he clenched his fists.

His phone vibrated. He answered coldly, "What is it?"

"Mr. Alexander, there's a problem, but stay calm," Curtis said. "Edward showed up at the gate of Oasis Villa, alone."

Gilbert's eyes narrowed. "Got it."

Edward stood alone under the streetlamp opposite Oasis Villa, wearing a thin suit. The night wind was harsh, cutting through his sleeves and collar.

This was his third time waiting for Evelyn.

But this time, his mood was different. The faint longing had turned into a burning desire.

Edward had put some thought about what if he couldn't see Evelyn tonight. His pride as an ex-husband told him not to contact her. Anyone with dignity wouldn't stand repeated humiliation. So, he decided to keep waiting. Evelyn would come out eventually, and he would see her eventually.

The gate of Oasis Villa slowly opened, making Edward's heart race. He leaned forward, eyes fixed on the gate, breathing deeply.

But when Gilbert appeared with a faint smile and casual stride, Edward's excitement turned to disappointment.

Gilbert walked up to him, mocking, "Edward, isn't it rude to show up here unannounced?"

Edward's face stayed calm, lips curling coldly, "What does my being here have to do with you? Does Hameen belong to the Alexanders?"

"Edward, can't you accept defeat?" Gilbert sneered. "I know why you're here. You regret choosing Nicole over Evelyn. Now you want her back to avoid looking pathetic. Do you think Evelyn is just a tool to fill your emptiness? You've hurt her deeply. Do you think she'd wait for you?"

Edward's throat tightened, tasting bitterness.

"Evelyn has a new boyfriend. If you want to pursue her, you need my permission," Gilbert said coldly, adjusting his glasses.

"That's not your call, Gilbert," Edward replied, his desire to win igniting. "If I regret it and want to start over with Evelyn, the rejection should come from her, not you. Your words mean nothing."

"Edward."

"Edward!"

Gilbert's brows furrowed, his hostility clear. But then, another voice joined in.

Edward looked up to see Evelyn walking towards him, his heart pounding.

"Evelyn, why are you out here dressed so lightly? It's cold," Gilbert's eyes softened.

But Evelyn brushed past Gilbert without stopping, locking eyes with Edward. It felt like an invisible barrier surrounded them, isolating Gilbert.

Gilbert clenched his fists, the cold air twisting inside him painfully. His eyes behind the glasses filled with murderous intent.

"Edward, are you here for a tour of Hameen? Do you always have to wander around my doorstep because the scenery at Oasis Villa is beautiful?" Evelyn's eyes were aggressive.

Edward's heart trembled as he stared at her, impulsively saying, "The scenery here is indeed nice."

Evelyn thought, 'Isn't he getting my sarcasm?'

"Next time, I'll get you a tour guide for a deep tour of Hameen. Stop wandering around my house. This isn't a tourist spot!" Evelyn gritted her teeth in anger. "Leave now, no need to see you off!"

Edward stared at her blankly, his eyes dimming. He softly said, "Alright, good night."

Evelyn was stunned. 'Good night? Did he come all this way just to say good night? Is his brain working?'

Edward turned around, as if resolving something, and walked towards his sports car.

"Edward, wait."