Filed To Story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
Elaine took in the warmth and liveliness of the gathering, a wave of emotion washing over her.
“It’s wonderful to have everyone together like this,” she murmured.
But as the words left her lips, a sudden thought struck her—someone was missing. She turned to Andrew.
“Where’s Evie? Why didn’t you bring her along?”
Isabella, as the president of Edge Entertainment, was well aware of Evie’s demanding schedule. She answered before Andrew could.
“Mom, Evie’s performing at a televised New Year’s Eve celebration. She should make it back just in time for dinner.”
Relief flickered across Elaine’s face, though she sighed.
“That girl works so hard once she gets started. When she gets here, we’ll have to make sure she eats plenty.”
As evening fell, the feast was finally ready. Elaine turned to Waylon.
“Quick, bring me a plate.”
Waylon nodded and carefully carried a plate out. Just as he stepped into the dining area, his gaze lifted, and there she was—Evie, guided inside by Isabella.
Seeing Evie, Waylon came to an abrupt halt, causing Elaine to nearly collide with his back.
“Waylon, why did you stop so suddenly? Be careful. I almost ran into you and spilled something hot!” Elaine huffed, startled. Relieved she hadn’t actually crashed into him, she steadied herself.
Waylon’s and Evie’s gazes crossed for a fleeting moment before Evie quickly looked away, heading toward the restroom with Isabella to wash their hands before dinner.
Waylon withdrew his gaze and muttered an explanation to Elaine.
“Sorry, Mom. I just got lost in thought for a second.”
Elaine shot him a strange look.
“You’re not a kid anymore, yet you’re still so absentminded sometimes!”
At that moment, Andrew happened to walk by, carrying two plates. He set them down without making a sound, each of his movements smooth, poised, and effortlessly refined.
Elaine’s eyes flicked between them, and she couldn’t help but remark, “You and Andrew are about the same age, yet there’s such a stark difference between you two. Is it because you don’t have a girlfriend yet?”
She blinked playfully.
“Look at our family—everyone has a special someone except for you. Waylon, I know I said I wouldn’t meddle in your personal life, but if you can’t find someone you like, I could keep an eye out for someone nice. What do you think?”
Waylon dismissed the idea without hesitation.
“Mom, I’m not thinking about that right now.”
Evie emerged from the restroom just in time to overhear their conversation. Lowering her eyes, she kept silent.
Glenn, standing beside Elaine, slung an arm around her shoulders.
“Alright, honey, let’s not pressure him. Waylon has his own plans. Let’s eat first.”
“Alright, alright, no more talk. Let’s eat.”
With that, the family moved on from the subject.
After dinner, Evie helped clear the dishes while Waylon wiped the table. As he reached the spot where Evie had been sitting, her phone, resting on the table, suddenly lit up.
A message from Laurin popped up: “Hey, happy New Year’s Eve, babe! Want to watch fireworks?”
The message was followed by an address.
Waylon froze, his brows furrowing. Laurin and Evie—were they still in contact?
A moment later, Evie walked out of the kitchen, picked up her phone, and read the message. She felt a spark of interest.
Sitting across from Waylon at dinner had been stifling. Instead of enduring more of that awkward tension, she might as well go out and have fun with Laurinda.
With that thought, she typed back, “Okay, I’ll be right there.” She told Elaine and Andrew she was heading out.
In Ansport, fireworks were only permitted in designated areas to ensure safety and cleanliness, a rule meant to protect both the city’s citizens and its environment.
Waylon stood by the floor-to-ceiling window on the second floor, watching as Evie’s car disappeared into the night. Just then, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from Jenny.
“Waylon, I heard there’ll be fireworks tonight. Are you going?”
At the mention of fireworks, Waylon’s grip on his phone tightened. His hesitation stretched for a few seconds, long enough for Jenny to misinterpret his silence.
“Oh, I forgot,” she said lightly.
“You’re with your family tonight. Guess I’ll just go by myself. Maybe I’ll even meet some new friends there.”
“Wait, I’ll go,” Waylon blurted out before she could hang up.
Jenny blinked in surprise—she hadn’t expected him to agree.
“Okay! I’ll wait for you at the square entrance. Hurry up!” Hanging up, she set off for the nearby square.
At the square entrance, Laurinda stood wrapped in a long black down jacket, a scarf snug around her neck, and a knitted hat perched on her head. A few strands of golden hair peeked out from beneath the fabric. Though her outfit was simple, it gave her a cool yet effortlessly cute charm.
Jenny’s curiosity was instantly piqued by the Lorpond man standing nearby. She sauntered over with a bright smile.
“Hey, handsome. Are you here alone?”
Hearing herself being called handsome by a cheerful blonde woman, Laurinda blinked. She was amused—her disguise had deceived someone again.
Switching her voice, she shook her head.
“No. I’m waiting for a friend.”
Jenny studied her closely, noting every subtle expression. The warmth in Laurinda’s voice carried the signature lilt of Lorpond natives, only making Jenny more intrigued.
She moved a little closer.
“What a coincidence! I’m waiting for my friend too.”
Laurinda tilted her head, observing Jenny’s eager expression. Something about her demeanor reminded Laurinda of friends excited for a date. Curious, she asked, “Is it your boyfriend?”
Jenny raised an eyebrow.
“He’s a male friend, but not a boyfriend. Not really my type. What about you? Waiting for your girlfriend?”
Laurinda blinked. She had only ever pretended to be Evie’s lover in front of Waylon before. But now, Waylon wasn’t around, and this was a stranger she had no reason to deceive. With complete sincerity, she replied, “She’s just a friend. My ideal partner would have to be a man first.”
“What?”
Jenny was momentarily stunned, her mind short-circuiting.
She had finally met someone she found intriguing—only to discover he wasn’t into women.
Jenny hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper as she asked, “Is there any chance your partner could be a woman?”
Laurinda blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard.
“Of course not! I only like guys.”
Jenny bit her lip, her heart sinking.
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.