Chapter 173


    Those pale, chapped lips and the slight tension in Walter''s brow said it all.


    Family dramas had always been unpredictable, especially with the Gordons owning the South and the Fosters controlling the North. These two ns essentially ran everything. As long as Walter and Evangeline remained married, nothing was ever certain. Upsetting one of The crowd was full of sharp cookies, and when they heard Walter''s question, they were quick to butter him up.


    "No way, Mr. Walter Gordon, you''re too kind. Everything is of the highest quality! It''s just your granddad-inw-he''s a bit miffed that his favorite granddaughter''s hubby was a no-show at her birthday. Better go smooth things over."


    The guy talking put on a friendly act and scooted closer to Walter, spilling the beans about what was going on.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Once he said that, the whole vibe of the ce did a 180-from stuffy to buzzing with excitement. Everyone was cracking up, eager to see how Walter would make things right with Cole.


    With all eyes on him, Walter made his way to where Cole was sitting at the head of the tablo


    and stood by Evangeline, looking apologetic.


    "Grandpa, I was nning toe by earlier to surprise Evie, but thisst-minute thing popped up at work, and I got held up."


    Walter had the nerve to bete for something as huge as Evie''s birthday. Cole could not even bear to think about what it would be like on other asions.


    Cole had weathered plenty of storms before, so even though he was feeling all kinds of upset inside and had his doubts, he kept a poker face and said coolly, "A dy is no biggie, just make sure you have Evie in mind."


    If Evangeline had not been dead set on marrying Walter, his darling granddaughter would not have ended up with this guy.


    However, it was all said and done, and since Evangeline seemed happy, he, as her grandfather, could not really object. Still, if Walter did not put Evie first and she ended up getting the short end of the stick, Cole would not forgive him.


    The Fosters were known for fiercely protecting their own. Anyone who messed with one of them would inevitably face the consequences.


    Walter, picking up on Cole''s frosty vibe, was all smiles and caution. "Absolutely. Evie''s my wife, and she''s going to be the mom of my future kids. How could I not have her in mind?"


    The room was filled with an awkward silence until Evangeline jumped in with a chuckle to lighten the mood.


    "Grandpa, I told you you''re worrying too much. Walter''s just busy running the Gordon family business. A little hup here and there is totally normal, right? No need to stress yourself out."


    Uncle Yale chimed in to ease the tension, "Exactly, Dad. You''ve always been one to overthink things. Getting all worked up over nothing isn''t going to help you get better or look after your adorable great-grandson!"


    "Don''t spout nonsense; I''m going to get better," said Cole with a brief sh of sternness, which quickly melted into a gentle smile.


    Evangeline felt a wave of relief as she watched Cole''s face soften. She might not have known why Walter showed up at the birthday party, but his timing was perfect, clearing away any of Grandpa''s doubts. She could not help but feel thankful. The party went on without a hitch, and Evangeline and Walter had to y the part of the loving couple in front of Cole. To sell the big fib, they were practically joined at the hip.


    Off to the side, Evangeline reached for her beloved Bloody Mary, only to have it snatched away by a big hand. In its ce, she found herself holding a ss of orange juice. She shot a re at the thief. "Walter, what are you doing with my drink?"