Save Her Lose Us (Evangeline and Soren) novel Chapter 158

Evangeline glanced at her phone and saw several missed calls from Soren.

He'd been reaching out more than usual lately, for reasons she couldn't quite figure out.

She wasn't in the mood to deal with whatever he wanted tonight. With a sigh, she set the note he'd left back on the table, ignored his calls, and headed for a shower.

But as soon as she stepped out of the bathroom, her phone rang again.

Soren's name flashed on the screen.

If she didn't pick up now, she probably wouldn't get any peace for the rest of the night.

Resigned, Evangeline answered.

"Home already?" Soren's voice was cold, as usual.

Evangeline toweled off her damp hair. "Yeah."

"Did you see the note I left you?" he asked.

"I saw it," she replied, her tone even.

Apparently, her lack of enthusiasm irritated him, because his voice grew taut. "Why didn't you call me back?"

"It's late." She glanced at the clock.

Soren gave a low, humorless laugh. "So you know it's late. Doesn't it seem a little inappropriate for you to be coming home at this hour?"

Evangeline shot back, "What's so inappropriate? Is this worse than you staying out all night like you used to?"

Today had been exhausting—whether it was Fawkes Enterprises sending people to steal information, or Soren appointing Poppy as the project lead, Evangeline's patience had worn thin. Her frustration slipped into her words.

Soren was caught off guard by her retort.

She'd never talked back to him like this before.

He was used to her quietly swallowing her hurt, never making a scene. Now she was suddenly spitting out old grievances like firecrackers, and he found it almost amusing.

He didn't get angry—instead, a small, wry smile played at his lips.

But this was Old Mrs. Fawkes's seventieth—a milestone she likely wouldn't be invited to again after the divorce. She didn't want to miss it.

Soren must have known she'd insist on attending; that's why he was warning her in advance.

"I understand," Evangeline said. "You're bringing Poppy as your date. I don't care. Don't worry—I won't cause a scene."

She thought her answer would satisfy him. To her surprise, Soren frowned. "Evangeline, there's no need to turn Poppy into some imaginary rival."

Imaginary rival?

Evangeline gave a small, humorless smile.

Poppy had always played her cards well around Soren.

Evangeline didn't bother arguing the point.

Soren switched topics abruptly. "I've scheduled a meeting with the designer tomorrow. Stop by—the designer needs your measurements for the dress."

Evangeline recited her measurements for him without hesitation.