Save Her Lose Us (Evangeline and Soren) novel Chapter 175

“The UME launch party—I’m the largest investor. Of course I had to come see the masterpiece I helped make happen.” Finn slipped off his gold-rimmed glasses and polished them with a handkerchief, his movements smooth and unhurried. “I even wrapped up my business trip early just to show my support. Touched yet?”

Evangeline hesitated. “…Touched.”

“Doesn’t look like it. You seem pretty tense right now. What’s wrong? All these people making you nervous?”

She parted her lips, searching for words.

Yet, unexpectedly, seeing Finn had eased some of her anxiety. Her whole body relaxed, if only a little.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “This launch is going to go off without a hitch.”

Finn’s smile deepened at her businesslike tone. “Technically, I’m the biggest investor, but today I’m not here in that capacity. I’m here as your friend, to see how you shine.”

He lifted the camera in his hand and gave it a little shake. “See? I even bought a camera for the occasion.”

“Try to have a little more confidence later. I’ll snap plenty of pictures for you.”

She offered a quiet thank you.

Just then, a wave of cheers rose from the main hall.

Glancing at the time, she realized she couldn’t stay any longer. She turned to Finn. “I should get going.”

“Wait a second,” Finn said. “I have something for you.”

Evangeline was about to ask what it was when Finn gently took her hand, slipping something cool onto her finger.

She looked down—and froze.

A pale aquamarine diamond, cut into the shape of a teardrop, shimmered softly in the light. As she focused, she noticed a faintly etched “S” on the inside of the band.

The warmth lingered on his skin, and for a moment, Finn was caught off guard.

He lowered his gaze, watching her try and fail to contain her excitement. Whatever words he’d planned suddenly seemed unnecessary.

Back when he was abroad, he’d attended an auction and seen this ring up for sale. The auctioneer had mentioned it once belonged to the previous heiress of the Whitmore family—Evangeline’s mother. So, he bought it.

He’d heard Evangeline was close to her mother, and guessed that finding this ring would mean everything to her.

Originally, he’d intended to use the ring to coax information out of her about Theresa Carlisle’s whereabouts.

But seeing her so happy now, he found himself wanting to change his mind.

Acting as if he had no idea about the ring’s history, Finn arched an eyebrow and teased, “All this for a ring? Didn’t Soren give you a diamond you loved when you two got married?”