Unmasking the Heiress

Aemon rushed to Evangeline's side. "Evie, let me handle this, okay? You should go and take a break over there."

Helping Yale with the guests was not a huge task, but Evangeline was pregnant and all over the place emotionally. How could she keep up with such stress?

"Don't worry, I've got this." Evangeline stubbornly shrugged off Aemon's hand, determined to stay by Cole's side until the very end.

Aemon understood where his niece was coming from. However, seeing her pale, delicate face made his heart ache.

"Listen to me, Evie, go on back. You've done enough. Let me do this last thing for him, as his son..."

Aemon's voice was barely a whisper by the end, yet Evangeline caught every word.

If it had been any other uncle, she might not have batted an eye, but this was Aemon, the one who always talked about living life on the edge. How could she not be touched?

That was when Evangeline realized that her usually over-the-top uncle had toned it down, dressing all neat and proper.

She remembered that's how Cole liked it...

Evangeline's lips parted, and at last, she managed to say, "Okay, Uncle..."

Julieta gave Aemon a look full of thanks and quickly steadied Evangeline. "Ms. Evangeline, let's rest over there for a bit." She gestured to a quiet spot.

Cole's funeral was packed, but there was that one spot, a little nook that was quieter than the rest.

Celina squeezed in next to Evangeline, her eyes full of worry, but she kept silent.

Evangeline, with her hand on her swollen belly, was seated, trying to find some peace in the hushed corner.

Julieta had Celina keep an eye on Evangeline while she dashed to the car to grab a cushion, making sure Evangeline would not get poked by anything. Being pregnant and all worked up was a risky combo. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Julieta and Celina were all over her, super protective, scared something might go wrong with Evangeline or the baby. They barely blinked.

"Ms. Evangeline, feeling peckish? I've got some chicken soup here. Want a sip?" Julieta offered, pulling out the thermos she snagged while getting the cushion. Evangeline just shook her head. "Celina, Mrs. Lewis, you've been angels, really. Why don't you guys chill for a bit? I'm okay for now."

"Don't fret, I'm all good."

Julieta had been buzzing around non-stop, and Celina had racked her brain to get Elliana to come. Evangeline saw all that effort-how could she not appreciate it?

"But we're not even tired," Celina

said, her face a shade too white. Nonetheless, Evangeline's words brought out a smile, a little breath of relief, and Celina waved off the idea

of taking a break.

Evangeline caught Julieta's eye and instantly knew her pleas were falling on deaf ears. She would have to come up with another way to get them to take a break.

Right then, a familiar silhouette caught her attention. A woman in a sleek black suit and shades was striding her way. It took Evangeline just a moment to recognize her. "Roslyn? What are you doing here?" She knew Roslyn had just finished her latest play and was swamped with promotions.

Not wanting to add to her friend's stress, Evangeline had not filled her in. However, with Cole's influence in Avalon City, it was not shocking that Roslyn had the funeral details.