Chapter 79

Evelina looked at Cary. A mocking scoff slipped out as the pieces suddenly fell intoplace.

Not long before, Kristina had called to mention she'd be delayed on the next flight, which had left Evelina wondering.

With Cary sitting where Kristina should have been,the truth wasn't hard to conclude.

"Surprised? To me, it's simply fate," Cary replied,radiating a confidence that suggested she should be delighted by his actions.

He had never made such an effort for Esme; Evelina was the first. He thought she would surely be moved by his dedication.

"Really, this is the sort of feeble attempt you think impresses people?" Evelina gave him a look filled with derision and then proceeded to seek a seat change.

Cary,who had been lounging carelessly in his seat without offering any help with her luggage, abruptly stood up.

He caught Evelina's wrist firmly. "You're supposed to sit here. Where are you headed?"

"It doesn't concern you," Evelina retorted, attempting to wrest her wrist from his grasp, but Cary only tightened his hold.

"Doesn't our marriage make it my business?"

Whispers of disapproval circulated among the passengers as they witnessed what seemed to be a domestic dispute-clearly not suitable for the confined space of the cabin.

Evelina, however, was unfazed by the bystanders.If she was to make a scene, she intended for it to be unforgettable.

"So now I'm your wife?" she asked, her voice cutting like a knife. "Where was this loyalty when you were with your mistress? Or when you slapped that divorce paper in front of me, trying to leave me penniless?"

Her voice escalated with her resentment. "Suddenly,because you think I have some influence with Mr.Russell, we're married again?"

She then forcefully stomped on Cary's foot and twisted her heel deeper.

Cary hunched over, wincing in agony, yet his grasp didn't falter.

"As long as our divorce isn't finalized, you are still my wife!" he responded; determined to maintain his hold.

Evelina swore quietly. Could this bastard really intend to stickto her like a parasite?

As she prepared to escalate the conflict, a calm voice from behind her intervened-

"Mr. Gibson, if your aim is to discuss an investment with my employer, harassing Ms. Marsh isn't necessary. Please, deal with me," lan said, stepping in smoothly.

lan gave Evelina a reassuring nod, then quickly moved to intercept Cary, forcefully twisting his wrist.

Cary let out a sharp yelp of pain.

Without paying him any further attention, lan pushed Cary firmly back into his seat before turning to Evelina. "My seat is right behind yours. Feel free to use it."

"Thank you," Evelina responded promptly, eager to distance herself from Cary.

As she moved towards lan's row, a tall man rose in front of her and smoothly relieved her of her carry-on.

Evelina looked up in surprise. "Jasper? Why are you here?"

She had assumed Jasper remained in Ireah after his last trip there with Florrie, thinking only lan had been traveling between the cities. "Aren't you glad to see me?" Jasper inquired as he stowed her bag overhead and motioned towards the window seat.

"No, it's just... unexpected." Evelina felt unexpectedly vulnerable, as if he could read her every thought.

He took the seat next to hers, then faced her, his voice low and earnest. "What if I said I came specifically to pick you up...would that please you?"

Jasper hadn't seen Evelina for over a week. He thought he would be fine, yet the longer she was away, the deeper his longing grew.

He was taken aback by how much he missed her.

Evelina chose not to respond directly to his statement. Instead, she chuckled lightly. "I suppose Florrie sent you after me, didn't she? She's always so thoughtful."

"It was my own choice," Jasper responded softly."She didn't ask me." Evelina was momentarily at a loss for words,surprised by his admission.

Their awkward pause was fortunately interrupted by a flight attendant arriving to take their orders, giving them a brief spare from their conversation.

Once the plane took off, Evelina requested a blanket and a sleep mask, promptly tilting her seat back to sleep.

Avoiding conversation was her way to sidestep potential discomfort, and truthfully, she felt exhausted. Soon, she fell into a deep sleep.

Her slumber was abruptly disturbed by a sudden lurch of the aircraft.

"Evelina, wake up. We've encountered some turbulence," Jasper said, concern evident in his voice.

Shaken,Evelina found herself upright, with Jasper having adjusted her seat for her.

The purser's voice came over the cabin speakers- steady and composed-assuring everyone it was just turbulence, nothing to worry about.

She reminded passengers to stay seated,keep their seat belts fastened, and remain calm as the plane moved through the rough patch.

However, a passenger peering out the window shouted in alarm.

"This isn't just turbulence-it's a thunderstorm!We're heading right into a storm! This is the end for us!" they exclaimed, their voice filled with panic.