Chapter 3 An Unlucky Encounter

Edward's eyes turned dark. "Don't worry about it; she'll come back on her own in a few days." He helped Nicole into the car.

"But I heard Lily got into Landon Taylor's car. With their pull in KnightSpear Group, if they have a falling out with the Wellington family over Lily..." Nicole bit her lip, hesitating.

"No, she won't." Edward was sure. Three years of marriage had shown him Lily's true colors. There was a time he thought Byron might be right, but Lily's lack of romance and overly reserved nature just didn't do it for him.

If she hadn't been so perfect in handling things, Edward would've ended things long ago with some excuses.

Nicole pushed down her jealousy, not wanting Lily to come up in their conversation again. She looked out the car window, where a few drone fireworks exploded brilliantly, then gathered in the sky to form a message—Happy Birthday!

She exclaimed, "Edward, someone is celebrating a birthday, how romantic." Edward followed her gaze, his eyes showing a hint of emotion.

He remembered that the day Lily left was her birthday. It seemed he had never given her a birthday gift or wished her a happy birthday.

Nicole noticed the change in Edward's eyes and thought he wanted to surprise her similarly. She gently shook Edward's arm, "I want to go over there and join the fun. Let's not think about those unhappy people and things tonight, okay?"

Edward nodded. After instructing the driver, they headed towards the fireworks.

Meanwhile, Lily, now known as Evelyn, was unaware that two people who would make her unhappy were about to meet her.

She looked frustrated, "Simon, my birthday was long over. And how did you convince Landon to go along with this cheesy idea?" Despite her words, a slight smile appeared on her lips.

Simon raised an eyebrow, looking smug, "Do you think his plan would be any better? If it weren't for me, you'd be stuck with a Centurion Card to buy out all the clothing stores downtown."

Evelyn rolled her eyes, "Please give me another chance to choose the Centurion Card."

"Evelyn, you're breaking my heart. Do you really want it? Do you know how long I had to persuade Landon for this design?" Simon dramatically clutched his chest, his exaggerated performance making Evelyn's smile even brighter.

But soon, Edward and Nicole appeared.

Sensing Evelyn's change, Simon followed her gaze, "Two big human cockroaches."

Evelyn sneered, "Cockroaches are more sensible; they wouldn't show up in front of me now."

Nicole, who had come to join the fun, spotted Evelyn from a distance. The sight of her made Nicole uneasy. Unfortunately, Edward also noticed, his brows furrowing with a dark expression.

"Lily!"

Hearing the call, Simon shielded Evelyn behind him.

"Who is he? You are going home and hanging out with this kind of man?" Edward's expression was cold, his tone harsh.

"Mr. Wellington, your memory must be fully occupied with extramarital affairs." Simon held Evelyn tightly, his smile composed, "I'm Simon Taylor. You've encountered my brother Landon in business."

"Is it Simon? Are you and Landon twins? But I heard Lily was picked up by Landon's car." Nicole feigned innocence, sounding purely curious.

Simon gave Nicole a knowing look. "Ms. Adams, you seem to know a lot, even more than Mr. Wellington."

Nicole was a bit taken aback but quickly recovered with a smile. "I just got back from Mythorica and overheard some things."

Edward wasn't paying attention to their exchange. His focus was entirely on Lily, who was standing behind Simon.

"Lily, explain yourself."

Explain what? Who was the one who fell in love with someone else during the marriage and then acted like the victim?

Simon's smile disappeared, his face darkening. From today's events, it was clear how Evelyn, cherished by the Taylor family, was treated in the Wellington family.

Just as Simon was about to react, Evelyn stepped out from behind him.

"Mr. Wellington, you're overthinking. Unlike you, I don't dare to bring my first love into the house before the divorce is finalized. Just because I'm magnanimous doesn't mean you can push me around."

"Is it only men who can fool around outside, and women can't meet friends?" Her long hair was stylish, her red lips slightly parted. She was no longer the humble woman in the Wellington family. Now, she radiated confidence and allure, like a striking, fiery presence.

Edward was captivated by this side of Lily, unable to look away. He hadn't expected her to reveal such a different aspect of herself, but his words were still harsh. "Friends? At this hour, what kind of friend would come here to watch fireworks with you?"

Hearing this, Simon rolled his eyes and spoke nonchalantly. "Of course, friends like Mr. Wellington and Ms. Adams. Don't worry, Mr. Wellington, I would never think wrongly of your relationship with Ms. Adams."

Evelyn chuckled and thought, 'Simon, you really know how to be sarcastic.'

Edward was momentarily speechless, his face darkening further, and Nicole's sweet smile faltered.

"We don't have time to argue with you and ruin our mood. However, Mr. Wellington, I recommend you refrain from hastily embracing the honorable role of a cuckold in the future." With that, Simon was about to leave with Evelyn.

Edward suddenly stepped forward, blocking their way. "Lily, our matter isn't settled yet." His gaze fixed on her, with a hint of possessiveness he hadn't even realized.

Seeing Edward still had feelings for Lily, Nicole pretended to step forward and accidentally twisted her ankle, letting out a small cry.

Edward snapped back to reality, quickly supporting her. "Nicole, are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Nicole pretended to be strong, secretly pleased as she saw Evelyn's figure disappearing. "Edward, go bring Lily back. Mr. Byron Wellington would be very happy."

Thinking of Byron's demands to bring Lily back, Edward was displeased but hesitated, looking in Lily's direction.

Nicole continued, "The Taylor brothers aren't easy to deal with. Lily is probably trying to get your attention."

"Forget it, if she wants to leave, let her. I'm not interested in her games."

Edward's words were firm, but his eyes still glanced in Lily's direction.

Nicole's lips curled slightly, a hint of triumph in her eyes. Even if Edward still had feelings for Lily, in the end, he would belong to her. She was resolute in her ambition to become Mrs. Wellington.

Meanwhile, Evelyn had already walked far away, her figure gradually blending into the night, as if to sever all ties with the Wellington family and Edward.