Marian bowed her head right away. “Yes, ma’am.”
She led a few of the housekeepers past Cooper and headed upstairs without a second glance.
Cooper, still fuming, pointed at Teresa. “You—you’re being completely unreasonable!”
But facing Teresa’s anger, he lost his nerve. He just didn’t have it in him to go up against her.
It didn’t take long before the housekeepers came back down, their arms full of fancy boxes and shopping bags. Without a word, they dumped everything at Evelina’s feet.
Teresa pointed at the pile and looked straight at Evelina. “Take your stuff and get out!”
Evelina’s eyes instantly filled with tears, spilling over before she could stop them. She looked so lost and vulnerable, like the whole Lincoln family was ganging up on her.
Dean stepped in front of her, shielding her with his body.
“Aunt Teresa, you don’t have to go this far. If you don’t want Evelina here, I’ll take her and leave.”
He paused and glanced at Emmy. “I’m sorry about today, Emmy. This is on me. But my decision’s not changing.”
He squeezed Evelina’s hand. “If I choose someone, I’m not letting go. Ever. Let’s go.”
Without another word, Dean led Evelina out, not even looking back.
Cooper let out a heavy sigh, looking torn, and hurried after them.
“Dean, Evelina, wait up!”
Evelina stopped and turned, her eyes still wet with tears. “Mr. Lincoln, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble.”
Cooper’s heart twisted. “Don’t say that. None of this is your fault.”
He stepped closer, speaking in a low voice just for her.
“Evelina, remember our agreement. Be at the company on Monday morning. The Head of Technology position is still yours.”
“Mom, don’t blame yourself. None of this is your fault. Some people just don’t appreciate what they have, no matter how much you give.”
Cooper walked in, his face like stone. He didn’t even look at the two of them. With a grunt, he headed straight into his study and closed the door behind him.
“Mom, don’t you think Dad was acting weird today?” Emmy suddenly asked.
“He probably just doesn’t want to upset Dean,” Teresa said, trying to defend her husband, but her voice was shaky.
Emmy let out a cold chuckle.
Her dad came from nothing. If it wasn’t for her mom’s family, he’d have no place in this world. Even after all his years in business, some habits just never changed.
Now, Emmy couldn’t shake the feeling there was more going on with her dad than anyone realized.
“Mom,” she said, pressing a little, “even if Dad’s worried about the Sparrow family, would that really make him ignore his own daughter and side with an outsider?”

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