Pain shot through the kidnapper's body, and he let out a loud shrill. His grip against the dagger loosened, and it fell on the ground.
A sudden jerk made its way to Terilynn's spine, and she made a sharp turn. That was when she realized that someone had been following her. When she saw the dagger on the ground, her body trembled like a dried leaf. The snacks she was holding fell on the ground.
How could the kidnapper let her go so easily? His vicious glare cast on Evander. He picked up the dagger and was ready to stab Terilynn again.
Evander shouted unintelligibly, trying to attract the attention of others, but there were not many people on the street, and the few around didn't dare to interfere. He had to pick up the broom and swung it at the kidnapper's head again.
Terilynn took a few steps back when the broom flashed like a shadow, and it hit the kidnapper's head. Blood spurted out from his head.
She took the chance to run and pulled out her phone to call her bodyguard.
Fortunately, she was near her school. It wouldn't take long before the bodyguard arrived.
The kidnapper pressed his free hand against his small wound in the head and glared fiercely at Evander. If it weren't for that man, the kidnapper could have approached that girl without hindrance. The flame of anger rose in his heart at the thought, and he rushed at Evander with his knife. The latter stared at the knife with horrified eyes and dodged the attack.
When he had been busy in shrinking back, the kidnapper swung his hand another time that Evander couldn't dodge. A small cut opened in his arm, and blood flooded out.
Terilynn hung up the phone and turned back only to be shocked by the scene. The kidnapper was attacking Evander. She rushed back and picked up the broom, swinging it at the man. The kidnapper tightened his grip against the knife and rushed at Terilynn, ignoring the injured Evander.
Before the kidnapper could attack Terilynn, the bodyguard rushed over and subdued the gangster, taking him to the police station.
Out of gratitude, Carlos hired Evander as a cleaner in the manor. Even though the manor was a little far from Evander's home, he was ready to travel, unwilling to live in the quarters of the Huo family's servants. Carlos was generous enough to arrange a driver to pick him up every day.
His salary used to be only two or three grand a month, but Carlos paid him three times as much.
Later, the Huo family learned that Evander was very poor and a little slow-witted. They felt sympathy for him and often helped him and gave him things like clothes or other household aspects.
Even Evelyn was impressed by him. It was a hot summer. She gave him a bottle of iced water and an apple, and his grin was so wide that she could almost see a child in him. He bowed down in front of her time and again after that.
He did the dirtiest and the most tiresome work in the manor, but he was very diligent.
Evander had been a cleaner in the manor for several years. No one in the manor had seen him wear anything new. Later, they learned that he had a wife who was addicted to gambling and a lazy son. Most of his salary was taken away by his wife and son.
Everything was smooth until one day, Evander quit his job making an excuse that it was not convenient for him to work in the manor.
Carlos had given him a large sum of money before he left. Terilynn had reminded him repeatedly not to let Nova and their son know about it. If they knew he had the money, they would take it from him again.
But when Evelyn saw his current state, she realized that he was still in poor condition. The mother and son must have squandered the money a long time ago.
Nova was afraid of the Huo family. Carlos had had his men deal with her and her son once. Intimidated by Carlos' power, none of the casinos in Y City dared to let her in anymore. Still, it didn't stop her from spending the money recklessly. Since she had no place to gamble, she went on shopping sprees.
Carlos had nearly spat blood out of anger at that time, but Evander was a softhearted man.
He pleaded on behalf of his family, and Carlos let her off just like that.
That was all Evelyn told Sheffield about Evander.
By now, Sheffield understood why Evelyn cared so much about Evander's condition. He smiled and gazed affectionately at Evelyn for a long time. "Don't worry. I'll do my best to treat Evander. If there is anything, I'll let you know."
"Okay!"
The car arrived at the gates of the villa, but they both were unwilling to leave. Evelyn had many thoughts in her head after the visit, and she sighed softly, thinking about Evander. Maybe her mind would be cleared after a good rest. Just as she was about to unbuckle the seat belt, he caressed her cheeks softly before he placed a lingering kiss on her forehead. "Go to bed early, okay? Remember to dream of me."
A sweet smile tugged at the corners of Evelyn's mouth. "Okay, good night."
She had just touched the seat belt when he added, "Tell Matthew, I'm here!"
Evelyn stopped and turned to him. "Matthew's personality is like my father's. They treat everyone the same way. Please don't take it personally."
"I know. Don't worry about me. He's my future brother-in-law. No hard feelings. Besides, he didn't bully me."
Evelyn nodded and got out of the car without saying another word. When she went upstairs, she knocked on Matthew's door. She had assumed he might be asleep, and decided to go back to her room if the door wasn't opened after two knocks. After all, it was late, and she didn't want to disturb his sleep.
However, Matthew responded after only one knock. "Coming."
He was carrying a messenger bag on his shoulder. When he heard the knock, he had guessed it was Evelyn. "Sweet dreams, Sis."
Evelyn nodded. As he closed the door and was about to leave, she blurted out, "Matthew."
When he turned his head, he saw the worry in Evelyn's eyes and wanted to laugh. His sister had always been on guard against him, afraid that he would bully Sheffield. "Sister, never underestimate anyone!"
Although Sheffield never acted serious, Matthew knew he wasn't that simple. Sheffield had told him that he was Star Anise's disciple. Matthew was a cold genius, and he would be a fool to believe that.
Realizing that she was overreacting, Evelyn rubbed her temples to calm herself down. "I see. It's too late. You can spend the night there."
"Okay." Matthew hadn't planned on returning to the manor that night anyway. After all, Sheffield would be his brother-in-law in the future. He wanted to know more about the man.
Even though he didn't like Sheffield, he would try to get along well with him for Evelyn's sake. As long as Sheffield didn't do anything to hurt Evelyn, Matthew would just leave him alone.
When he walked out of the manor, Sheffield was leaning against the car and smoking. He opened the door of the passenger seat for Matthew with the cigarette dangling at the corner of his mouth. "Come here, Matthew. Sit in the passenger seat as your sister does."
Matthew took a glance at him and got in.
Sheffield put out the cigarette and was about to get in the car when he looked up and happened to find a familiar woman on the balcony. The corners of his lips quirked up at that. He raised his hand to wave at her, and also blew her a kiss.
In the dark, Evelyn could only vaguely see him raising his hand, but she failed to see the kiss.
Sheffield smiled at her and ignited the car.
On the way, Matthew asked while playing with his phone, "Did you change the bed in your guest room?"
"Of course. And I bought you a costly one since you're Evelyn's brother. Remember to pay me back." Sheffield was a neat freak himself. He knew exactly what Matthew would be worried about if he was to spend the night in his apartment.
So, that evening, after he took Evelyn out of the Huo family manor, he had told someone to change the bed in his guest room.
"Taking money for just a bed? You don't sound sincere enough to let me stay at your place." Matthew's voice was indifferent and cold. To make himself look even more aloof, he stuck his head on his phone while speaking.
"If you were not my buddy, I wouldn't even let you enter my apartment!"
"Don't flatter yourself," Matthew taunted.
