Evangeline stopped, turning to Arthur. "I'm done with the Gallagher family. I need a place to stay. Do you have a spare room I could borrow for a year or two? I'm looking for somewhere quiet, with few neighbors, and decent security. I'm a bit of a public figure, so I need to avoid drama."

When Evangeline rejoined her family, Meghan thrust her into show business, secretly sabotaging her career. Meghan consistently snagged leading roles, while Evangeline was relegated to villainous parts, deliberately portraying her negatively. Now, Meghan basked in the limelight, playing the good girl, while Evangeline struggled with a tarnished reputation.

Staying in hotels was risky; it could alert the Gallaghers, who loved to cause trouble. Even if they couldn't directly harm her, their harassment was unbearable. Unfortunately, Evangeline couldn't buy her own place in Hofcaster—she wasn't a permanent resident.

"Bayside Residence Mansion. It's quiet and uncrowded. The door has a smart lock. Text me on WhatsApp, and I'll send you the address and code," Arthur said casually. Evangeline immediately messaged him, saving his number. He quickly replied with the address and code. She thanked him and left his room. It was late, so she took a regular room for the night.

Early the next morning, before Evangeline was fully awake, her door was practically demolished. The Gallagher family, accompanied by bodyguards, stormed in. "Get up!" Samson roared, ripping off the covers.

Evangeline sat up, glaring at the intruders, her bed stripped bare. She thought, "Seriously, Samson! Did you consider I might be naked?"

George threw papers at her. "Sign this contract!" Evangeline examined the papers. It was a stock transfer agreement, forcing her to relinquish her company shares. "Grandad left me these shares. I'm not signing anything," she declared. George exploded. "Those shares are Gallagher property! If you're not family, why are you clinging to them?" Edward chimed in, sneering, "I never thought you were so greedy. Trying to grab all the company shares, are you?" Jasper added, "You could learn from Meghan. She's not hoarding as many shares as you."

Evangeline chuckled. Meghan owned far fewer shares than she did.

"Evangeline, let's not fight with Dad," Meghan pleaded sweetly. "Your shares are practically worthless. Give them to Dad. Sign, and I'll give you $20,000."

George and his brothers grinned, pleased with Meghan's seemingly generous offer.

Evangeline laughed. "They think they can buy me off with $20,000 for 30% of a company? What do I look like, desperate?" "What if I refuse?" George's voice turned menacing. "It's either the money or your life. Choose! If you want those shares, we'll get them one way or another. I'm doing this for the family."

Although Evangeline had long since given up on family, George's threat stung. Her own father was threatening her life for money and control. Evangeline faced him. "Okay, I'll sign your agreement, but on my terms."

George leaned in. "What are they?"

"I want $60 million," she said calmly, "and a legally binding agreement severing all ties between us, forever."

Meghan scoffed. "You really think you can demand $60 million?"

Edward sneered. "From $20,000 to $60 million? You're insatiable! Is money all you care about?"

Jasper fumed. "Your shares aren't worth $60 million! You're trying to extort us!"

Evangeline smiled. "Think my shares are worth a lot? Fine. I'll give you the cash and make a will. If I die without relinquishing the shares, they'll go to a trust, and you won't get a dime."

"No way!" the Gallaghers shouted.

"Didn't you say my shares aren't worth much?" Evangeline taunted them.

They turned red with rage.

Evangeline continued, "I talked to a lawyer. My shares are worth billions. Asking for $60 million is being generous."

"And forget about killing me. My will is set. If anything happens to me, the shares go to the government, not my family," she added.

They were furious.

Meghan hissed, "Who knew you were so sneaky? Making a will! Guess we were never family to you."

Evangeline scoffed, "Zip it, or I will." Meghan started to cry.

As Samson intervened, Evangeline grabbed an ashtray and threw it. "Zip it! I'm sick of your trash talk!" Knowing her temper, they were cautious.

George finally conceded. "Fine. I agree."

Evangeline dismissed them and prepared herself. She followed them out.

First, they went to the bank, where George paid Evangeline $60 million. She ensured the transaction was recorded meticulously.

Next, they went to a law firm to finalize the severance agreement. George had a lawyer prepare the document beforehand. Evangeline carefully reviewed it, then sent it to Arthur's lawyer for review. Arthur quickly texted back, "[It's solid.]" Evangeline signed.

The deal done, George produced the share transfer paperwork. "Let's wrap this up. Those shares aren't really yours!"

Evangeline grinned. "Couldn't agree more because the shares are already in Arthur's name." She signed the transfer. They eagerly examined the document. When they realized Evangeline was gone, they didn't chase her.

They rushed to the Trade Office, but the staff informed them that there were no shares registered under Evangeline Castillo's name; the transfer document was invalid.

They were stunned. George exclaimed, "Evangeline has a large stake in Gallagher Group! Your system must be broken!"

After a check, the staff found her record. Their hopes rose, then crashed. "She had 30%, but someone else owns them now. As of 8 a.m. This transfer form is invalid."

"Who has them?" George demanded.

"Mr. Arthur Ferdinand," replied the staffer.

George was devastated. Meghan supported him. "She sold us out to our biggest competitor!" Fury consumed them. Evangeline had not only sold the shares but had also swindled them out of $60 million.

While the Gallaghers were distraught, Evangeline was on a shopping spree. She had only her ID. She bought 30 outfits, shoes, handbags, and jewelry, spending $2 million, and had it shipped to Arthur's address.

Leaving the mall, she ran into the Gallaghers. Samson raged, "You're the worst! Selling the shares, taking our $60 million! Give it back!"

Evangeline retorted, "You rushed me. That's on you. Plus, I'm just taking what you owe me for the last twenty years."

George snarled, "You'll regret this."

Meghan interrupted, "Dad, don't make a scene."

George ordered his sons, "Grab her!"

Two bodyguards appeared, blocking them.

"Who are these guys?" Samson demanded.

"We're here for Ms. Castillo. Mr. Ferdinand ordered us to protect her," the guards stated impassively.

Samson realized it was Arthur.

They hesitated to act rashly. Samson pleaded, "Come home, Evangeline. We're still family."

Evangeline slapped him. "I'm done with you all. Bye." She kicked him and walked away.

The bodyguards drove Evangeline to the mansion. Her purchases were already there. The mansion was opulent. Evangeline was unfazed. The Gallaghers thought she was on the streets, but she was living far better than before. It was a huge upgrade from what she'd imagined. She went to her bedroom, but her phone rang—her father. She blocked his number, then blocked her mother and siblings. She warned Samson, "Try me again, and you'll regret it."

At the Gallagher residence, Samson complained, "She yelled at me before blocking me. That's Evangeline for you."