“Abel, Auntie Rosaline made the stew herself. Here, have a taste,” Evelyn said as she scooped a spoonful of the stew and brought the spoon to Abel’s lips.

However, Abel got up on his feet as if he did not even notice Evelyn trying to feed him. “I’m full. Please enjoy the rest of your meal, everyone,” he said flatly.

Evelyn froze with the spoonful of stew still in her hand while Abel turned around and walked up the stairs.

“Umm…” Evelyn paled in embarrassment.

“Looks like you arrived at the wrong time,” Emmett winked at Evelyn.

“Shut up!” Evelyn lashed out at Emmett, shooting daggers with her eyes. “It’s all your fault! Why are you always hanging around Abel? Uncle Lewis and Auntie Rosaline asked me to pay Abel a visit because they were worried about him!”

“Why can’t I hang out with Abel?” Emmett asked indignantly, staring wide-eyed at Evelyn. “Who made those rules, huh?”

“Uncle and Auntie did!” Evelyn wailed in frustration. “They’re worried and unhappy that you’re always with him!”

“Why should they be worried? I don’t live off them, and I most certainly would not live off Abel. They have no reason to be worried!” Emmett smirked.

“Unlike you, Abel is the prominent head of an influential family! How can Abel always be seen hanging out with a man? His reputation is at stake!” Evelyn argued.

“Oh please, stop exaggerating!” Emmett said angrily. “Abel and I are just the best of friends! How is that putting his reputation at stake?”

“I’m sure you know about the rumors questioning Abel’s sexual orientation. What would people say if they see you always hanging out with him and being all touchy and affectionate with him?” Evelyn retorted.

“Let them say whatever they want to say!” Emmett huffed. “Those who question his sexuality have ill intentions in the first place! Would he have four adorable children if he was gay? What nonsense!”

Evelyn realized she had run out of arguments. Emmett had a point. A gay man could not possibly have not one, but four children of his own!

“Emmett’s right,” Kendra added. “Don’t listen to those nasty rumors! Abel is most definitely not gay.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes scornfully. “Whatever it is, his parents don’t like you hanging out with him. You’d best conduct yourself properly and stop provoking everyone around!”

“You’re the one who should conduct yourself properly!” Emmett raised her eyebrows in challenge. “You don’t have to threaten me with useless words! I’m not that easily scared!”

“Why should I listen to you?!” Evelyn shrieked. “Now that Emmeline’s dead, I’m the best candidate that Uncle and Auntie have chosen for Abel!”

“How dare you?! Watch that mouth of yours! How do you even know Emmeline is dead?!” Emmett yelled in return.

“It’s a known fact that she’s dead! Everyone knows!” Evelyn countered.

“You guys are ridiculous!” Emmett yelled over Evelyn.

“I’m not afraid of telling the truth! After all, I have Uncle and Auntie’s support to be together with Abel!” Evelyn stomped her foot.

“I don’t even know where you get such blind confidence!” Tired of arguing with Evelyn, Emmett got out of his seat and stormed upstairs.

“Argh! I don’t have an appetite anymore!” Evelyn said as she threw her spoon onto the table furiously. “I’m so angry!!”

Kendra ignored her tantrum and quietly cleared the dining table. Alas, it only took five minutes to turn a pleasant dinner awry.

Evelyn took a few deep breaths to calm herself down before she headed upstairs and knocked on Abel’s door. “Ding-dong!” she chirped gently. “Abel, can I come in?”

“I’m resting,” Abel’s cold voice came through the door. “Please go home.”

“But, Abel…” Evelyn began.

“Don’t make me call security!” Abel’s tone was sharp, sending a chill down Evelyn’s spine. She immediately zipped it and trudged back downstairs reluctantly.

As she stood all alone in the large hall, Evelyn did not know what to do. No one was around to serve her or make her feel comfortable as a guest in the Ryker house. Finally, she stormed out of the house angrily and sped off in her sports car.

Evelyn pulled up by the roadside after driving some miles and fished out her cellphone. She dialed the number of a paparazzi contact.

“I have some information about Abel Ryker, the CEO of Ryker Group…” she spoke into the phone conspiratorially.

Less than five minutes later, she hung up and continued driving, this time with a smirk on her lips. “Well, Emmett… Let’s see how long more you’ll get to hang out with Abel…”