16
News in The Capitol Circle spread like wildfire.
Within days, Evelyn, teaching in a remote Willow Creek, saw the aftermath of Sebastian and Charlotte’s story on her phone.
She sighed.
She’d thought Sebastian, while not loving Charlotte, had cared for her sake of the children.
Yet, not long after she left, their relationship had ended like this.
But it no longer concerned her; she had her own life to live.
She opened the wooden window, watering the plants outside before putting down the watering can, reclining in her chair, looking at the school nestled in the mountains.
It was summer break; only a few teachers remained, Evelyn among them.
The afternoon sun was drowsy, bringing back memories.
Charles and Eleanor had sent her to the airport with a plane ticket, a new phone, and a million–dollar check. She’d said nothing, proceeding directly to security.
But to be safe, Evelyn secretly changed her flight. Arriving at her new destination, about to board the train, she saw an advertisement for teachers at her alma m
mater.
She called; the school was poor and remote; few teachers were willing to work there.
Hearing Principal Robert Taylor’s discouraged voice, Evelyn’s heart ached.
Orphaned as a child, she’d been raised by Robert.
She’d neglected her hometown and Robert because of Sebastian; she decided to return home and teach.
This serendipitous event led to her avoiding Sebastian’s search party.
Sebastian never truly knew her–only that she was an orphan, not what that meant.
Returning home was Evelyn’s best option, a place where no one could find her.
With Evelyn’s donation, the school was rebuilt, attracting new teachers.
That evening, the new teachers invited Evelyn to pick mushrooms and dig bamboo shoots in the mountains, preparing a wild vegetable hot pot.
On their way up the mountain, Lola, a close friend, chatted about recent school events.
“I heard Robert secured investment, someone with the surname Wolfe. They’re sending someone next week for a site visit. Evie, will you be there?”
Evelyn had given Robert the million dollars; he used half for the school and teachers, half for village improvements.
For sustainable development, Robert sought investment, appealing to charitable individuals.
It wasn’t easy; after three months, he’d found only two investors, one being The Wolfe Corporation.
To ensure a successful site visit, Robert chose careful and articulate teachers.
Evelyn was the top choice, but Lola Summers was surprised when she refused.
choice
‘I won’t be there; I have other things to do.”
“Ah,” Lola lamented. “I heard the Wolfe CEO is handsome and rich, and you’re so outstanding. If Sebastian comes, what if…”
Evelyn knew Lola meant well and wasn’t offended.
Lola, a small–town girl, focused only on studying and knew nothing of her relationship with Sebastian.
Moreover, she’d finally moved on and didn’t want to experience another fruitless romance. She patted Lola’s arm.
“I’m not considering marriage. I just want to teach these children well, help them leave these mountains.”
Mentioning children, Lola shifted the conversation.
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