Chapter 22

Evelyn glanced at her wristwatch. "She should be home soon. That girl never misses a meal."

Sophia's lips curved slightly. "True."

"Miss, let's have dinner first." Victoria guided her toward the dining room.

Under the crystal chandelier, Evelyn took her seat. Her gaze lingered on the plate of braised beef glistening with rich sauce. This dish had once been Adrian's favorite too.

Her chopsticks hovered midair. Why did that heartless man keep invading her thoughts?

She closed her eyes briefly. How much longer would it take to erase these memories completely?

Evelyn lowered her lashes, the thick fringe masking the storm in her eyes.

The beef melted on her tongue, its savory flavor blooming. Victoria's cooking was impeccable as always.

Just as dinner ended, Sophia burst into the living room. "Boss! Melanie Evans won't crack. She insists it was all her idea and says she regrets failing."

"Since when do criminals brag about their crimes?" Sophia plopped into the chair opposite Evelyn.

Evelyn tapped the table lightly. There was more to this story.

"Found something. She has a brother on dialysis who just got a kidney match. And guess what? A million dollars appeared in her account yesterday." Sophia slapped a file onto the table.

Evelyn flipped through the documents, her gaze turning icy. "Verified at the hospital?"

"Absolutely! Boss, this is clearly a hired hit!" Sophia smacked the table in frustration.

"Quite the coincidence." Evelyn shut the file. "Trace the money tomorrow. If we hit a dead end..." A dangerous glint flashed in her eyes. "We'll use her brother as leverage."

An eye for an eye—that was her philosophy.

Sophia rubbed her hands eagerly. "When diplomacy fails, bring out the big guns! Let's see who blinks first." Her grin was downright foxy.

Evelyn smiled faintly. Life was never dull with this firecracker around.

As neon lights illuminated the city, luxury cars crowded the entrance of Imperial Palace Hotel.

Sophia suddenly clutched her stomach. "Wait up, Boss!" She bolted toward the restroom.

Evelyn stood alone in the gilded lobby. Tonight's gathering of a thousand business elites meant nothing to her—she'd already handpicked five projects. This was merely a formality.

Then she turned—and froze.

Adrian walked in arm-in-arm with Isabella, both dressed in matching designer outfits, the picture-perfect couple.

Evelyn's breath hitched. She quickly averted her gaze. An invisible fist squeezed her heart.

Isabella's eyes widened. What was Evelyn doing at an event of this caliber?