Chapter 313

Evelyn turned, her calm gaze settling on Cassandra Valentine.

"Something else?" Her tone was cool.

Cassandra stepped forward with a bright smile. "Can I buy you a drink?"

"I don't drink." Evelyn refused bluntly.

Cassandra blinked. "Then let's get some grilled food. Consider it thanks for saving me tonight."

Evelyn hesitated before nodding.

It had been a while since she'd had grilled food.

The frustration of tonight called for something warm and lively.

"Perfect!" Cassandra's eyes lit up. "I know an authentic place nearby."

They walked through dim alleys into a bustling side street.

The aroma of grilled meat filled the air.

Cassandra swallowed—she hadn't eaten dinner yet.

"This is the spot." She pointed to a cramped corner stall.

The humble eatery was packed with customers.

The owner recognized Cassandra and brought them chilled tea and marinated pork brains with enthusiasm.

Evelyn eyed the plate of pork brains, brow slightly raised.

"Try it. Their marinade is special." Cassandra poured Evelyn a cup of hot tea.

Evelyn took a sip—the familiar floral taste of camellia tea.

"Evelyn, are you really not angry?" Cassandra suddenly asked.

Evelyn looked up. "If anger solved anything, there wouldn't be so much suffering in the world."

She knew Cassandra was referring to Adrian.

Love couldn't be forced. She had no time to wallow in heartbreak.

"Adrian must be blind!" Cassandra gritted her teeth. "How dare he marry a viper like Isabella. Tonight's incident—it was either her or Margaret behind it."

Evelyn caught the hatred in her eyes.

"Do you have proof?" Evelyn probed.

Cassandra shook her head. "If I did, I'd have confronted them already. Don't you think Margaret's affection for Isabella is unnatural? She never cared that much for her own daughter."

Evelyn grew thoughtful.

Isabella's origins remained a mystery.

If her suspicions were correct...

Evelyn didn't dare finish the thought.