Chapter 486

Evelyn still remembered that afternoon vividly.

Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, tracing the perfect contours of his profile.

Compelled by some unseen force, she rose on her toes and brushed her lips against his.

"Okay," she whispered against his ear, her voice barely audible.

It was one of the rare moments she initiated affection.

Adrian's eyes darkened with desire as he pinned her against the wall until dusk.

Afterward, he held her close, satisfaction lacing his voice. "Again, darling."

The memory washed over her like a tidal wave.

Evelyn's fingers absently traced the crystal figurine on her desk.

"Evelyn?" Sophia entered with a glass of milk. "The meeting starts in five minutes."

She blinked, realizing three hours had slipped away.

"What's on the agenda today?" She took a sip, her tone disinterested.

Sophia hesitated. "Nathan's been..."

"What about him?"

"Yelling since dawn. His assistant left in tears."

Evelyn recalled Scarlett's morning call.

Natalie had left the hotel alone. Nathan stormed out after her.

A lovers' quarrel, then.

Rubbing her temples, Evelyn exhaled.

Her own life was tangled enough without playing referee.

"Let him vent." She grabbed her purse. "I'm leaving early."

Sophia suggested, "There's the charity gala tonight. Nathan's representing the company. You could—"

"No." Evelyn dialed Scarlett's number. "What are you craving?"

A yawn answered her. "Lamb skewers..."

"Have Victoria make them." She glanced outside. "I'll be home soon."

Hanging up, her fingers found the bunny charm in her pocket.

She'd discarded her wedding ring during the divorce—but kept this.

Sunlight glinted off the crystal rabbit.

The food market buzzed with life.

Evelyn inhaled the savory scents and disappeared into the crowd.