Chapter 492

Evelyn's head snapped up. "Who did you just say?"

Cassandra swirled her wine glass, lips curving. "Sebastian Cortez."

Evelyn confirmed she heard right and immediately shook her head. "Forget it. He's taken. I'll introduce you to someone else."

She sighed inwardly. That silly Scarlett would be no match for Cassandra.

Having grown up together, Evelyn much preferred Scarlett as her future sister-in-law.

The Valentines were ambitious schemers. If they latched onto Sterling Manor, who knew what chaos they'd unleash.

If not for Beatrice's iron grip, Valentine Group would have changed hands long ago.

Cassandra suddenly laughed, crescent eyes twinkling. "Perfect. I detest bland men. I prefer the wild, protective type."

Evelyn faltered.

An image of Zachary's muscular frame flashed through her mind—undeniable primal magnetism.

Cassandra exhaled dramatically. "At least I can report back to my parents now."

Evelyn's heart ached at her forced smile. Society heiresses wore gilded cages.

A taxi pulled up.

Sophia opened the passenger door while Evelyn helped Cassandra into the backseat.

Nearby, Adrian lowered his binoculars with a scowl. "Follow that cab."

He'd punctured Evelyn's tires specifically to track her home.

Rush hour traffic crawled through Vienna. Forty minutes later, the taxi stopped before an upscale apartment building.

Evelyn realized Cassandra lived just one block from her own villa.

"Care to come up? I'm on the tenth floor," Cassandra offered by the elevator.

Evelyn declined. "Another time."

Cassandra suddenly spun with outstretched arms. "Knowing Sebastian's taken feels like shedding chains. I can breathe again."

Evelyn blinked.

So she'd misread the situation.

Watching the elevator doors close, Evelyn exhaled in relief.

"Thank goodness she didn't set her sights on Nathan."

Outside, Sophia was speaking with Zachary.

"Boss!" Zachary jogged over, black shirt straining over defined muscles.

Evelyn eyed his bulging biceps. "Where's Nathan?"

"Still negotiating the project." Zachary opened the car door. "Sophia called about your transportation issue."

Evelyn nodded. Nathan's focus meant his emotions remained unaffected.

Leaning back, she closed her eyes—completely oblivious to the sleek black sedan trailing them.

Adrian's fingers drummed the steering wheel, gaze locked on the vehicle ahead.