Chapter 58

"Gregory didn't mean it like that. He misunderstood you, so just drop this argument." Nathan's voice was strained as he caught up to Evelyn in the hallway.

Evelyn yanked her arm free. "How noble of you to defend your friend, Mr. Sterling. Who gave you the right to tell me what to do?"

Nathan glanced past her at Natalie and Olivia, both glaring daggers at him.

"Can't you be the bigger person here? Let's talk this out like civilized adults."

A slow, icy smile curved Evelyn's lips, her eyes sharp and unfeeling. "You're nothing but a ghost from my past. We were never friends."

Though he'd heard those words before, they still cut deep. His jaw tightened.

"The apology statement goes live tomorrow morning. I'll make sure he takes down that poster."

"Stop pretending," Evelyn scoffed. "They treat me this way because you let them. Don't act innocent now."

"Me?" Nathan's brow furrowed in disbelief.

Disappointment darkened Evelyn's expression as she held his gaze.

"Your silence gave them permission. They thought I was weak, someone they could walk all over. So why put on this act now?"

"Vanessa and Eleanor's disdain was bad enough, but Gregory's tantrum? Your hypocrisy makes me sick."

Nathan stiffened. He'd never paid attention to how Evelyn was treated when she lived under his family's roof.

He'd assumed everything was fine—surface-level peace. He'd kept his distance. No children, a fact Eleanor never let her forget.

His friends had mocked Evelyn in front of him, and he'd never corrected them. Their contempt had festered because of his indifference.

The realization filled him with shame.

Evelyn turned away, the ache in her chest fading. "I don't need your help to make Gregory apologize. I have my own ways."

Without another glance, the three women walked off, leaving Nathan standing alone.

Evelyn looped her arm through Olivia's. "What song do you want to hear tonight? I'll sing it for you."

Natalie studied her. "Are you okay?"

"Never better."

"If you're not feeling it, we can leave." Natalie, usually stoic, sounded genuinely concerned.

Evelyn shook her head. "He's not worth ruining our night over."

"My girl doesn't get sad over trash men!" Olivia tugged them toward the crowd. "We're getting wasted tonight!"

"You're right. We're not leaving until we can't walk straight!"

The next morning, Evelyn sat in her office, skimming through a report while the investment director beamed beside her.

The document detailed Adrian's victory against Morgan Bank, securing a high-profile acquisition.

"Ms. Carter, we hit the jackpot with Adrian! The odds were against us, but he pulled it off. I was too excited to sleep last night."

"Agreed. Outstanding results." Evelyn nodded, her tone measured.

Once he left, her phone buzzed with an unknown number: Tonight, as promised.

Her brow arched. Adrian.

He'd proven himself, so she wouldn't back out. But she would find out how he got her number.

At closing time, Evelyn headed straight to the lobby—only to find Adrian's sleek sports car already waiting.

He stepped out, rounding the hood with confident strides before opening the passenger door. "After you, my lady."

This time, she slid in without protest.

Adrian took her to Lumière, an upscale restaurant bathed in soft candlelight. He pulled out her chair, then signaled the violinist nearby.

The musician began playing Canon in D as the manager approached, presenting a crystal rose bouquet.

The effort was undeniable. Evelyn eyed the roses coolly. "Set them down."

"You don't like them?" Adrian asked.

Her expression remained unimpressed.

"Look around. This place is full of couples, and you're staging a proposal scene. Did you really think I'd enjoy this?"

"It's our first date. I wanted to make an impression. Isn't this what women like?" His grin was boyish.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Only if they like you. Otherwise, it's just awkward."