Chapter 138

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. Victoria had missed seeing them by mere seconds. Forcing a smile, Evelyn stammered, "Y-Yeah, sure!"

Victoria studied her stiff expression and narrowed her eyes. "You're acting weird."

"Who's acting weird?" Evelyn babbled, her voice unnaturally high. "You said you were almost back, so I came to wait for you. Since I’d have to open the door anyway, I figured I’d check if you were here yet. Perfect timing, right?"

She snatched the bags from Victoria’s hands and hurried toward their room. "What did you buy?"

"Those are mine!" Victoria protested, but Evelyn was already peeling open the containers.

Inside were sandwiches, noodles, and some kind of spiced flatbread. The aroma was intoxicating, though unfamiliar. Despite Victoria’s earlier claim that she hadn’t bought anything for Evelyn, the portions were clearly meant for two.

Evelyn smirked. "Thought you weren’t hungry. Regretting it now?"

Victoria swatted at her fork, but Evelyn dodged with a laugh. "Wash your hands first!"

"Don’t steal my food!" Victoria warned before disappearing into the bathroom.

Evelyn arranged the chairs and spread out the containers. "What even is this? I’ve never seen half of it."

"No clue," Victoria admitted, returning with damp hands. "The shop owner recommended it. And hey—weren’t you not hungry?"

Evelyn grinned. "Just being helpful. You bought enough for an army—can’t let it go to waste." She piled food onto Victoria’s plate.

"I don’t need help!" Victoria shot back, though her lips twitched.

They ate in comfortable silence, the table soon half-empty. Victoria groaned, rubbing her stomach. "I’m done. One more bite and I’ll explode. You clean up—I’m showering."

"Sure, go ahead," Evelyn said.

Victoria nodded but paused mid-step. "Wait… something’s off."

Evelyn blinked. "What?"

"You said you were sleeping before I got back, right?" Victoria’s eyes narrowed.

"Y-Yeah…?" Evelyn’s pulse quickened.

"Then why are you still in your event clothes? Shouldn’t you have showered or changed by now?" Victoria stepped closer, scrutinizing her.

Evelyn’s hand flew to her collar. Damn it. She was still in the outfit from earlier—all thanks to Alexander. The moment she’d stepped inside, he’d pulled her into his arms, and then… well, she hadn’t exactly had time to freshen up.

Victoria smirked. "Hmm. So… what were you doing? Meeting a secret lover, maybe?"

Evelyn scoffed, though her cheeks burned. "Oh, please. I wish I had a secret lover. I just got here—I don’t even know anyone! I was exhausted and passed out on the couch. Stop making up drama!"

Victoria laughed, but her gaze lingered just a second too long.