Chapter 230

Evelyn Carter couldn't stop replaying last night's events in her mind. What had happened between her and Alexander Kensington was definitely not PG-rated.

Discuss? What was there to discuss? She wasn't in the right headspace for that kind of conversation. Where would they even find the time—or the privacy?

She studied her reflection in the mirror, wincing at the faint marks along her collarbone. Every muscle in her body ached as if she'd been dismantled and reassembled. The word "exhausted" might as well have been stamped across her forehead.

"Evelyn? Evelyn, are you still there?" Silence stretched on the line, making Sophia Grant wonder if the call had dropped. "Mm, I'm here," Evelyn finally mumbled, spitting out toothpaste foam.

"I don't have much to say," Sophia admitted. "I just wanted to know if you've decided where we're going tonight. I know it's not my place to ask, but I'm dying for a night out." Between lab work and budgeting, she hadn't had real fun in months. This was her chance.

Evelyn rubbed her temples, phone tucked against her shoulder as she stepped out of the bathroom. "Of course it's your place. You're coming with us—you get a say. We haven't picked a spot yet. Got any ideas?"

"Wait, seriously?" Sophia's voice shot up in excitement. Not only was she invited, but she could actually choose? "Since when do I lie to you?" Evelyn pressed a hand to her growling stomach. Hunger had a way of sharpening the senses the moment you woke up.

"Hold on, Sophia. Let me call Victoria first. How about we celebrate now?"

"Now?" Sophia sputtered.

Evelyn was nothing if not impulsive. "You busy?"

"No! I'm free. At home." Sophia backtracked quickly. "Perfect. I'll call her and text you."

Victoria Sterling was easy to convince—as long as she wasn't buried in paperwork, she was game. She agreed instantly, with one firm condition: No fighting me for the bill.

Evelyn didn't argue. She'd find a way to pay first anyway. After throwing on fresh clothes, she headed to The Canopy. Sophia had already arrived, but Victoria was running late, stuck wrapping things up at DR Holdings.

The delay gave Evelyn time to warn Sophia. "Victoria doesn't know about this," she said, gesturing vaguely at herself. "Don't spill."

"Know what?" Sophia blinked innocently. Then, under Evelyn's pointed stare, it clicked. "Oh. That. She doesn't know?"

Evelyn shook her head. "She knows I'm seeing someone. Just not who. I wasn't planning to tell anyone." When Sophia's grin turned smug, she added, "If I hadn't run into you yesterday, nobody would know."

Sophia's smile vanished into a pout. "Hmph. And here I thought I was special."

"You are special," Evelyn said, tapping her shoulder. "You're the only one who knows. So keep it that way."

That perked Sophia right up. "A secret!" she whispered gleefully. This was their thing—just the two of them. She could already picture Dominic Reeves' face when he found out. Oh, she lived for that future moment.