Chapter 233

The hallway lights flickered as Evelyn made her way to the restroom. Passing several closed doors, she nearly jumped when one suddenly swung open. A familiar silhouette emerged, and though the encounter lasted mere seconds, recognition flashed in her eyes.

She continued walking, the encounter replaying in her mind. After washing her hands thoroughly, she stepped out to find Donovan Pierce leaning against the opposite wall, arms crossed.

"I knew it was you," Donovan said, pushing off the wall with deliberate slowness.

Evelyn forced a smile. "Your observational skills remain impeccable. Now if you'll excuse me..."

He blocked her path effortlessly. "What are you doing here?"

"The same as you, I imagine," she countered, tilting her head. "Unless this hotel suddenly became Hawthorne property? Am I trespassing?"

"You still refuse to return to the family?" Donovan's frown deepened at her mocking tone.

"The Hawthornes?" Evelyn's laugh held no warmth. "I'll go back when the time is right."

"And when might that be?" he pressed.

When she remained silent, his voice turned icy. "I heard about your little incident. Sloppy work, though thankfully it didn't reflect poorly on us. Since you insist on staying away, remember this - you still carry our name. Don't embarrass us."

"Don't worry," Evelyn met his gaze steadily, "I have no connection to the Hawthornes whatsoever." She brushed past him without looking back, throwing a careless wave over her shoulder.

Donovan watched her retreating figure, eyes narrowing dangerously.

Back at the table, neither Victoria nor Isabella expected Evelyn to be the one who'd overindulged. Returning from the restroom, Evelyn ordered three more beers and two bottles of Cabernet, even attempting to add champagne before her friends intervened.

According to Evelyn, this marked Phoenix Labs' first major breakthrough since her arrival - an achievement worth celebrating. What began as a toast escalated into multiple bottles, leaving Evelyn thoroughly inebriated by closing time.

Victoria gently shook Evelyn's shoulder. "Where do you live? We need to get you home."

She needed the address to arrange a cab, though given Evelyn's state, simply sending her off wouldn't suffice. Someone needed to ensure she arrived safely. "I-I'm at C-Crestview..." Evelyn's slurred words were unintelligible.

Victoria frowned at Isabella. "What did she say?"

Isabella leaned closer. "Say that again?"

"Crestview Heights." The words came out clearly this time, prompting stunned silence.

"Crestview Heights?" Victoria's voice rose an octave. "Do you realize what that is? How could you possibly live there? Are you secretly loaded? This is terrifying."

Isabella acted quickly, recognizing the address as Alexander Kensington's. The exclusive neighborhood housed society's elite - its properties beyond reach for ordinary professionals.

Since Victoria didn't know about Evelyn's relationship, Isabella intervened. "I know where she lives. Let me take her home - it's late and you have that early meeting tomorrow."

She steadied Evelyn while discreetly texting Alexander, knowing the situation required delicate handling. The night had taken an unexpected turn, revealing complications Isabella hadn't anticipated.