Chapter 495

Serena's words had slipped out casually, but they lingered in Cassandra's mind.

Like seeds scattered by the wind, they settled deep, taking root, sprouting, and soon, wild vines of thought twisted through her consciousness. The more she dwelled on it, the more sense it made.

Serena had lived through it—seen it unfold with her own eyes. Her clarity was undeniable, her emotions raw and unfiltered. And now, Cassandra felt the same unsettling truth settle into her bones.

This belongs to N?velDra/ma.Org.

"What now?" Cassandra asked, gripping the steering wheel.

"Now?" Serena grinned, flipping her hair over one shoulder. "We shop, obviously. I promised my father."

"Right." Cassandra exhaled, turning the car toward the gleaming expanse of the mall.

After days of suffocating gloom, Evelyn finally clawed her way out of the fog.

That nightmare had dredged up old wounds—ghosts from her childhood she’d rather forget. But she couldn’t afford to drown in the past.

She still had the Olivella soap to perfect, the aromatherapy blend for her grandfather. Promises were promises, and she intended to keep them.

Isabella was still away, leaving Evelyn to shoulder the lab’s workload alone. Without her assistant, every task felt twice as heavy. The staff tried, but they couldn’t read her mind like Isabella could.

Miscommunications piled up, forcing Evelyn to re-explain, redo, and refine.

Just when she thought she couldn’t juggle more, Serena announced her arrival.

A "business trip," she called it, but she’d phoned twice already, insisting on dinner.

Evelyn nearly refused—time was a luxury she didn’t have. But Serena had been there for her in Laurentia. She owed her this.

She called Alexander, letting him know she wouldn’t be home for dinner, then headed to the restaurant.

When she saw Serena, she barely recognized her.

A pristine white down jacket hugged her frame, paired with an oversized fur coat that screamed luxury. The moment she shrugged it off, the dress beneath left no room for imagination—snug, shimmering, and cut to highlight every curve.

Evelyn gaped.

So did half the restaurant.

Two striking women at one table? Heads turned. Whispers followed.

"Since when do you look like that?" Evelyn propped her chin on her hand, studying her friend with wide eyes. "You’re stunning."

Serena had always been statuesque—tall, with a frame that balanced strength and softness. But now? She was lethal.

Serena waved a hand, laughing. "Occupational hazard."

"Right, your job." Evelyn tapped her lips. "Modeling, wasn’t it?"

"Wasn’t it?" Serena gasped, mock-offended. "Evelyn Carter, did you forget?"

"Sorry, sorry!" Evelyn flagged down the waiter. "Let me make it up to you. Order whatever you want—my treat."

Serena stopped her. "No need. I can’t eat much before a show anyway."

"A show?" Evelyn blinked. "Is that why you’re here?"

Serena leaned in, eyes gleaming. "Exactly. And I need your help."