Chapter 83

The moment Evelyn ended the call, Alexander's piercing gaze met hers. "Do you want me to come with you?"

She shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "No, I've got this. But I will need to borrow someone from you."

His brow arched. "Oh?"

Dominic had chosen a quaint café on Violet Crescent for their meeting. Both he and Vanessa arrived early, their eyes fixed on the entrance. When Evelyn finally walked in, Dominic nearly shot to his feet—until Vanessa's sharp grip on his wrist yanked him back to reality.

Owned by Celestia Group.

Dominic exhaled sharply, forcing himself to relax. Right. Just because they were asking for a favor didn’t mean he was at a disadvantage. He still held the upper hand in the lawsuit.

Smoothing his jacket, he settled back into his seat—only to stiffen again when he noticed the man trailing behind Evelyn. Tall, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, with gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, the stranger radiated quiet authority.

Dominic’s instincts flared. His gaze flicked between Evelyn and the unknown man as she approached their table.

"You made it," Dominic said, forcing a neutral tone.

Evelyn slid into the chair opposite them without preamble. "Let’s make this quick. I don’t have time to waste."

Vanessa bit her lip, her practiced smile straining at the edges. "Evelyn, it’s been so long. You look… well."

Evelyn’s lips curved into a smirk. "Oh? Maybe you should get your vision checked. I’ve always looked this good."

Vanessa’s laugh was brittle. "You’ve certainly gotten sharper with your words." Her eyes darted to the man standing behind Evelyn. "Who’s your… companion?"

Dominic leaned forward slightly, equally curious. The question had been burning in his mind since Evelyn walked in. After abandoning him and DR Holdings, she’d somehow aligned herself with Phoenix Labs. Was this the mastermind behind it all?

Evelyn gestured lazily. "This is Julian Whitmore, my lawyer. Given our… complicated history and the ongoing litigation, I thought it best to have legal representation present. Ensures everything stays fair and transparent."

Dominic and Vanessa exchanged glances, momentarily speechless.

Evelyn leaned back, pulling out her phone with a flick of her wrist. "Whenever you’re ready."