Chapter 164

Evelyn had no clue what triggered Cassandra's outburst, but she responded briefly before hanging up and returning to their table.

The upscale restaurant was sparsely populated. Cassandra had booked a prime spot by the floor-to-ceiling windows with a stunning river view - the most expensive seating with the lowest spending requirement.

She'd gritted her teeth while making the reservation, determined to impress Nathaniel and maintain her wealthy facade. Normally, she'd never splurge like this. The thought of wasting all that money on an untouched meal made her blood boil.

Approaching from across the dining room, Evelyn saw Cassandra fuming by the window. Arms crossed, shoulders tense - pure fury radiated from her solitary figure. Nathaniel was conspicuously absent.

Evelyn had anticipated this. Cassandra would never use that tone with her in Nathaniel's presence.

"Why did you call me back, Cassandra?"

Cassandra whirled around, eyes blazing. "Was this your plan all along, Evelyn?"

Evelyn blinked. "Plan?"

"Ignoring me on purpose!" Cassandra's jaw clenched. "Nathaniel thought you weren't sincere about apologizing since you weren't at the table. He left without touching his food!"

Evelyn sighed. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you tell me to fake stomach problems because you wanted me gone?"

Cassandra's face froze momentarily before her anger redoubled. She jabbed a finger at Evelyn. "When Nathaniel got upset, I called you immediately! He only left because you didn't answer! If you'd just come back to apologize, he'd still be here! This is entirely your fault, Evelyn! You're nothing but bad luck!"

Evelyn's lips twitched in disbelief. 'She's blaming me because she couldn't keep him interested?'

Already furious about wasting money at The Wild Bites, Cassandra's temper flared higher seeing Evelyn's indifferent expression. "I don't care how you do it - get Nathaniel back here today or you're paying for this meal!"

Evelyn spread her hands. "I don't have that kind of money."

Cassandra's disgusted glare intensified, yet Evelyn's poverty secretly pleased her. "No money? Then return the advance I gave you!"

Though she knew Evelyn was penniless, Cassandra needed to recoup her losses somehow.

Evelyn shook her head firmly. "You can't dock my pay when I did nothing wrong."

"Nothing wrong?" Cassandra shrieked. "You burned Nathaniel and made him leave! If you're so innocent, should we call Father and ask his opinion?"

Evelyn lowered her head, a cunning glint hidden beneath feigned fear. "Don't involve Father. I'll... think of something."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "As if you could! No tricks - give me that advance now!"