Chapter 27

The moment their lips parted, Evelyn shoved Nathaniel away with surprising force.

She snatched the painting from Lucas's hands and clutched it protectively to her chest. After taking two deliberate steps, she spun around and flashed him a mischievous wink. "Thanks, uncle! You're looking exceptionally dashing today!"

Nathaniel's expression darkened as his lips pressed into a thin line. 'Did this little opportunist just compliment my appearance only after getting what she wanted?'

Lucas watched Evelyn skip happily toward the manor, an involuntary smile tugging at his lips. "She's actually... kind of adorable."

A glacial glare from Nathaniel made Lucas immediately avert his eyes. "Ahem! Where to next, sir?"

"The office."

"Office it is!"

The following afternoon, Evelyn was enjoying the lavish lunch Margaret had prepared when her phone rang.

"Evelyn!"

Though she hadn't saved the number, Evelyn recognized Sophia Bennett's voice instantly. "How did you get my number?"

"Got it from Uncle Nate!"

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up. "And how exactly did he have my number?"

"Well, he's your husband! Shouldn't he have his wife's number?"

"Oh. Right."

"What are your plans today? Come have drinks with me if you're free!"

Evelyn frowned. "Who drinks in the afternoon?"

"I'm nursing a broken heart!" Sophia's words slurred suspiciously. "Don't make me drink alone - it's depressing!"

The call ended abruptly, followed immediately by a text with a bar address.

Margaret emerged from the kitchen carrying soup. "Who was that inviting you for drinks? You should avoid alcohol while preparing for pregnancy!"

Evelyn responded obediently, "Don't worry, Grandma. I don't drink. Sophia's had too much already - I should check on her."

Margaret nearly dropped the soup. "Sophia? Nathaniel introduced you to the Bennetts already?"

Evelyn nodded. "Yes. Is that unusual?"

The older woman recovered quickly with a warm smile. "Not at all. Bars can be unsafe - I'll have the driver take you."

"Thanks!" Evelyn noted the strange dynamic between the Graysons and Bennetts. Though connected through Nathaniel, their interactions seemed minimal. The Graysons hadn't attended Sophia's wedding, nor had the Bennetts come to her own sham ceremony.

She dismissed the thought. Nathaniel's family affairs weren't her concern.

The Starlight Lounge pulsed with energy, strobe lights cutting through the haze. Evelyn spotted Sophia immediately - her newly dyed electric pink hair stood out as she danced wildly. 'Is this how all heartbroken women behave?' Evelyn wondered.

"Evelyn! You came! Dance with me!" Sophia spotted her, threw her arms around Evelyn's neck, and dragged her toward the dance floor.

"Let's get you home instead," Evelyn insisted.

Sophia pouted. "Home's boring! I'm staying!"

Relenting, Evelyn guided her to a quiet booth, ordering juice while Sophia demanded something stronger. "I've got news! Adrian's arms are destroyed!"

Evelyn's eyebrow arched. "What happened?"

Sophia's bitter smile held complex emotions. "He got ambushed last night. Both arms shattered beyond repair. Can you imagine? A man like him, helpless? He might as well be dead!"

"Ambushed?" Evelyn echoed.

Suddenly Sophia gasped, pointing upstairs. "Wait - isn't that Uncle Nate? Who's that woman with him? Ugh! Even he's cheating? All men are trash! Let's go confront them!"