Chapter 29

The deep baritone voice cut through the pounding music, reaching Evelyn Whitmore's ears.

She had just closed her eyes when the stranger addressed her.

Her brows furrowed in irritation as she opened them. Standing under the dim bar lights was a strikingly handsome man with an easy smile.

He wore tailored black slacks and a crisp white shirt with two buttons undone, revealing just enough collarbone to be intentional.

There was a careless elegance about him that radiated undeniable charm.

When she didn't respond, his smile widened. "Are you here alone?"

Evelyn took a slow sip of her milk before answering. "No."

The man's smile remained polished. "Mind if I join you?"

She didn't even blink. "Actually, I do."

For a split second, his confident expression faltered - clearly unaccustomed to rejection. But he recovered quickly. "How old are you? You look young to be here."

Evelyn gave him a deadpan look. "Are you the fashion police?"

His mouth actually dropped open this time.

She continued dryly, "Then why the interrogation? Taking a census? My mother warned me about strangers."

The man burst out laughing. "You're sitting alone in a place like this. I was concerned for your safety."

Evelyn took another sip of milk. "I'd be safer if you walked away."

Every word from her mouth seemed to shock the sophisticated gentleman, defying all his expectations of women.

His eyes sparkled with newfound interest. "You're fascinating. May I give you my number?"

Just then, Evelyn's phone vibrated - Sophia Bennett calling. She answered immediately, grateful for the excuse to end this conversation.

Sophia's panicked voice came through. "Evelyn! Get up here now!"

"Hard pass," Evelyn replied. "You come down."

"I can't! You need to save me!" Sophia sounded on the verge of tears.

Evelyn's grip tightened on her phone. "What's wrong? Where are you?"

But the line went dead.

Her expression darkened instantly.

The handsome stranger leaned in. "Trouble? Need assistance?"

"Actually, yes." Evelyn stood abruptly.

"Name it," he offered gallantly.

"I need you to move. Now."

Stunned, he stepped aside as she brushed past him toward the elevators. He could only watch her retreating figure with bemused fascination.

"Christopher, what's got you so distracted?" A friend asked, noticing his dazed expression.

Christopher Ashford smiled faintly. "Just met the most intriguing woman. Drinking milk alone at a bar - makes you wonder if she's even legal."

His friend's eyebrows shot up. "First time I've seen you genuinely interested in someone. She must be something special."

Christopher merely smiled, his gaze still fixed on where Evelyn had disappeared.