Chapter 404

The villa's living room buzzed with lively chatter until Evelyn Whitmore stepped inside. Every head turned toward her, curious gazes dissecting her appearance.

"Who is she? Why's she barging in like this?"

"Is that wet t-shirt look supposed to be seductive?"

"Please, she's wearing denim shorts. How's that seductive?"

"Damn though, she's gorgeous."

"Who brought her? Haven't seen her all night."

Their whispers followed Evelyn as she scanned the room, completely unfazed. She had one mission - find Dominic Prescott, the villa's owner, and beg for dry clothes.

But Dominic had vanished after his supposed bathroom break. No sign of him anywhere downstairs. "Aren't you supposed to be the birthday boy?" Evelyn muttered under her breath.

Across the room, Christopher Ashford set down his wine glass mid-conversation. His calculating gaze tracked Evelyn's movements as he approached. "What happened, Evelyn? You're soaked."

Evelyn turned at the familiar voice. Christopher looked every bit the aristocrat - perfectly sculpted brows, lips like crushed roses, teeth gleaming white. His movements carried rehearsed grace, each gesture measured for maximum effect.

"Kind Sir! Perfect timing for you to prove that nickname." Despite her drenched state, Evelyn's composure never wavered. "Tell me you brought female company tonight."

Christopher blinked at the unexpected moniker but answered honestly. "Just my assistant waiting in the car. Need me to ask about spare clothes?"

"Yes, please. Desperately." Evelyn tugged at her clinging shirt.

"Consider it done." Christopher pulled out his phone. "Angela? Bring your emergency outfit to the villa immediately." He smirked after hanging up. "Lucky you. She always packs extras."

Evelyn flashed a grateful smile. "My hero, Kind Sir."

The nickname drew amused chuckles from nearby guests.

"Look! Christopher's talking to that drowned rat!"

"Since when does he associate with common girls?"

"Upper-class daughters only, that's his rule."

"Doesn't matter how pretty she is - no pedigree, no chance."

"Her clothes look straight off a clearance rack."

"Seriously, what's so special about her?"

Dominic had kept his birthday intimate - close friends and select acquaintances. The extra women were just decorative additions brought by his male guests to liven things up.