Chapter 46

"I'm coming, Evelyn!" Sophia Bennett stood up to follow Evelyn Whitmore.

Benjamin Rivers stretched his legs across the seat, deliberately blocking Sophia's path. His smirk widened as she huffed in frustration.

"Benjamin, move!"

Sophia rolled her eyes and turned toward Nathaniel Grayson. "Uncle, look at him—"

Nathaniel's cold gaze shifted from Evelyn's retreating figure to the two of them.

Silence fell instantly.

In the restroom.

Evelyn finished washing her hands and stepped away from the sink.

Gabrielle Winslow approached, holding out her jacket sheepishly. "Evelyn, could you hold this for me? There's no hook in the stall."

Evelyn nodded, drying her hands before taking the jacket.

A moment later, Gabrielle emerged. As she washed her hands, she glanced at Evelyn apologetically. "Benjamin's always been blunt. Don't take what he said to heart."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Hmm? What did he say?"

Gabrielle blinked, then laughed. "Good, it didn’t bother you. I didn’t realize you were so easygoing."

Evelyn’s lips curved slightly. "Flattery won’t get you anywhere."

Why would she care about the words of someone irrelevant?

Gabrielle looked different today—casual, softer. Her makeup was still flawless, but less dramatic than at Twilight last night.

So this is the woman Ethan mentioned. The one who made Benjamin trip me yesterday, leading to that embarrassing fall into Nathaniel. But if Gabrielle likes him, and he likes her back… why didn’t he marry her?

Gabrielle reached for the tissues but knocked the box into the trash bin.

She sighed. "Ugh. Those are ruined. Evelyn, could you keep holding my jacket? My hands are still wet."

Evelyn shrugged. "Sure."

When they returned to the table, Nathaniel was gone. Sophia and Benjamin were still bickering.

Gabrielle glanced around. "Where’s Nathaniel?"

Sophia answered, "Too noisy. He stepped outside to take a call."

Gabrielle’s gaze drifted toward the window, searching.

Evelyn ignored them and resumed eating.

By the time they finished, Nathaniel still hadn’t returned. Sophia complained about the heat and suggested they leave.

As they stood, Gabrielle slipped on her jacket—then froze.

"My watch! It’s gone!"

Sophia checked the table and floor. "Not here. Are you sure you brought it?"

Gabrielle shook her head. "No, I had it. I took it off during dinner and put it in my pocket!"

Her voice wavered. "It’s not just any watch. My grandfather gave it to me before he passed away!"