Chapter 275

Morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains. Evelyn Langley stretched lazily.

The refrigerator stood empty. She decided to start with a thorough cleaning.

A thin layer of dust had settled over the untidy room after two weeks. She pulled on rubber gloves and began wiping surfaces in the living room. Dust particles danced in the sunlight like flecks of gold.

Just as she finished mopping, her phone rang abruptly. Sophia Laurent's name flashed on the screen.

"Eve, are you home?" Sophia's voice sounded muffled.

Evelyn wiped sweat from her forehead. "I was about to go grocery shopping. What's up?"

"I suddenly crave your braised pork ribs." Sophia's voice carried a distinct nasal tone.

Evelyn set down the cleaning cloth, instantly sensing something amiss. "What happened?"

"Nothing... I just want to see you." A sniffle came through the line.

Evelyn didn't press further. "Come over. I'll cook for you."

After hanging up, she rushed to the supermarket. Her cart filled with Sophia's favorite ingredients: pork ribs, potatoes, bell peppers...

The doorbell rang as soon as she unpacked the groceries. Sophia clung to her like a koala, eyes rimmed red.

"You always understand me best." Sophia stared at the shopping bags, voice trembling.

Evelyn patted her back. "Go sit on the couch. It'll be ready soon."

A tantalizing aroma soon wafted from the kitchen. Sophia sat cross-legged on the sofa, peeking toward the kitchen intermittently.

When six perfectly prepared dishes covered the table, Sophia's eyes lit up.

"Want some drinks?" she suddenly suggested.

Evelyn retrieved two beers from the fridge. Bubbles danced merrily in the glasses as Sophia downed hers in one gulp.

By the third empty can, Sophia's cheeks flushed pink. She swayed the empty container with glazed eyes. "One more~"

"You've had enough." Evelyn reached for the bottle.

Sophia dodged nimbly, staggering to her feet. "I'll... get it myself!"

She wobbled toward the refrigerator, nearly tripping over the coffee table. Evelyn caught her just in time.

"I'm not drunk!" Sophia pouted. "Just slipped..."

Evelyn sighed. "That's what all drunks say."

The words seemed to ignite something. Sophia suddenly grabbed her jacket. "Let's go buy more!"

"Are you insane?" Evelyn restrained her.

Sophia tilted her head thoughtfully, then pulled out her phone. "Calling a driver..."

After the call connected, she slurred her address. "Pick me up! Need more drinks!"

A pause. Then the voice responded, "Open the door."

"Who says I'll listen to you!" Sophia yelled into the phone, completely missing Evelyn's frozen expression.