Chapter 358

Margaret Evans stared blankly at the crystal chandelier overhead, her fingers absently tracing the sofa armrest.

"If only I'd accepted Evelyn Langley back then..."

She murmured the words so softly they were almost inaudible.

Isabella Evans paused mid-peel beside her, the knife's blade making faint scratching sounds against the apple skin.

"Tell me about it."

Had she not objected, she might be holding a grandchild by now instead of worrying about graduate school quotas.

But there were no second chances in life.

......

At the bistro, Sophia Laurent stood abruptly after hanging up her phone.

"My treat."

She slapped her black card on the table and arched a brow at Evelyn.

"Try paying and I'll make you regret it."

With that, she grabbed her purse and strode out, heels clicking decisively.

Thirty minutes later, a blue sports car pulled up outside BlueMaple Entertainment.

A tall young man jogged over and smoothly opened the passenger door.

"Babe!"

Dominic Alpinus slid into the seat, eyes sparkling.

The breakout star of recent mini-dramas had delicate features and luminous fair skin.

"What's wrong?"

Sophia brushed sweat from his temple.

"My agent wants me at this dinner..." Dominic bit his lower lip. "I'm scared."

His red-rimmed eyes made him resemble a frightened rabbit.

Sophia was powerless against that look.

"I'll go with you."

She pinched the young actor's cheek.

"Really?" Tears spilled over even as he brightened. "You're the best, Vi."

......

The neon lights of Leisurely Club blazed conspicuously in the night.

Sophia narrowed her eyes.

She'd heard of this place—an infamous "hunting ground" in their circles.

"You're sure about this location?"

"Brother Wang said the investors chose it." Dominic whispered. "There's a supporting role in an S-tier project..."

The moment the private room door opened, Sophia froze.

Every face was familiar.

Dylan Lowell choked on his drink.

"Holy—" He elbowed Julian Roscente. "Why's your girlfriend here with some actor?"

Julian set down his chopsticks with icy precision.

His gaze turned glacial as it landed on Dominic's hand resting on Sophia's shoulder.

The temperature in the room plummeted.