Chapter 478

Beatrice Merouin's gaze lingered on Evelyn Langley for a fleeting moment.

She remembered this girl. Their previous chance encounters had inexplicably unsettled her. That flawlessly beautiful face always dredged up unpleasant memories.

Evelyn walked past without sparing her a glance.

As they brushed shoulders, Beatrice caught a faint whiff of jasmine. She instinctively frowned and quickened her pace.

"Evelyn, come see the dress I picked!" Victoria Langley's voice carried from nearby.

Evelyn hurried over. "You've already decided? I didn't even see you try it on."

Victoria winked mysteriously. "I'll show you at home. Just helped an aunt pick clothes for her son. She mentioned he's been watching Seven-Day Tales..."

Meanwhile, in the lab, Adrian Klein sneezed three times in rapid succession.

Vincent Macmillan immediately leaned in. "Someone must be thinking about you, eh?"

Adrian shot him an icy glare. "Seems you have too much free time."

Vincent's back stiffened.

"You're attending tomorrow's academic symposium at the Grand Bliss Hotel."

"No way!" Vincent groaned.

Natalie Blanchet smirked nearby. "Serves you right for running your mouth."

......

At six in the evening, the mall lights flickered on.

As Victoria and Evelyn debated dinner options, Simon Croix called.

"I've reserved a restaurant on the lower level. Come straight down."

Victoria hesitated. "We couldn't possibly—"

"Don't be polite," Simon chuckled warmly. "You came all the way to the capital for your book signing. As your host, dinner is the least I can do."

He'd chosen a fusion restaurant blending local flavors with broader appeal. Their private booth offered panoramic views of the antique street through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Simon meticulously accommodated everyone's preferences when ordering, even remembering Evelyn's dietary restrictions.

Throughout dinner, Victoria and Simon chatted animatedly about signing details and new book concepts. Evelyn noticed a long-absent sparkle in her mother's eyes.

This was a far cry from the irritable woman who used to snap at editors over the phone.

On their way to the restroom, Victoria suddenly mused, "We should thank the friend who introduced you to Editor Simon. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Evelyn nodded quietly. "I'll arrange it."

......

The next morning, a long queue already snaked through the book signing venue.