Chapter 302

The Celestial Club glittered under the city lights, an exclusive playground for the elite. Evelyn Sinclair had just wrapped up her meeting with Bennett and headed straight for the club's gilded doors.

A host in a tailored suit escorted her to the Platinum Suite.

Inside, the private celebration hosted by Isabella Montgomery and Natalie Beaumont was in full swing. Familiar faces mingled with rising stars from the entertainment industry—most of them male. Even Julian Moreau and Adrian Prescott were there.

The moment Evelyn entered, the room erupted in greetings.

She smiled, taking in the lively atmosphere. Isabella pulled her aside, whispering excitedly, "Consider this a buffet of the finest men in the city. Handpicked just for you. Don't hold back—take whoever catches your eye."

Evelyn stiffened, giving her friend a skeptical look.

"What's the occasion? You just got back from that hellish expedition!"

"Exactly!" Isabella grinned. "You've seen enough horrors. Now it's time to feast your eyes on something beautiful."

Evelyn exhaled, amused. The gesture was excessive, but she appreciated the thought.

"Thank you," she chuckled.

"We knew you'd love it!" Natalie chimed in.

Evelyn shook her head. What kind of friends did she have?

Her phone buzzed—Adrian Blackwood, asking for her location. After a brief hesitation, she sent him the address.

"Mind if someone joins us later?" she asked.

Isabella waved a dismissive hand. "As long as it's a man, bring as many as you want!"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. She should've known better.

The room buzzed with laughter, clinking glasses, and playful banter. Models and actors loosened up, trading jokes and singing off-key.

Within twenty minutes, Adrian arrived, his usual confidence replaced by visible distress. He made a beeline for Evelyn.

"Eve, I need your help." His voice was rough with frustration.

She arched a brow. "What's wrong?"

Adrian clenched his jaw. "Nathan bankrupted my studio. I'm drowning in debt. He wants me under his thumb, working for him like some corporate drone."

Evelyn studied him—the disheveled hair, the shadows under his eyes. This wasn't the fearless adventurer she knew.

She took a slow sip of wine, then reached into her purse. "Will $100 million cover it?"

Adrian froze. The card she held out was the same one Nathan had given her for the von Strauss painting.

His stunned silence made her smile. Warm. Uncomplicated. "Didn't I tell you? Money's never been an issue for me."

She pressed the card into his hand. "If this is your dream, I'll support it."

Adrian stared at her, speechless. He'd come expecting her to mediate, to soften Nathan's stance—not this.

His throat tightened. "Eve, you're—"

"Don't." She raised a hand. "We're friends. This is nothing."

A slow grin spread across his face as he pocketed the card. "I never thought I'd meet a woman who gets me like this." He leaned in, voice dropping. "From now on, my heart—and everything else—is yours."

Evelyn laughed, pushing him away. "Not necessary."