Chapter 55

The viral restaurant buzzed with chatter, every table occupied.

Waiters weaved through the crowd with trays, barely pausing for breath.

Vivian Dempsey pulled Evelyn Carter into an empty seat, her expression darkening. "What rotten luck. Can't even enjoy a meal without running into trash."

Gregory Wilson settled across from them, his gaze thoughtful. "You know Annabelle?"

"'Annabelle'?" Vivian scoffed. "Fitting name for a snake."

Gregory slid menus toward them. "See what you'd like."

Vivian snatched one up. "I'll order. I've studied their signature dishes."

"And you, Dr. Carter?" Gregory's eyes shifted to Evelyn.

She shook her head slightly. "Anything's fine."

"Any dietary restrictions?"

"None. I'm not picky."

Gregory adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, lips quirking. "Rare to meet someone so easygoing these days. Heard some women dump men for ordering the wrong entrée."

Evelyn chuckled. "Speaking from experience?"

"Friends' complaints." He lifted his teacup. "But I believe it's not about the food—it's whether the other person cares."

She nodded. "Exactly. Women don't crave luxury. Just sincerity."

"Noted." Approval flickered in his eyes.

Vivian suddenly sneered. "Too bad some assume everyone's as money-hungry as they are." She jerked her chin toward the entrance. "Case in point."

Evelyn remained composed. "People see others through the lens of their own heart."

"Damn right!" Vivian slapped the menu shut. "This isn't her private club. We belong here too."

Evelyn changed the subject. "Decided what to order?"

"Done via app." Vivian turned abruptly to Gregory. "Greg, you know that Annabelle Taylor?"

His gaze lingered on Evelyn. "Pardon?"

"Not my Evelyn," Vivian clarified, lip curling. "The pregnant princess swanning around outside."

"What a coincidence."

As Vivian opened her mouth, Evelyn gently nudged her under the table.

"...So you only knew her by her English name?" Vivian amended quickly.

Gregory sipped his tea. "We crossed paths in London. A case—I was the victim's physician. She defended the accused."

"A murder?" Vivian's eyes widened.

"Husband cheated, refused to split assets, so..." He left it hanging.

Vivian slammed the table. "And she took that monster's side?"

"Just doing her job." His tone was neutral. "The courts decide right and wrong."

"Did they convict?"