Chapter 221

The phone screen lit up. Evelyn's fingers danced across the keyboard.

Sophia leaned in with a gleam of mischief in her eyes. "Evelyn, something's off with you. How many times is this now? Are you secretly seeing someone?"

Evelyn quickly locked the screen, her expression calm. "Just a client."

"Please. Who are you kidding?" Sophia rolled her eyes. "There's a new hot pot place opening tonight. Wanna go?"

"Sure."

After work, they stepped into the restaurant, the air thick with the spicy aroma of Sichuan peppercorns. The crimson broth bubbled violently as Sophia dipped a slice of tripe into the pot.

"So," Sophia began casually, "Ethan went all the way to Qingcheng to save you. How are you planning to thank him?"

Evelyn's chopsticks paused mid-air.

"A man like him lacks nothing."

"Except you." Sophia blinked. "Let's be real—he's still into you. When he heard you were in danger, his face went pale."

Evelyn stirred her dipping sauce, watching the chili oil swirl.

"Do you think... I should give him another chance?"

Sophia set her chopsticks down and met her gaze. "Honestly? As long as Isabella exists, there'll never be peace between you two. But..." She hesitated. "A man who'd risk his life for you? You might never find that again."

Evelyn rotated her glass, droplets sliding down the sides.

Through the steam, Sophia changed the subject to Alexander.

"He's been sending flowers to the office every day. So annoying."

"That fast? Already moved on?" Evelyn arched a brow.

Sophia scoffed. "Lily's too busy clinging to that film tycoon's son to care." She plucked a slice of beef from the pot. "Men. They only appreciate what they've lost."

The rising heat blurred Evelyn's vision. Memories surfaced—the stormy night in Qingcheng, Ethan kicking down the warehouse door, rain dripping from his jaw onto her face.

Outside the restaurant, a familiar Maybach idled by the curb.

"Sophia, go ahead without me," Evelyn said suddenly.

Once alone, she opened the car door. Ethan closed his file, the crisp white cuff of his shirt peeking out.

"Let me drive you."

Evelyn took a deep breath. "We need to talk."

The interior fell silent, their breaths audible. Ethan turned, his gaze piercing.

"Made up your mind?"

"Yeah." Her fingers tightened around her bag strap. "Let's end this."