Chapter 146

The phone buzzed on Evelyn's desk, Leonard Grant's name flashing across the screen. She exhaled sharply before answering. "Join Nathan for dinner tonight," he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. Though irritation prickled beneath her skin, she agreed. She knew Leonard too well—if she refused now, he’d only orchestrate another "coincidental" meeting later. Better to get it over with.

Just as she was packing up for the day, her phone rang again. This time, it was Cassandra Blake.

"Evelyn! Let’s grab dinner tonight," Cassandra chirped, her voice bright with enthusiasm.

"Sorry, I already have plans," Evelyn replied evenly.

Cassandra’s curiosity was immediate. "Plans? With who?"

Evelyn’s fingers tightened around her phone. "Someone you wouldn’t know," she said, her voice cool.

A beat of silence. Then, a hasty apology. "Oh—sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. It just slipped out."

"It’s fine," Evelyn said, though her tone suggested otherwise.

Cassandra hesitated before pushing forward. "Well… what about after dinner? We could hit up the Velvet Lounge?"

"Busy then too," Evelyn declined, her politeness edged with finality.

The line went quiet, the silence stretching uncomfortably. Evelyn almost thought the call had dropped until Cassandra’s voice came through, softer now, tinged with uncertainty. "Evelyn… do you not like me?"

Evelyn pinched the bridge of her nose. She hated being put on the spot like this. "You’re overthinking it," she murmured, though the words felt hollow.

Another pause. Then, tentatively: "Then… tomorrow night?"

Evelyn hesitated. Cassandra’s next words rushed out, laced with vulnerability. "Look, I don’t have many people I can really talk to. Even though we haven’t known each other long, I like you. I’d love if we could be friends. But if I’m bothering you—just say so, and I’ll back off."

Evelyn sighed. She didn’t dislike Cassandra, but their worlds barely overlapped. Still, there was no harm in one dinner. "Alright," she relented. "Tomorrow works."

Cassandra’s voice brightened instantly. "Really? That’s—that’s great! So you don’t think I’m annoying?" Before Evelyn could respond, she barreled on. "Perfect! See you tomorrow!"

"Mm," Evelyn hummed, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite herself.

The restaurant Leonard had chosen was upscale, the kind with dim lighting and waiters who moved like shadows. A private room, of course. When Evelyn stepped inside, Nathan was already there, lounging in his chair like he owned the place.

"Order whatever you want," he said, barely glancing up.

Evelyn arched a brow. "How generous."

Nathan’s lips quirked. "I try."

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.