Chapter 310

Evelyn's hands froze mid-air as she caught her own reflection in the vanity mirror. She exhaled sharply, forcing the unwelcome thoughts away. Enough.

With the divorce proceedings looming over her, obsessing over Nathan's behavior was a waste of energy.

Finishing her nighttime routine with brisk efficiency, she slid beneath the silk sheets, shutting her eyes against the whirlwind of emotions.

The following afternoon, Evelyn's phone buzzed during her lunch break. Julian Hawthorne's name flashed across the screen. Her pulse hitched as she accepted the call.

"Mr. Hawthorne."

"Dr. Hartley," Julian's smooth baritone resonated through the receiver, "Clara and I would be honored if you'd join us for dinner tonight. We'd like to properly thank you."

Evelyn's response was immediate. "That's unnecessary. Saving your aunt was simply part of my job."

Julian's voice warmed but remained insistent. "To us, it was everything. Please don't decline."

She hesitated. "I appreciate the gesture, but I already have plans tonight."

It wasn't a lie—Leonard had invited her grandmother to the Black family estate for dinner.

"Tomorrow evening, then?" Julian pressed.

"That works," Evelyn conceded.

"Perfect. I'll make reservations and send you the details."

After ending the call, Julian twirled his phone between his fingers, a smirk playing on his lips. Last night's events had intrigued him. He'd witnessed every detail—from Daphne deliberately bumping into Evelyn and slipping a necklace into her purse, to Evelyn covertly returning it to Daphne's clutch.

He'd been ready to intervene when the "stolen" necklace was discovered, but Evelyn had outmaneuvered Daphne effortlessly. Not just clever—ruthlessly strategic.

Julian's smirk deepened. Dr. Hartley was far more fascinating than he'd anticipated.

Meanwhile, Evelyn dialed Eleanor's number. When her grandmother answered, Evelyn kept her tone measured. "Grandmother, Leonard has invited you to dinner tonight at the Black residence. He's been quite persistent. Will you go?"

A weighted pause. Then Eleanor sighed. "I've refused twice already. Very well—tell him I'll attend."

Her prior refusals hadn't been out of pride. With Evelyn's divorce from Nathan underway, maintaining ties to the Black family seemed pointless. But Leonard's unwavering invitations had worn down her resolve.

"I'll inform him," Evelyn replied.