Chapter 43
Susan looked at her, eyes sparkling as she nodded. "Sounds good. Let's eat together."
Evelyn helped her stand, slowly guiding her inside. Matthew followed behind, his expression somewhat stiff.
The four of them took their seats. Evelyn picked up the menu, scanned it quickly, then rattled off a string of dishes to the server. Crab roe pies, grilled eel, shrimp and cheese soup, and a Seaside City specialty seafood pizza.
The server finished writing and glanced at her. "Miss, are you from Seaside City?"
Evelyn smiled. "Grew up here."
Susan froze when she heard 'Seaside City.' The pause was brief, but Evelyn caught it.
"Mrs. Gray?" she asked.
The old lady snapped back, shaking her head, a hint of regret in her eyes. "It's nothing. Just reminded me of an old friend." She didn't continue, and Evelyn didn't press.
The food arrived quickly. Evelyn smiled encouragingly. "Try some. The chef here is really good."
Susan took a bite and nodded. "Not bad. You order well."
Evelyn smiled and ladled her a bowl of soup. "Have some more."
Susan looked at her, amusement in her eyes. "You're quite the caretaker, aren't you?"
Evelyn smiled. "I'm used to looking after my grandma and mom."
Susan's gaze shifted, the affection in her eyes deepening.
The meal was lively. Evelyn and Susan chatted about everything—from how to properly eat Seaside City cuisine to the local customs, from health and wellness to jewelry design. When Susan mentioned a green gemstone ring in her collection, Evelyn casually offered some commentary, speaking knowledgeably.
The old lady's eyes lit up.
"You know jewelry too?"
"I've read some books, been to a few auctions." Evelyn said. "Wouldn't say I'm an expert, just interested."
Susan looked even more delighted.
As they talked, the conversation somehow shifted to work. "What do you do at the Perkins Group, dear?" Susan asked.
"AI projects. The Sparkle one."
Susan paused. "Sparkle?" She set down her utensils. "That drone project—you did that?"
Evelyn smiled. "Just led the team. It was a group effort."
Susan looked at her with growing appreciation. "I've been following that project. The technical complexity is impressive, the approach innovative." She paused. "I didn't expect it was you behind it."
Evelyn said nothing.
Matthew sat beside them, not saying a word. He watched Evelyn handle the conversation with Susan effortlessly, taking care of her so attentively. She knew so much more than he'd ever realized. This person—he'd never really known her at all.
Susan suddenly spoke. "Honestly, dear, I'm a little jealous of Matthew."
Matthew looked up.
"I could use someone as thoughtful and clever as you as my assistant." Susan turned to Matthew. "Such a talented person—it's a waste having her just be your assistant."
Matthew's expression darkened.
Susan turned to Evelyn with a smile. "What do you say, dear? If you get tired of the Perkins Group, want to come work for me?"
Before Evelyn could respond, Matthew's voice cut in. "No."
Cold and hard as stone.
Susan raised an eyebrow. "What, can't bear to let her go?"
Matthew looked at her, his gaze heavy. "Ellen tried to recruit her before too. I turned her down. Even you won't work."
Susan paused. Ellen from Atlantis International, that old stickler who was notoriously picky about younger talent—even he'd tried to recruit this girl? Her gaze at Evelyn deepened further.
Matthew looked at Evelyn, his eyes carrying a blatant threat. Go ahead and try saying yes.
Evelyn felt uncomfortable under Matthew's stare. "I'm good at the Perkins Group."
Susan sighed. "Shame."
Evelyn smiled.
After the meal finished, Evelyn went to the restroom. The lighting was bright. She stood in front of the mirror, looking at herself. The handprint on her face hadn't completely faded—still red, somewhat glaring.
She turned on the faucet and splashed cold water on her face. Just as she finished, her stomach suddenly churned. She gripped the sink, bending over to dry heave a few times. Nothing came up, just discomfort.
She took several deep breaths, waiting for the feeling to pass before slowly straightening up.
After touching up her makeup, she pushed open the door. In the hallway, someone stood there.
Kevin.
He saw her and froze, his expression immediately changing. "Evelyn? What happened to your face?" He stared at the faint red mark on her face, his brow furrowing. "Did Matthew hit you?"
Evelyn didn't answer, moving to step around him.
He blocked her path. "I'm asking you a question."
"None of your business." Evelyn said. "Move."
Kevin didn't budge.
Just then, an elderly voice came from behind. "Kev."
Kevin turned and froze. Susan stood not far away, Logan supporting her.
"Let her go."
Kevin released his grip. "Mrs. Gray." His tone grew more respectful. "You're back in the country?"
Susan nodded, frowning. "What are you blocking Evelyn for?"
Kevin glanced between her and Evelyn. "I... was just concerned about her."
Susan laughed, her eyes full of disdain. "You? Concerned?"
Kevin looked helpless. His reputation wasn't exactly stellar.
He looked at Evelyn, wanting to say something, but she'd already circled past him to Susan's side. "Mrs. Gray, let me walk you out."
Susan patted her hand. "All right."
Kevin stood there, watching them leave.
Behind him, Matthew emerged from the restaurant, catching the scene. His expression darkened. "Kevin, what are you doing?"
Kevin turned, spreading his hands. "Nothing. Just ran into her, said hello."
Matthew ignored him, striding quickly toward Evelyn. "Evelyn, let's go."
Evelyn nodded, saying to Susan, "Take care."
Susan waved her hand. "Go on."
Matthew pulled Evelyn away.
Kevin stood there, watching their retreating figures, rubbing his temples. Given Matthew's attitude, that handprint probably wasn't from him. Most likely his mother. His chest tightened, worry for Evelyn creeping in.
The car was quiet.
Evelyn spoke first. "Just have the driver drop me at my apartment. You should be heading back to the estate tonight, right?"
Matthew said nothing, his lips pressed tight. After a few seconds of silence, he suddenly spoke. "Susan's offer—were you tempted?"
Evelyn paused. "What?"
"I'm asking you." He turned to look at her, his gaze heavy. "Are you considering leaving?" His voice turned cold. "You've really got nerve. Even Kevin's so concerned about you."
Evelyn gave a mocking laugh, tinged with exhaustion.
"Matthew." She said. "With your threats hanging over me, would I dare?"