Chapter 54
"Let me drive you there?" Matthew stood before her, his voice tentative. "I'll help you pick out a gift for Mrs. Gray along the way. And buy you something too."
He paused. "Consider it... my way of making it up to you."
Those last words came out hesitantly.
Evelyn kept her head down, organizing her bag without looking at him. "No need," she said. "I'll drive myself."
Matthew's brow furrowed. "Are you still angry?" He took a few steps closer. "She's my mother. I can't handle her the way I would anyone else."
Even as he said it, the words felt weak. His frown deepened.
Evelyn finally looked up at him. Her gaze was calm, unreadable.
"Matthew," she said, "I'm not angry. But I didn't do anything wrong, and someone still came to accuse me. If I made you skip work to accompany me, what would that lead to?"
Matthew's expression tightened. "I promise it won't happen again."
"I'm not blaming you," Evelyn interrupted. "I'm used to it. Go handle your work."
She opened her laptop and began working. Matthew watched her for a long moment.
Her lashes were lowered, hiding any emotion. Her fingers moved steadily across the keyboard, as if telling him she truly didn't care.
He turned and quietly returned to his own office.
After Matthew left, Evelyn exhaled softly. She knew it wasn't his fault, but she couldn't pretend everything was fine and greet him with smiles either.
Maybe this distance was for the best.
That afternoon, Evelyn gathered her things and left the office early. Matthew had been listening for any sound from her direction. Hearing her movement, he quickly followed.
He caught up and reached for her hand. She sidestepped, avoiding him. His hand hung in the air for a second before he withdrew it.
"Eve, you really don't need me to drive you?"
She waved him off and walked straight into the elevator.
Matthew stood there watching the elevator doors close, a heavy feeling in his chest. When would they return to how things were before? Not the relationship between benefactor and mistress, but when she'd smile at him, when she'd note down every detail about him in her journal.
She used to care so much about him. And now? He didn't know.
The hallway was empty except for Matthew's somewhat labored breathing.
Evelyn didn't rush to the address Susan had given her. She first stopped to buy pastries and fruit before driving to the location.
Her car stopped at the entrance to an alley in an old district. Evelyn got out and stared at the narrow lane, somewhat dazed.
In an international metropolis like City A, alleys like this were rare—as if forgotten by time itself. Few pedestrians walked these streets.
Following the address, she found a small courtyard. A wooden sign hung by the door, carved with the words "Lee's Kitchen."
Pushing through the door, she entered a small restaurant. The tables and chairs weren't new, but everything was spotlessly clean.
Behind the register stood a kindly-looking old man with white hair and reading glasses, absorbed in a newspaper. Hearing the door, he looked up.
"Miss Arden?" He stood with a smile. "Mrs. Gray is waiting for you in the private room. Let me take you there."
Evelyn nodded and followed him through the courtyard to a pavilion at the back. He pushed open the door to reveal Susan sitting by the window, drinking tea. Her eyes lit up when she saw Evelyn.
"Eve, you're here!"
Evelyn smiled and approached. "Mrs. Gray, I brought you some of City A's specialty pastries."
She set the bag on the table. Susan glanced at it and smiled. "You sweet girl—you didn't need to bring anything."
She gestured to Logan beside her. He came forward carrying an elegant velvet box and presented it to Evelyn.
"Go on, open it," Susan said with a smile. "It's a gift from me. I hope you like it."
Evelyn hesitated before accepting the box. Inside was a pearl jewelry set—understated yet elegant. Against the black velvet, each pearl was perfectly round and lustrous, clearly expensive.
Evelyn looked at Susan, her voice urgent. "Mrs. Gray, this is too valuable. I can't accept it."
Susan's expression turned stern. "I picked this out especially for you. If you don't take it, you're rejecting my goodwill."
Evelyn looked at her. "But—"
"I'll be upset if you refuse," Susan interrupted, her eyes twinkling playfully. "At my age, getting upset isn't good for my health. In all these years, you're the only young person I've taken to immediately. You deserve this."
Evelyn's eyes grew warm. She lowered her head to look at the jewelry, unsure what to say.
Susan patted her hand. "Eve, we women need to feel worthy. You deserve the best. Stop thinking you don't."
Her voice was gentle yet firm.
Evelyn looked up at her. Those eyes, seasoned by time, held a reassuring strength.
"Alright," Evelyn smiled. "I'll accept it."
Susan beamed. "That's better."
The door opened and a shy young man brought in the dishes, smiled at Susan, then quietly withdrew.
Chicken rolls, homemade grilled fish, vegetable salad, and a steaming bowl of chicken soup. All simple home-cooked dishes, not elaborately plated, but the aroma was mouthwatering.
"Lee is an old friend of mine from decades back," Susan said. "The ingredients are all from their own garden—very fresh. Eve, try it and see if you like it."
Evelyn tasted the salad. It was crisp and sweet with a natural freshness. Her eyes brightened immediately. "Delicious!"
Susan smiled contentedly. "Have as much as you like."
The three of them ate and chatted. Evelyn talked about her hometown in Seaside City and her grandmother's cooking. Susan listened, asking occasional questions, her gaze warm.
Sunlight streamed through the window, falling across the table. Evelyn suddenly realized she hadn't felt this relaxed in a very long time.
Meanwhile, at the Quinn Estate, Marigold sat on the sofa, phone in hand, staring at a photo on the screen.
Evelyn and Susan were laughing together, Susan's gaze absurdly tender.
Marigold scrolled through the photos the private investigator had sent over the past few days. Susan was always distant and aloof, never smiling this openly.
She stared at that face, suddenly remembering something. At the auction, in the hallway, Susan had been on the phone and mentioned a name—Miss Arden.
It was Evelyn?
Marigold's fingers slowly clenched. When had Evelyn connected with Susan? And why her?
Everyone she valued seemed to favor Evelyn!
Marigold stood and walked to the window. Outside was a beautiful landscaped garden, but she saw none of it. She picked up her phone and dialed a number.