Chapter 55
"Jack."
Loud music, clinking glasses, and laughter filled the background—he was clearly at a nightclub.
"Mary?" Jack's voice was lazy. "Calling at this hour—what's up?"
Marigold leaned against the window, her tone casual. "That matter I mentioned last time—how's it progressing?"
Jack paused.
"That Evelyn girl?" He chuckled, amusement in his voice. "Looks all sweet and gentle, but she's got quite the temper."
Marigold frowned. "Didn't you say you could handle any woman?"
"It's not that I can't handle her," Jack drawled. "She's just getting more interesting."
"Don't worry. I like the challenge of winning over difficult women."
Marigold was silent for a moment. "Make it quick," she said, lowering her voice. "Matthew and I are getting married soon. I don't want her affecting our wedding."
"Relax," Jack said, his tone confident. "I know what I'm doing."
After hanging up, Jack leaned back in his booth, that face floating before his eyes again. That day in the hotel corridor, she'd been so close. Her scent, the way she'd looked when she coldly told him to "conduct himself appropriately." And that kick.
Vicious, but thrilling.
Every time he thought of her, he felt an intense desire to conquer her, to see her begging beneath him. Even when he was with other women, all he could see was her face. That indifferent expression, those eyes that kept everyone at a distance, and the ruthless efficiency of that kick.
He'd lost interest in everyone else. Damn it. No one had ever haunted him like this before.
He had to have this woman.
He swirled his drink, determination flashing in his eyes. No matter what it took, he'd make her his.
Back at the courtyard, the meal was drawing to a close. Susan looked at Evelyn, hesitating before finally speaking.
"Eve," her voice was gentle but serious, "would you consider coming to work for me?"
Evelyn froze, looking at Susan.
"The Perkins boy is capable enough, but his mother has no vision. Working for him must have been difficult for you."
Evelyn's eyes suddenly grew warm. She lowered her head, looking at her teacup. Those hardships—she'd never told anyone. She was used to them, numb to them.
But now that Susan asked, all that buried grievance surged up again.
She took a deep breath, looked up, and smiled faintly. That smile was light, tinged with helplessness.
"The difficulties are nothing," she said. "He's also given me many resources and support."
Susan looked at her, something shifting in her gaze. This girl never complained, never spoke of her suffering, only remembered others' kindness.
She couldn't help patting Evelyn's hand. After a moment, she spoke again. "His wedding should be soon..."
She paused, seeming to observe Evelyn's reaction.
Evelyn hadn't expected Susan to bring this up. Her expression stiffened momentarily, but she quickly masked it and smiled.
"Yes, everyone at the company is talking about it. The Perkins and Quinn families are equally powerful," Evelyn kept her voice steady. "Their marriage is a perfect match..."
Perfect match.
The words felt strange coming from her own mouth, even causing a sharp pain in her chest. She'd thought she was immune, that hearing about his wedding wouldn't affect her anymore.
But in this moment, she realized she couldn't fool herself.
Susan caught every subtle shift in Evelyn's expression and sighed inwardly. This girl appeared unaffected, but her heart must be aching.
Knowing Evelyn's character as she did, with Matthew getting married, she shouldn't still be at the Perkins Group. Was Matthew forcing her to stay?
At this thought, Susan's eyes filled with even more sympathy. She looked at Evelyn, choosing her words carefully.
"You've made Sparkle so successful—your abilities are top-tier. You don't need to constrain yourself like this. If you ever want to leave the Perkins Group, I'll help you."
"Thank you, Mrs. Gray!" Evelyn nodded solemnly.
They chatted a while longer. Evelyn was eating fruit when Susan's phone suddenly rang. She answered, listened briefly, and her expression changed dramatically.
"What?"
Her hands began to tremble. "I'm coming right now. Right away."
Evelyn set down her fruit, looking at Susan with concern.
Susan hung up, seeming drained of all energy. She leaned back in her chair, breathing heavily.
"Mrs. Gray!" Evelyn quickly stood and supported her, helping her breathe. "Don't panic. Take slow breaths."
Logan also stood, his expression grave. "Mrs. Gray, what happened?"
Susan caught her breath, her voice shaking. "The nursing home just called... Mrs. Maple is dying. They want me to see her one last time."
Evelyn froze.
Susan gripped her hand. "Eve, I have to go. Right now."
Evelyn nodded. "Let me see you out."
At the parking lot, Logan went to get the car but quickly returned, his expression grim. "Mrs. Gray, we have a flat tire."
Susan's face went even paler.
Evelyn patted Susan's hand reassuringly, her gaze firm. "Don't worry. I'll drive you."
The car sped toward the nursing home on the city's outskirts. In the back seat, Susan leaned against the headrest, pale and silent. Logan sat beside her, gripping her hand tightly.
Evelyn glanced at them in the rearview mirror but said nothing, only drove more steadily. She thought Mrs. Maple must be very important to Mrs. Gray.
An hour later, they stopped at the nursing home entrance. Evelyn parked, rushed to open the back door, and helped Susan out. Logan brought a wheelchair, and the three hurried inside.
The corridor was long, the lighting harsh white. A caregiver waited anxiously at a door. Seeing them, she rushed over.
"Mrs. Gray, you're finally here!"
"I'll take you to Mrs. Maple right away," her eyes were red, "the doctor says she... doesn't have much time left."
Susan swayed. Evelyn steadied her.
"Mrs. Gray..."
Susan said nothing. She stared at the door as if afraid to enter, her eyes slowly reddening. Evelyn's heart ached. She knelt down and took Susan's hands.
They were cold and trembling slightly.