Chapter 40: An Invitation from Ryan
Evelyn supported Director Worth, standing on the noisy street corner for a full ten minutes. The sky was heavy and dark, and a cold wind whipped fine raindrops onto them.
“Hiss...”
Director Worth let out a suppressed moan of pain beside her, and her body began to tremble uncontrollably, leaning toward Evelyn. Her recently removed cast meant her leg could not withstand the damp cold and prolonged standing.
Evelyn’s heart tightened fiercely. She held the Director's arm tightly with one hand and frantically fumbled for her phone in her pocket with the other. She had to call Ethan; she absolutely had to. She couldn't think of anyone else she could turn to for help.
Just as her fingertips touched the phone screen, an all-black sedan silently glided to a stop in front of them. The rear window slowly descended, revealing a handsome and composed profile. The man's voice was low, carrying a soothing quality.
“Why are you standing here in such cold weather?”
It was the man who had given her a black umbrella at the hospital entrance and who had helped her time and time again.
Evelyn was completely stunned, her mind blank, utterly unable to respond. She didn't even know his name yet.
Ryan did not seem to expect an answer. He pushed the car door open and stepped out with his long legs. His movements were fluid and natural, without any hesitation. He walked directly to her side, took the luggage at her feet with one hand, and carefully supported Director Worth’s other arm with the other.
“The Director just got discharged; we can't let her get wet.”
He effortlessly placed the luggage into the trunk, then retrieved a soft cashmere blanket from the car, handing it personally to Director Worth. “Please wrap up and warm yourself first.”
The warm, dry air inside the car instantly enveloped them. Evelyn helped the Director into the spacious back seat and followed her in. Ryan closed the door, shutting out the damp cold and noise of the outside world.
The car started smoothly and merged into the traffic.
“Is the heating system at the orphanage working well?” Ryan initiated the conversation. “The weather has turned cold recently; the children shouldn’t freeze.”
Director Worth was clearly surprised by his concern. She paused before answering, “It’s an old problem; the pipes are aging, and it’s hit-or-miss.”
“That won’t do,” Ryan said gently. “How about this, I’ll arrange for a professional team to inspect all the heating equipment at the orphanage free of charge. The children’s health is the most important thing.”
He arranged everything in just a few words, and his effortless manner gradually relaxed Director Worth’s strained nerves. Her guarded expression faded, replaced by genuine gratitude.
Evelyn sat silently beside them. She watched the man’s profile, listening to the gentle conversation between him and the Director. Damian could also be this attentive, but his thoughtfulness was like a meticulously rehearsed play, every action and line filled with calculation and motive. This contrast made her stomach churn once more.
The car soon arrived at the orphanage entrance. Evelyn quickly helped the Director out of the car. After settling the elderly woman, she turned and walked toward Ryan by the driver’s seat, bowing deeply. “Today... thank you so much. If it weren't for you, I truly don't know what I would have done.”
Ryan merely smiled and waved his hand. “I’m an admirer of Evelyn, this small favor is nothing.”
An admirer?
Evelyn was stunned. The word, spoken by him, made her feel a sudden, inexplicable sense of disorientation.
He seemed to see through her thoughts and didn't dwell on the issue. He took a beautifully designed, gold-embossed invitation card from the inner pocket of his well-tailored suit and handed it to Evelyn.
“As it happens, there’s a charity auction tonight, and I’m temporarily short of a female companion. If you’re free, would you consider accompanying me? Just think of it as helping me out, and a way to… ‘repay’ me.”
Evelyn looked down at the exquisite invitation card, torn between acceptance and refusal.
Director Worth must have walked over at some point; she patted Evelyn’s hand. Evelyn remembered his unhesitating help just moments ago, his concern for the Director, and then seeing the hopeful look in the Director’s eyes, the refusal stuck in her throat.
She nodded softly. “Yes.”
The moment she agreed, a practical problem instantly made her feel awkward. She looked down at her ordinary work clothes, which she had worn to care for the Director and were now stained with a bit of rain and dust.
“But... my clothes, I’m afraid they are not suitable for that kind of event,” her voice was very low, and her cheeks flushed slightly.
Ryan seemed to have anticipated this. Far from showing surprise, he smiled, pulled out his phone, and made a call.
“Send the prepared items to the orphanage gate, according to the previous measurements.”
Hanging up the phone, he met Evelyn’s confused gaze and offered reassurance, “Don’t worry, I’ve had someone prepare things, and they’ll be here soon.”
Previous measurements? How did he know her size? Evelyn’s confusion deepened.
Director Worth, watching the two of them, smiled with satisfaction. She patted Evelyn’s hand again, whispering, “Go, child, don’t turn down his kindness. It’s time you got out a bit.”
Less than ten minutes later, a white commercial van quietly pulled up to the orphanage entrance. Two staff members in professional suits stepped out of the car, one carrying an exquisite garment bag, the other holding a professional makeup kit, standing respectfully to the side.
Ryan gestured for them to move the items to his car's trunk. Then, he walked to the back door and considerately pulled all the blackout curtains, creating a temporary private space for Evelyn.
“There’s enough room in the car,” he said to Evelyn inside. “Feel free to prepare. The makeup artist is very professional and will help you create the perfect look.”
Watching everything unfold before her, Evelyn felt as if she were in a dream. She had no choice but to let go of all her worries and questions, and, under the polite guidance of the makeup artist, she began to change and get ready.
The garment bag was opened, and a champagne-colored silk gown lay quietly inside, impeccably tailored with flowing luster.
Half an hour later, when Evelyn drew back the curtain and stood outside the car again, she almost didn't recognize the person in the reflection. The champagne gown perfectly outlined her slender and graceful figure, making her skin look like porcelain in the faint light. The simple yet exquisite makeup perfectly enhanced her already beautiful features, shedding her usual plainness and fatigue, and adding a breathtaking beauty.
Ryan, who had been patiently waiting by the car, clearly showed a flash of astonishment in his deep eyes the moment he saw her. The gaze was not frivolous; it was more like pure admiration, yet it still made Evelyn’s cheeks uncontrollably heat up.
He stepped forward and opened a velvet box, revealing a lustrous pearl necklace.
“This suits you perfectly.” He personally fastened it around her neck. The cool pearls touching her warm skin sent a tiny shiver through her.
He opened the passenger door for her before walking back to the driver’s seat. The car started again, driving steadily toward the prosperous heart of the city.
“Tonight’s auction is mainly a fundraiser for children in impoverished areas,” he explained while driving. “You don’t have to feel any pressure, just treat it as a chance to watch the excitement. If there’s anything you like, you can let me know.”