Chapter 42: A new friend

The next day, Evelina had to rush through her morning routine. She had a shooting scheduled for today and needed to arrive promptly.

She cooked as fast as she could and soon, her family was at the table about to eat. The way Susan and James cooed Evelina all because of the favors was relentless this morning.

Susan seemed to recall all the past memories as she began to mumble on to get Evelina to talk.

Pancakes!" Susan proclaimed as Evelin served. "Just like those lazy Sunday mornings when you were five, with braids stuck to your face and syrup on your nose."

Madeline snorted. "Sundays with limp toast and burnt coffee. Don't romanticize it, Mom."

James chuckled. “Remember that time Evelina accidentally dyed her hair green with the Easter egg kit? Looked like a swamp monster, she did!"

Now, that rang a bell.

Evelina forced a smile, recalling the humiliation that still burned in her cheeks. "Vaguely."

Just as she had spoken, the much-prepared question came. “Still no sign of the billionaire’s gift.” James sighed. “I’m sure he's bringing a car this time!”

“Your father called him Mr. Moneybags, darling," Susan chirped. "He probably got caught up in some high-powered CEO stuff. Your gift will come!”

Madeline scoffed. "Merging with another woman's lips, more likely. I’d bet my pinky on it that he's busy with another woman instead. Our poor Evelina. She’ll get her heart broken.”

Evelina gnashed her teeth, suppressing the urge to lash out at these people once more. Thankfully, a sharp rap at the door jolted everyone. Madeline rolled her eyes, scoffing, "Of course it's Jordan, back for another round of groveling."

Susan shot up, a giddy smile plastered on her face. "I hope he brought more treats this time! Madeline deserves the spoils of a devoted suitor."

She practically skipped to the door, flinging it open. Madeline was right – it was Jordan.

“Hello, Susan!”

He stood on the threshold, his grin wider than usual, and his arms overflowing with even more extravagant gifts than before. James scampered up immediately and rushed to join his wife by the door.

“Hi, James!”

“Why don't you come in?” James ushered the Jordan who looked like he had more than he could carry with him.

Susan already made to help him out with his burdens. They unloaded his offerings on the table. Evelina watched as she was short of words.

When Jordan beamed and waved at her, “Hey, Evelina!”

“Hi.” She forced a reply.

“Heard you have a rich admirer.”

“No comments, Jordan.”

Susan waved her off dismissively. “Never mind Evelina, Jordan. You are here again for Madeline, aren't you?”

“Isn't that much obvious, Mum?” Madeline, feeling like a goddess scorned at Susan.

Jordan turned to her with a pleading look. “Oh, my dear Madeline!” He fell on his knees.

Nah. This wasn't the usual Jordan she knew, Evelina thought. Even if she didn't know much of him, she knew this was just too much. Why did it seem like he was desperate to get Madeline back?

Heck. It didn't seem – he definitely was desperate to get her back for a reason and her parents and even Madeline herself were not seeing it.

“What do you want?” Madeline spat at him like her interest wasn't already bought.

Jordan crawled to her and took her legs, bowing at her. “Your forgiveness, Madeline. Forgive me!”

“Come on, Madeline. The boy says he’s sorry.”

“Just forgive him already!” Susan and James chirped from behind.

“Hmph!” Madeline scoffed before she turned to Jordan. “Okay, okay, fine, fine!" She huffed, feigning annoyance. "But only if you promise to follow me around like a love-sick Chihuahua for the next week."

Jordan stood up and rushed to pick up a gift from the table. “Deal!" he exclaimed, practically tripping over his own feet in his haste to reach her. He held out a small velvet box. "First up, a peace offering."

Madeline raised an eyebrow. "Peace offering, huh? What's in it?"

“Check it, check it, I brought more!” Jordan quipped hurrying to the rest of his gifts.

Madeline stood up from her seat, hands on her hips. “Bring them along.” She began to waltz toward her room while Jordan scurried to join her, fumbling with the gifts.

And like that, Jordan had managed to squeeze himself back into Madeline’s life after a series of gifts. How pathetic; Evelina thought.

“Jordan is such a good boy!” Susan clapped.

James enveloped his wife in an embrace. “He loves our Madeline so much!”

“Only the billionaire is left, darling!" Susan turned to Evelina. “He needs to bring us something like — a car?”

Evelina grimaced. She just couldn't take it all any longer. “He's already given me more than enough," she muttered, standing up. “Don't think like you, Dad and Mum, money can buy everyone."

Don't be a brat, Evelina!" Susan's voice sharpened. "Mind your language when talking about your benefactor!"

She didn't even mind that Evelina had spoken to her without respect. Her mother was unbelievable; Evelina thought.

Before she could retort, a shrill chime cut through the air. It was the door.

James squealed like a prepubescent fanboy. "It is here! The billionaire’s gift is here!"

That made Evelina pause. Her curiosity as to whether something else had been brought for her won over her irritation. After all that money yesterday?

As Susan opened the door, a primly dressed maid stood behind it with a polite smile. Her hands were buried inside her apron.

“Hi. My boss sent me here.” She said and Evelina’s heart skipped a beat.

James searched around her, not bothering to hide his disappointment at her empty hand. “To give us what?”

“An invitation for everyone in this household.” She held out an envelope and handed it to Susan. “Bye.”

Susan was confused but she managed a big smile. “Bye, pretty girl!”

Once the door clicked shut, Susan and James scurried to the table once again. “Open it! Open it!”

James tore off the envelope to reveal five fancy invitation cards. “Now, look at those!” He rubbed his palms together.

“Who is the fifth one for though?” Susan pointed out.

James shrugged. “I don't know. We’ll just give it to Jordan.”

He read the content of the invitation card. It was a house launch party happening at the billionaire’s mansion and he had invited them. Someone, that left Evelina hopeful. Maybe she’ll finally get to see his face.

.

.

Evelina took the time to dress up and appear presentable. She had no idea why she didn't want to appear like she was someone who didn't know what she was doing around Juliana Starkwood.

She picked one of her new clothes, dressed her hair well, and left the house. “I'm off to work!” She announced.

When she arrived at A&A fashion house, Juliana Starkwood was nowhere around. Evelina, limbs buzzing from hours of holding poses under the studio lights, finally heard the director's welcome "That's a wrap!"

A wave of relief washed over her as she unclipped the earrings and slunk out of the shimmering gown. Reaching the hallway, she was about to take a detour towards the changing rooms when a familiar voice echoed down the corridor.

“Ah, Evelina. Just the person I wanted to see."

To herself, Evelina thought that this was also the person she had wanted to see. However, she wondered if she could ever match the woman’s poise.

The truth was that she felt inferior around Juliana.

“Ms. Starkwood," Evelina greeted, attempting a smile that hopefully didn't betray her racing heartbeat. "I almost thought I wouldn't see you today.”

Juliana's lips twitched in what could have been a smile, or maybe a smirk. "Indeed. Have lunch yet?”

“No, Ma’am,” Evelina answered, wondering why she had asked.

“I — I'd be honored," Evelina stammered, trying to sound composed.

Juliana nodded curtly, her gaze unwavering.

“I think you have to change. I also need to have a word with the team. Meet me at La Petite Fleur in thirty minutes. Wear something comfortable, and bring your appetite."

Evelina nodded. “See you in a few, Ms. Juliana.”

The latter smiled and left, leaving Evelina to wonder if she had any purpose particularly picking up interest in her.

.

Thirty-five minutes later, Evelina was sitting across from Juliana Starkwood in the bistro. After their order had been starved.

“You look nervous, Evelina.” Juliana pointed out.

An embarrassed blush crept on Evelina’s face. Even if she was embarrassed, she wouldn't want this woman to see it. She tried to brush it aside.

“Oh, I'm just not used to having lunch with a fellow woman.” She mustered up a smile.

Juliana looked up at her. “Do you mean you have no friends?”

“Yes, I don't, Ms. Juliana.”

With a wink, “Well, that makes two of us.” Juliana confessed.

Evelina found it hard to believe that a wealthy and famous person like Juliana Starkwood wouldn't have friends.

“But why, Ms. Juliana? You are very likable.” She said.

“Are you confessing to liking me?”

Evelina laughed, short of what to say. Juliana waved it off. “Kidding but you see, I really don't have friends. Although, I am making a new one and we are getting kind of close.”

“That's beautiful to hear!” Evelina’s face lit up. “She must be lucky to have you as a friend. You are very nice to me despite the social difference between us.”

“Hm. It's a he, actually.” Juliana corrected, stuffing plantain in her mouth.

Evelina raised a brow. “Oh, that is lovely too.”

She cringed when Juliana said her next words. “Yes. It's Davis Montgomery.”