Chapter 221

Evelyn's fingers trembled violently against her teacup.

"You! You—"

Her vision blurred as blood drained from her face, leaving her pale as chalk.

"I happened to be at St. Elizabeth Medical Center that day," Evelyn stated icily, watching Zoe's panic unfold. "If you're foolish enough to blackmail me, you'd better be prepared to face the consequences when Dominic casts you aside!"

The waiter arrived just then with their order.

Evelyn calmly stirred her tea, the silver spoon clinking against fine china.

"I never imagined you'd be this cunning, Evelyn Thorne!"

Zoe's triumphant smirk had vanished, replaced by sheer desperation.

"Truce! Let's forget this ever happened!" Zoe hissed. "Your secret stays with me if mine stays with you!"

"Wasn't it you who came here boasting?" Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "One scrap of information and you strutted in here like some medical genius. With that arrogance, you'll never cure Sophia—not in ten years, not ever."

"Don't you dare question my credentials!" Zoe's nails dug into the tablecloth. "Professor Whitmore always said business-minded traitors like you were the worst kind!"

Evelyn took a slow sip of her iced tea.

The citrus tang grounded her.

"Aren't you the least bit curious about Sophia's real surgeon?" Evelyn's gaze turned glacial. "Did you truly believe your pathetic lie would hold forever?"

"Of course I've investigated!" Zoe snapped. "You're withholding information because you're jealous of my relationship with Dominic—"

"Spare me the theatrics." Evelyn's laugh was razor-sharp. "If I wanted Dominic back, one phone call would end your little romance."

"How dare you—"

"Unpleasant, isn't it?" Evelyn cut her off. "Being threatened? Remember this feeling next time you consider blackmail."

She delicately sliced into her lemon tart before continuing, "The surgeon was a middle-aged man. Stocky build, military haircut, about five-seven..."

Zoe's breath hitched.

"Why help me now?"

"Because I never want to see your face again," Evelyn said flatly. "Consider this your final warning. Don't contact me."

"Fine!" Zoe grabbed her purse. "But mark my words—I'll find him before you do!"

Seven days before Evelyn's birthday, Lucas stormed into Dominic's office.

"Did you get an invitation to Evelyn's birthday gala?"

Dominic's pen stilled. "No."

"Neither did I," Lucas huffed. "If you're not invited, there's no way I would be. Maybe she's not even celebrating this year."

"Possible."

Evelyn had always disliked attention.

"You already bought that necklace," Lucas pressed. "Should I call Thornfield Industries to confirm?"

"Do what you want." Dominic's tone was carefully neutral. "Don't bother reporting back."

Ten minutes later, Lucas returned, face flushed.

"Dominic! She's booked the Grand Ballroom at The Celestial! Five hundred guests confirmed!" Lucas sputtered. "And we're not on the list!"

The pain was sudden and visceral.

To Evelyn, he meant less than nothing now.

"She has her reasons." Dominic's voice betrayed nothing. "Don't you have work to do?"

Lucas fled.

Silence swallowed the office.

Dominic lasted thirty minutes before calling The Celestial Hotel himself.