Chapter 248

Dominic's cheeks flushed crimson. Hadn't someone claimed he wouldn't show up tonight?

What was he doing here suddenly? Did his words carry no weight anymore?

Both Lucas and Nathan rushed toward Dominic, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern.

"I was in the neighborhood," Dominic shrugged casually, his piercing gaze scanning the room. "Thought I'd drop in for the celebration."

"I thought you'd be too scared to face us!" Adrian strode forward, slinging an arm around Dominic's shoulders and steering him toward the bar. "Tonight we celebrate Evelyn's birthday. Rule one: no lectures. Rule two: no fighting. Just drinking!"

Adrian shoved an empty glass into Dominic's hand and poured generously from a crystal decanter.

Evelyn's breath caught. Were they really starting with alcohol before dinner? She watched as the group of men formed a tight circle around Dominic, with Adrian clearly leading the charge.

Then it hit her - this was an ambush! She moved to intervene when Sophie intercepted her. "Let them have their fun!" Sophie tugged Evelyn aside, lowering her voice. "Have you forgotten how he treated you last week? I specifically told Adrian not to bail him out. You shouldn't either."

Evelyn's cheeks warmed. "But we haven't even served dinner yet..."

"I'll get the kitchen started," Sophie declared.

"Alright."

Within moments, servers began bringing out steaming platters. Sophie guided Evelyn to their table. "That dress is stunning on you," Sophie remarked, eyes twinkling. "This wasn't your idea, was it?"

Evelyn's fingers brushed the silky fabric self-consciously. "Adrian picked it out."

"I knew it! I'm definitely befriending that man - he has impeccable taste," Sophie decided, admiring the emerald green gown that complemented Evelyn's complexion perfectly.

"He's scarily good at this," Evelyn admitted, wincing slightly as she adjusted her heels. Adrian had insisted on the strappy stilettos that now pinched her feet.

"Evelyn, maybe you should remind Adrian that Dominic doesn't hold his liquor well," Lucas interjected, watching the drinking contest with concern.

"Whose side are you on?" Sophie shot back.

"Ours, obviously! But what if he gets alcohol poisoning?" Lucas gestured toward the bar where empty bottles were piling up. "They've gone through a whole case in half an hour!"

Evelyn started to rise, but Sophie caught her wrist.

"Darling, Dominic isn't alone. Lucas and Nathan are there - they'll look after him." Sophie's grip tightened meaningfully. "Besides, he's got a girlfriend now. Your concern is... unnecessary."

The words hit Evelyn like cold water. She sank back into her chair.

At the bar, Lucas and Nathan were intercepting most of the drinks meant for Dominic. Adrian suddenly grabbed Nathan's arm. "Let's have a proper duel, Cross!"

As Adrian dragged Nathan away, the energy at Dominic's table noticeably dimmed. Without Adrian's instigation, the others lacked the courage to challenge the Blackwood Group CEO.

No one dared test him directly.

Lucas raised his glass with a chuckle. "To new beginnings!"

The drinking resumed at a more civilized pace.

Evelyn exhaled in relief as Adrian departed. She picked up her fork, finally able to focus on her meal. "Evelyn, did you like my gift?" Sophie asked between bites.

Evelyn laughed. "That photo album? How did you even collect so many embarrassing pictures of me?"

Sophie grinned wickedly. "A best friend's duty is blackmail material."

The conversation flowed easily, though Evelyn's gaze kept drifting toward the bar where Dominic sat, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the golden lighting. She quickly looked away each time, reminding herself of Sophie's words.

He wasn't her concern anymore.