Chapter 249

Sophie handed Evelyn the photo album, its pages brimming with memories from their university days.

Evelyn's fingers traced the edges of the photographs, her heart swelling with nostalgia. "You kept all these?" she murmured, flipping through snapshots of late-night study sessions, impromptu road trips, and laughter-filled dorm room gatherings.

Sophie grinned, nudging Evelyn's shoulder playfully. "Of course! What are best friends for? Half this album is just you, anyway." She raised her glass, the amber liquid catching the dim lighting. "To forever friendships!"

Evelyn clinked her glass against Sophie's, the crystal ringing softly. "Forever," she echoed, taking a small sip before setting it down.

A warm hand landed on her shoulder, and she turned to see Lucas standing there, his cheeks flushed from drink. "Miss Thorne," he said, gesturing to the adjacent table where Dominic and the other executives sat, "you should join us. Your team is relentless—we're getting slaughtered over here." His expression was so pitiful Evelyn almost laughed.

Sophie smirked. "Oh please, Lucas. You used to outdrink everyone back in the day."

Lucas sighed dramatically, rubbing his temple. "That was before my liver started sending me warning letters."

Evelyn hesitated, but curiosity won out. She followed Lucas to the other table, where he promptly gestured for her to take the empty seat beside Dominic.

Dominic's sharp gaze locked onto her the moment she approached. His dark eyes were unreadable, but the tension in his jaw was unmistakable.

She sat, trying to ignore the way his presence made the air feel heavier.

"Here, Miss Thorne," Lucas said, pouring her a glass of sparkling juice. He glanced at Dominic. "Would you like some?"

Dominic didn't answer. Instead, he lifted his whiskey glass and took a slow, deliberate sip, his eyes never leaving Evelyn.

Lucas awkwardly set the juice pitcher down.

One of the managers, sensing the tension, stood abruptly. "Miss Thorne, happy birthday! A toast to you!"

Evelyn blinked. "It's not my birthday," she said, sipping her juice. The manager faltered, his glass still raised in midair.

Dominic suddenly stood, his voice rough. "I'll drink with you."

Evelyn exhaled sharply, shooting Lucas a pointed look. Why was Dominic making this her problem?

Lucas discreetly pulled out his phone and typed a message. A second later, Evelyn's phone buzzed.

(He keeps staring at your dress. Guess he wasn’t expecting you to wear something like that.)

Evelyn typed back, her fingers tapping harder than necessary. (I’ll wear whatever I want. If he doesn’t like it, he can leave.)

Lucas replied quickly. (Not saying you shouldn’t. Just ignore him. Let him drink himself into a stupor if he wants.)

She set her phone down with a quiet thud. Dominic’s gaze flickered between her and Lucas, his expression darkening. He knew they were talking about him.

With another sip of whiskey, he suddenly addressed the table. "Do any of you know what the most important thing is about running a company?"

The executives exchanged confused glances. Was this a pop quiz?

Evelyn stared at him, baffled. Was he drunk? Or was she?

Dominic tugged at his collar, his skin flushed. "Starting a company is easy. Keeping it alive? That’s the real challenge. You need strategy. Discipline." His voice was low, commanding.

The managers set their drinks down, listening intently.

Lucas sent another message. (He’s warning you. Thinks you’ll run Thornfield into the ground.)

Evelyn’s grip tightened on her glass. Her face burned—whether from anger or something else, she wasn’t sure.