Chapter 344

The phone in Mooncrest Manor rang the instant Evelyn stepped out of the shower, droplets still glistening on her skin.

She snatched it up without hesitation.

"Wesley?" Her voice carried the freshness of someone just awakened.

"Where have you been? Your phone's been off all morning!" The concern in Wesley's tone was palpable.

Evelyn winced, twisting a damp strand of hair between her fingers. "Battery died. Just plugged it in." She paused, then added knowingly, "This is about Eric Montclair, isn't it?"

A relieved sigh traveled through the line. "Exactly. He's worried you're angry with him."

"Angry?" Evelyn laughed softly, leaning against the marble countertop. "Just concerned I'm causing him trouble. I'll call him myself later."

"Good." Wesley's voice relaxed. "I nearly drove to your place when I couldn't reach you. Michael said you weren't home when I called... Where were you anyway?"

The question caught Evelyn off guard, her fingers freezing mid-air.

"Morning run," she blurted after a beat too long, forcing nonchalance into her voice.

"Ah... Good for you. But listen," Wesley's tone turned serious, "whatever's happening with Thornfield Industries, don't let it consume you. Your health comes first, always."

"I know! Thanks, Wes. Lunch is on me next time."

"That's what you always say!" His chuckle warmed the line. "My treat this time, whenever you're free."

"Deal!"

Hanging up, Evelyn selected fresh clothes from her walk-in closet, her mind already racing ahead.

Downstairs, Sophie practically launched herself at Evelyn before she'd fully descended.

"Evelyn Thorne! You won't believe the drama today!" Sophie's eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement. "If I'd known Dominic would ditch his own engagement party, I'd have gone with Adrian! Rumor has it Zoe Montgomery stormed out in tears!"

The mental image flashed before Evelyn's eyes, but she bit back the smile threatening to surface.

Zoe must loathe her now.

"Lunch is on the table," Michael called, gesturing to the takeout containers. "Stop by the office when you can. I'm heading out."

Evelyn nodded absently.

The moment the door closed, Sophie launched into a dramatic retelling of the engagement debacle.

"What kind of man stands up his own fiancée? Zoe's nowhere near as stunning as you, and let's be honest - she's downright nasty!" Sophie produced her phone, scrolling through photos Adrian had sent. "Look at this chaos!"

"Let me eat first, Soph," Evelyn sighed, unwrapping her meal. "I'm starving."

"Did you skip breakfast?" Sophie finally put her phone down. "Speaking of... what's your deal with Eric Montclair? How come you get all the gorgeous men while I'm stuck with—"

Evelyn nearly choked on her food.

"If you're so bored, do me a favor!"

"Name it!" Sophie perked up instantly.

"I need a bodyguard for Lily and Henry. Someone reliable to drive them around." Evelyn pushed her empty container away. "I've shortlisted candidates but can't decide. Help me interview them."

"Absolutely! Send me the details."

"A security company recommended them. Their office is downtown."

Evelyn forwarded a contact, then added, "I'm heading to Thornfield after this. Call me once you've decided."

"Will do!"

Later, as Evelyn navigated toward Thornfield Industries, she pulled up the encrypted section of her phone at a red light.

Eric answered on the first ring.

"Dr. Thorne."

"Eric, I appreciate what you did," Evelyn began carefully, "but your drone footage might have compromised your location."

"The woods are miles from my actual place," Eric countered confidently. "No way they'd find me."

Evelyn's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "If they analyze the drone's maximum range from those woods, they'll narrow it down. Dominic Blackwood's been hunting for you, remember?"