Chapter 436

Thornfield Industries.

After Evelyn had finished all her pending work, her gaze drifted to her phone.

She opened her message history with Dominic, scrolling through their exchanges repeatedly.

Why had he chosen to text her last night?

She had gone to see him two days prior. He must have known about it that very evening.

So why hadn't he reached out then?

Her fingers tapped on the scandalous article about her and Eric. A thought struck her - had Dominic seen the news about them before messaging?

What were his true feelings toward her now?

If he truly despised her, even seeing those headlines wouldn't have prompted contact.

Yet he'd messaged last night without mentioning their painful past. Had he moved on?

Impossible!

The wounds ran too deep for such quick forgiveness.

She frowned, her thoughts tangled in confusion.

Truth be told, if not for his unexpected message, she wouldn't be obsessing over him like this.

The sudden ring of her office phone startled her.

"Evelyn! I'm downstairs at your company! Come down now - lunch is on me!" Sophie's cheerful voice bubbled through the receiver.

Evelyn agreed without hesitation.

Five minutes later, she spotted Sophie in the lobby.

Two stylish young women flanked her cousin, both radiating the same trendy energy as Sophie.

"Evelyn, meet my best friend Elise and my cousin Eleanor. They'll both be my bridesmaids," Sophie announced proudly.

"Hi Evelyn! We've met before at college!" Elise gushed excitedly.

Eleanor added, "We haven't met, but I feel like I know you from all Sophie's stories!"

Smiling, Evelyn led them to a nearby restaurant.

"Out shopping today?"

"Just briefly. They insisted we invite you," Sophie explained, draping an arm around Evelyn's shoulders. "Evelyn, these two are Eric Montclair's biggest fans! They nearly died of jealousy when they saw my photo with him!"

Understanding dawned on Evelyn.

"If there's an opportunity, I'll arrange a meeting."

For Sophie's friends, she'd gladly help.

"You're amazing! Exactly what we'd expect from Eric's muse!" Elise squealed.

Eleanor leaned forward eagerly. "Could you possibly invite Eric to Sophie's wedding? We'd pay for a performance!"

Sophie interjected, "Only if it's not too much trouble. His comeback schedule must be packed - that new single's topping every chart!"

Evelyn nodded. "I'll ask. No harm in checking."

The spicy meat stew arrived.

Two days had passed since Evelyn last ate meat.

Her nausea had subsided, replaced by sudden craving.

"Evelyn, you never eat spicy food," Sophie remarked, noticing the chili flakes in her bowl.

Taking a bite, Evelyn found her appetite awakened. "Occasionally is fine."

"You're getting thinner. Are you eating properly?" Sophie studied Evelyn's gaunt face with concern.