Chapter 437

Evelyn chuckled awkwardly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Really? That's just your imagination."

After finishing her meal with satisfaction, she pulled out her phone and typed a message to Eric Montclair. Her fingers hovered over the screen before sending: "Are you available on May 1st?"

The reply came faster than she anticipated.

Once she explained the situation, his agreement was immediate.

"Sophie! Eric just confirmed he'll attend your wedding on May 1st!" Evelyn announced.

The reaction was instantaneous - high-pitched squeals filled the air.

Sophie Mercer, Elise, and Eleanor were practically bouncing with excitement.

In what felt like seconds, Sophie had already shared the news with Adrian.

Adrian then passed the information to Lucas Grant.

"My fiancée says Evelyn was the one who invited him," Adrian grumbled, running a hand through his hair. "Suddenly I'm having second thoughts about this wedding. My future wife is obsessed with Eric Montclair - completely starstruck! And her friends are just as bad. Honestly, every woman there will be fawning over him. As the groom, I'll be completely upstaged. This isn't how I envisioned my wedding at all!"

Though frustrated, Adrian didn't dare voice these concerns to Sophie.

Lucas offered sympathy mixed with amusement. "Don't worry, you won't be the only one miserable. Since Eric clearly has feelings for Evelyn, Dominic will probably be even more upset."

Just yesterday, Evelyn had worn a simple white sweater that coincidentally matched Eric's outfit - and Dominic had nearly lost his mind.

If Evelyn actually started dating Eric? Dominic might never sleep again.

"Does Dominic have some kind of masochistic streak?" Adrian wondered aloud. "If a woman treated me like that, I'd walk away immediately. No way would I keep chasing her."

Lucas considered this thoughtfully. "It's not exactly masochism. Remember, Evelyn suffered too. He's just... persistent. Whether it's business or relationships, once Dominic sets his mind on something, nothing can change it."

Most people would retreat when faced with obstacles. Dominic? He'd bulldoze straight through them.

"So... should we tell him about this?" Adrian asked.

After a brief pause, Lucas nodded. "I'll find the right moment."

At precisely 3 PM, Evelyn returned to Thornfield Industries.

Before she could reach her office, Michael Sterling called out to her.

"Evelyn! Over here!"

She changed course immediately. "What is it?"

Michael guided her toward the conference room with a hand on her elbow.

Inside sat two well-dressed individuals.

"Staff from Vogue Forward magazine," Michael whispered. "They want to interview you. I've checked them out - reputable publication. Your call whether to proceed."

Evelyn considered briefly before agreeing.

"Hello," she greeted the journalists warmly.

The female reporter smiled professionally. "Miss Thorne, we'd like to conduct a preliminary interview today. If you're available later, we could schedule a photoshoot at our studio. This initial conversation should take about thirty minutes."

Checking her watch, Evelyn nodded. "That works."

"Miss Thorne," the male reporter began, "can we expect more collaborations with Eric Montclair moving forward? Perhaps as a brand ambassador? Have you considered that possibility?"

Evelyn wasn't surprised by the immediate Eric reference.

If not for last night's viral scandal and subsequent media frenzy, a prestigious magazine like Vogue Forward wouldn't have sought her out.

"No concrete plans at the moment," she answered smoothly.

"Eric called you his 'goddess.' Would you say he's your ideal man?" the female reporter asked with a knowing smile.

Evelyn hesitated briefly. "He's certainly admirable. I have tremendous respect for him."

The questions grew more pointed. "Our research indicates you had a previous relationship with Dominic Blackwood of Blackwood Group. Care to comment on that?"