Chapter 443

Intrigued by Evelyn, Lucas paused for a brief moment before typing a message to Adrian.

‘Take a front-facing photo and send it to me immediately.’

‘You’re not planning to forward this to Dominic, are you?’ Adrian replied skeptically.

‘Just do it!’ Lucas insisted.

Inside the lavish mansion, the heaters hummed softly, wrapping the space in a comfortable warmth.

Both Sophie and Evelyn had shed their jackets, settling onto the plush couch with ease.

Sophie had arranged an assortment of fresh fruits on the table, presenting them before Evelyn with a proud smile.

Evelyn’s eyes widened as she picked up a ripe peach. "I didn’t think peaches were in season yet," she remarked, surprised.

Sophie grinned. "Money can make any season the right season. Go on, try it!"

With a soft laugh, Evelyn took a bite.

Seizing the moment, Adrian discreetly snapped a photo.

The result was stunning—perfect composition, lighting, and an effortless elegance. Evelyn looked both alluring and sweet, her lips curved around the fruit.

Adrian sent the photo to Lucas, who let out an involuntary exhale upon seeing it.

‘Are those arms even real?’ Lucas typed back, stunned.

Evelyn’s sleeveless dress revealed slender, porcelain-smooth arms.

‘She looks like she’s lost weight after some serious illness,’ Adrian replied bluntly.

Lucas scowled at his phone. ‘Don’t say that! Even if she and Dominic are over, you shouldn’t wish her ill!’

Adrian backtracked. ‘I didn’t mean it like that. You haven’t seen her in person—it’s even more shocking up close.’

A sudden urge to see her for himself gripped Lucas. But going alone felt awkward, so he needed company.

Leaning back in his leather chair, he swiped through his contacts until he found Dominic’s number.

He couldn’t just send the photo outright—Dominic would be furious. So, he crafted a careful message instead.

‘Dominic, the Q1 financial report is being sent to you now. Review it when you have time.’

A minute later, Dominic replied. ‘Understood.’

Lucas attached the report—and, with a smirk, Evelyn’s photo as an "accidental" addition. He waited, staring at his screen, heart pounding with anticipation.

No response came, no matter how many times he refreshed.

"Did he not even recognize her?" Lucas muttered, half-amused. "That would be hilarious."

Ten minutes passed in silence. Unable to stand the suspense, Lucas pushed out of his chair and strode toward Dominic’s office.

Meanwhile, in the CEO’s office…

Dominic’s gaze was fixed on the photo of Evelyn, his expression darkening. At first glance, he hadn’t recognized her—only a vague sense of familiarity.

Then he noticed Sophie beside her, and realization struck like lightning.

The woman holding the peach was Evelyn.

His chest tightened.

‘Why has she lost so much weight? Is she sick?’ His thoughts raced. ‘No one loses that much weight that quickly unless something’s wrong.’

A cold dread settled in his stomach.