Chapter 76

If Lucas had brought this up when he first arrived at the mansion, Evelyn would never have stepped into his car.

"Mr. Grant, I understand all of you want to stay in Dominic's good graces—" Evelyn started to say.

"What are you implying? Haven't you ever exchanged gifts with friends?" Lucas cut in with an amused smile. "He always remembers our birthdays."

"So you'd ignore his request just because he told you not to give him anything? That proves you see him as nothing more than your employer," Evelyn countered sharply. "I won't be dragged into this. If I accept gifts on his behalf, it's no different from taking them directly from him. And then how could I ever scold him properly when he annoys me?"

Lucas blinked in astonishment.

Take pleasure in reprimanding him? Just what kind of daily interactions did Dominic and Evelyn have?

For the first time, Lucas wondered if his formidable boss might have some hidden masochistic tendencies.

"You'll have to find another solution. I'm leaving," Evelyn declared, turning on her heel.

Lucas quickly caught her wrist. "Miss Thorne, this birthday is special for Dominic," he said, his voice dropping into a practiced, somber tone.

His sudden shift in demeanor made Evelyn pause.

"It was right after his last birthday that the accident happened," Lucas continued, his eyes downcast. "The doctors gave him weeks to live at most... None of us believed he'd wake up. If he hadn't..." His voice cracked convincingly. "He wouldn't be celebrating this year at all."

Evelyn's resistance melted like spring snow.

She imagined herself in that hospital bed, the pain of recovery, the uncertainty. How could she deny someone this small comfort?

"Fine," she relented. "But nothing extravagant. I won't accept anything too expensive."

Lucas beamed, gesturing toward the jewelry displays. "Everything here is overpriced anyway. Let's go somewhere more reasonable."

Thus began the most bewildering shopping spree of Evelyn's life.

"Miss Thorne, your skin is flawless! Have you tried this new skincare line? The serum works miracles!"

Lucas moved through the department store like a seasoned stylist.

"Look at these delicate wrists! A thin bracelet would accentuate them perfectly. And it's practically a steal at this price!"

He whisked her from counter to counter with terrifying enthusiasm.

"Classic handbags never go out of style, and this one fits everything but the kitchen sink! Functional yet fashionable!"

By noon, Evelyn's feet ached. She spotted a café and collapsed into a chair, refusing to take another step.

"Order anything you like," Lucas said, sliding a menu toward her as if they hadn't just spent hours acquiring half the mall.

Evelyn massaged her temples. "Never involve me in something like this again, Mr. Grant. This is a one-time exception."

The mountain of shopping bags beside them—at least thirty—testified to Lucas's persistence.

A nagging unease settled in Evelyn's stomach. She shouldn't have caved so easily.

Yet when she pictured Dominic now, his usual arrogant smirk seemed slightly less irritating.

The realization gave her a headache.

Lucas took a casual sip of water. "Of course. Thank you for today." Then, as if struck by sudden curiosity: "You haven't responded to Tristan Chamberlain yet, have you?"

"Not yet," Evelyn admitted. "He sent a revised proposal last night. I haven't had time to review it."

Lucas's eyes gleamed. "He's certainly pulling out all the stops to work with you."