Chapter 114

Dominic didn’t respond right away. His sharp gaze darkened slightly, lost in contemplation.

After a long pause, his expression softened, returning to its usual composed demeanor. "Alright, Lila. Don’t worry about me. You can go back to work now," he said, his voice steady.

"Okay." Lila nodded, offering him a small, hesitant smile before slipping out of the room.

At noon, inside the private dining room of The Sapphire Bistro, Evelyn stepped in to find several people already gathered.

The moment Evelyn entered, a woman perched elegantly on the velvet sofa sprang to her feet, her face lighting up with excitement. "You’re here!" she exclaimed, her voice warm and effervescent.

Evelyn inclined her head politely. "Ms. Blake."

Cassandra Blake waved a manicured hand dismissively, her lips curving into a playful pout. "Oh, Evelyn, please! No need for formalities. Call me Cassandra."

Evelyn offered a faint smile but remained silent.

Cassandra’s family had distant ties to the Donovans—her grandfather and Marcus Donovan’s father had been brothers, making them fourth cousins by blood.

Evelyn had only met Cassandra once before, at her own engagement banquet. Though their interaction had been brief, Ethan had later filled her in on the Blake family’s history. Cassandra’s grandfather had once saved Ethan’s father’s life, forging an unbreakable bond between their families.

That morning, Cassandra had called out of the blue, inviting Evelyn to lunch. Out of courtesy—and a sense of familial obligation—Evelyn had accepted.

With an enthusiastic flourish, Cassandra guided Evelyn toward the sofa. "Evelyn, I’d love for you to meet my brother, Julian."

Evelyn turned her attention to the man seated nearby. He appeared to be in his early thirties, with striking features and an air of quiet authority.

"Julian, this is Evelyn," Cassandra announced cheerfully.

Julian Montgomery extended a hand, his smile polite but warm. "A pleasure to meet you."

Evelyn shook his hand briefly. "Likewise, Mr. Montgomery."

"Perfect! Now that everyone’s here, let’s eat!" Cassandra clapped her hands together, ushering them toward the lavishly set table.

Once seated, Cassandra dominated the conversation, her attention laser-focused on Evelyn. "Is it true you’re working in the Cardiac Surgery Department at Grand Oak General? That’s incredible! I’ve heard it’s nearly impossible for doctors under thirty to get hired there. You must be extraordinary!"

Cassandra’s eyes sparkled with admiration, her praise effusive. Evelyn felt the weight of her scrutiny, her scalp prickling under the intensity. She managed a light laugh, brushing it off. "You’re too kind. I’m just doing my job."

Before she could say more, Cassandra’s expression shifted abruptly. Her eyes welled with tears, and within seconds, she was covering her mouth, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.

Evelyn blinked in stunned silence.

Julian cleared his throat, leaning forward. "I apologize for her behavior," he said smoothly. "Cassandra recently went through a rather painful breakup. She’s still… processing it. This isn’t about you."

"I’m sorry, Evelyn," Cassandra sniffled, dabbing at her eyes with a napkin. "I lost control for a moment. My boyfriend of three years left me last night—for someone else. I just… I can’t believe it. And then I thought—if only I were as accomplished as you, maybe he wouldn’t have left me. I—"

Her words dissolved into another wave of tears.