Chapter 115

What now?

Evelyn pressed her lips together, drawing in a slow breath. "Ending things with someone like that might actually be for the best," she murmured, her voice gentle yet firm.

But Cassandra only dissolved into fresh tears. "Evelyn—" She flung her arms around Evelyn’s neck, burying her face against her shoulder as sobs wracked her body.

Evelyn tensed at the sudden embrace. She hadn’t anticipated such an emotional outburst, leaving her momentarily paralyzed, unsure how to react.

Thankfully, Julian stepped in, rubbing Cassandra’s back in soothing circles. "Come on, Cass, that’s enough," he coaxed softly. "No more crying, alright?"

It took several long minutes before Cassandra finally pulled away, wiping at her tear-streaked face. "I’m so sorry, Evelyn," she rasped, her voice thick with emotion. "I didn’t mean to break down like that."

"It’s fine," Evelyn replied with an awkward smile. "You’re upset—it’s understandable."

"Thank you," Cassandra whispered, dabbing at her damp cheeks.

Then, as if struck by inspiration, she looked up with pleading eyes. "Evelyn… would you—would you come with me to a bar tonight? Just for drinks? I really can’t be alone right now."

Evelyn blinked, caught off guard by the abrupt request. "I’m sorry, but I already have plans," she said politely. Something about Cassandra’s clingy demeanor set her on edge—the desperate sobbing, the unexpected embrace. The mere thought of spending an entire evening consoling her over drinks made Evelyn’s skin prickle. No, it was better to decline. They weren’t close, after all. Cassandra would be better off with friends or family.

Predictably, Cassandra’s face fell. "Evelyn… do you not like me? Is there a reason you don’t want to spend time with me?"

Evelyn hesitated, momentarily speechless. Finally, she sighed. "It’s not that. I really do have other commitments."

Julian intervened smoothly, and Evelyn could have kissed him for it. "Cass, don’t pressure her. If you want company, I’ll go with you."

"Fine," Cassandra mumbled before turning hopeful eyes back to Evelyn. "But we can still meet up another time, right? Maybe for shopping or lunch?"

"If I’m free, sure," Evelyn agreed.

Cassandra brightened instantly. "Perfect!"

The rest of the meal passed with Cassandra chattering aimlessly, though her attempts to engage Evelyn in conversation were painfully obvious. It left Evelyn wondering—what was Cassandra really after? When she finally asked why they’d been invited to this meal in the first place, Cassandra merely shrugged. "I just wanted us to spend time together."

But Evelyn wasn’t convinced. Something felt off. Still, since Cassandra offered no further explanation, Evelyn let it go.

As they left the private dining room and headed toward the elevator, Cassandra suddenly suggested, "Evelyn, let Julian drive you back to the hospital."

Evelyn opened her mouth to refuse—until she glanced up and froze.

Nathan, Theodore, Dylan, and Serena were walking straight toward them, their strides purposeful. Nathan’s gaze flicked to Evelyn, lingering just long enough to make her pulse stutter before he looked away, his expression cold and dismissive.

Evelyn’s throat tightened. The words of refusal died on her lips. Instead, she forced a polite smile. "Alright. Thank you, Julian."