Chapter 281

Evelyn's spoon clattered into her bowl with a sharp metallic ring.

Her wide eyes darted between Sophia and Alexander in disbelief. The latter merely arched an eyebrow, amusement dancing at the corners of his mouth.

A soft chime sounded as her phone lit up.

Julian's text glared back at her: "3 PM tomorrow. Café Central. Zachary will be waiting."

"Alexander!" Evelyn nearly shot up from her seat. "This is too sudden!"

Sophia gently pressed her hand. "I know you dislike blind dates. But Zachary is a fine young man. Just think of it as meeting a new friend?"

Afternoon sunlight fractured through the café's glass panes.

Evelyn glanced at the photo on her phone again. The man in the picture had razor-sharp features and an aura that screamed "keep away." She'd deliberately chosen a beige knit sweater and the palest lipstick she owned.

"Miss Roland?"

A deep voice startled her. Zachary stood before her table, his demeanor completely different from the photo. Laughter lines crinkled at his eyes as he pulled out the chair. "I didn't expect our reunion to happen like this. Thank you for catching my father's condition at the hospital."

Before Evelyn could respond, a familiar hand snatched her coffee cup away.

"Mr. Valdemar?"

Sebastian slammed the cup down with enough force to make the table rattle. "How convenient that you're free for social calls but unavailable for our contract signing." His gaze flicked between them like a blade.

Zachary frowned. "And you are?"

"A business associate." Sebastian seized Evelyn's wrist. "We have urgent revisions to discuss."

Evelyn stumbled after him. Only when the elevator doors closed did she find her voice. "Thank you for the rescue. But what were you doing at the café?"

Sebastian stared at the ascending floor numbers, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Passing by."

When the doors opened, he strode out without looking back, his rigid posture resembling tempered steel.

Evelyn watched his retreating figure, fingertips absently tracing the lingering warmth on her wrist.