Chapter 56

"I didn't..." Evelyn's immediate response was defensive.

Cassandra scoffed. "Lying to me now? Who was that girl hiding behind the school walls every break, staring dreamily at the high school football field next door?"

Memories flooded back.

In middle school, Evelyn had developed a habit of watching beautiful scenes—and people—for hours. Her favorite subject had been the star quarterback from the neighboring high school, Julian Blackwood.

Cassandra mistook Evelyn's silence for embarrassment. "Come on, he was gorgeous! Those dimples could melt glaciers. Half the school had a crush on him. Why be ashamed?"

Evelyn coughed, her cheeks burning.

Suddenly, Julian's face in her mind morphed into Dominic Blackwood's sharp features.

Rumors said Dominic had a younger brother named Julian who resembled him. Evelyn had never met Julian in person.

What if her teenage crush had actually been Julian, but Dominic was the one occupying her thoughts now? That would be the cruelest twist of fate.

"Crush? I was fourteen," Evelyn muttered stubbornly.

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "Fourteen-year-olds date all the time. Remember Sarah from our class? Got pregnant freshman year. My mom's a teacher—I hear these stories daily." She leaned in. "Face it, you were smitten. Just too shy to admit it."

Evelyn had no rebuttal.

"The party venue changed. I'll text you the new address. Gotta notify others!" Cassandra hung up abruptly.

Evelyn slumped onto her bed, phone slipping from her fingers.

She'd been agonizing over whether Julian would attend. Now Cassandra confirmed it.

Every girl had that one unforgettable first crush. Even if Evelyn refused to voice it, she knew the truth.

She shook her head, forcing herself back to reality.

Even if they crossed paths, they'd probably exchange a brief nod at most. The football star wouldn't remember the invisible girl peeking through the fence.

Resolved, Evelyn returned to work.

At a modest Chinese restaurant beyond the city's fourth ring road, Beatrice Lockwood tapped her manicured nails against the teacup. The pot was half-empty when Robert Sinclair finally arrived.

Robert entered the private dining room, the waiter trailing behind with menus. "What would you like to order?"

Beatrice opened her mouth to decline, but Robert quickly ordered three dishes, soup, rice, and a Coke.

"Your food will arrive shortly," the waiter said before exiting.

Beatrice checked her diamond watch pointedly. "Do you know what time it is? I don't have all day, Robert."

"My family's watching me. Sorry I'm late," Robert admitted.

Beatrice nearly laughed. "Some things never change. Still pathetic after all these years." Her gaze swept over his worn jacket. "I can't imagine any woman marrying you. No ambition. Your only talent was deceiving naive young girls."

Robert sat stiffly.

This woman had trampled his pride for decades. Normally, he'd avoid her entirely.

But today, he needed her signature.

"My hometown house is being demolished. You own one-third. Do you want monetary compensation?" He couldn't meet her eyes.

Beatrice remained stunning, her beauty defying age.

As the second wife of T Corporation's former chairman, she frequented high society events and magazine covers.

Robert still remembered the first time he saw her newspaper photo with another man.

That day at the construction site, he'd been so transfixed by the image that he didn't hear coworkers shouting warnings. The crane nearly crushed his left ear.

The Luojiazhen house was a crumbling two-story building. Developers required all owners' signatures for compensation.

When they married twenty-five years ago, Beatrice's name was added to the deed. Neither mentioned it during their divorce.

If not for the developers' pressure, Robert would never have contacted her.

Beatrice studied him disdainfully. "I barely remember Luojiazhen."

She pursed her red lips. "What's the compensation rate in that backwater? Two thousand per square meter? My share wouldn't even buy a designer handbag. Keep it for your current wife."

Robert produced the contract and pen.

Beatrice signed swiftly, eager to sever ties. "Done." She slid the documents back and stood.

Robert blocked her path. "About Evelyn... I've kept my distance as you instructed last time. You said you wanted better for her."

Beatrice paused. "She's back?"

Robert nodded.

"Then follow my plan. Even if she's dating someone, I'll arrange a better match. She's my daughter—I know what's best." With that, Beatrice strode out, leaving the dingy restaurant behind.