Chapter 386

Hernandez's words carried an edge, but they lacked the power to intimidate Evelyn.

She smiled coolly. "Rest assured, Sir Harrison. Even if the world turns against Nathan, I won't be among his enemies."

Evelyn had no intention of staying for lunch. With a polite nod, she excused herself and stepped out of the restaurant—only to collide with Rosalind and Theodore.

Rosalind's icy smirk made it clear she hadn't forgotten last night's events. "What a surprise, Ms. Vanderbilt. Dining with someone special?"

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "Just finished, actually. I'll be on my way."

Theodore is here. If Lucas and Harrison come out now, with Rosalind stirring trouble, I won’t stand a chance.

She offered Theodore a respectful nod and turned to leave, but Rosalind seized her wrist. "Why the rush? Grandpa and I are here for brunch. As his granddaughter-in-law, shouldn’t you stay and keep him company?"

Her voice dripped with false sweetness. "Besides, I owe you an apology for my past behavior. Humor me—stay for lunch?"

Evelyn's expression tightened.

She’s clearly stalling. Does she know who I met? Refusing now would embarrass Theodore.

Before she could respond, Theodore cut in, his tone dismissive. "If she’s already eaten, let her go. No need for a crowd."

His words stung—she was still an outsider.

Just as Evelyn opened her mouth, Lucas and Harrison emerged from the private room.

Rosalind’s triumphant gaze flickered with satisfaction.

Theodore’s face darkened at the sight of Harrison, his demeanor turning glacial.

Harrison strode forward, cane tapping sharply. "Imagine running into you so soon in Zlokova, Theodore Goldmann."

Theodore’s glare was equally cutting. "Consider yourself lucky I’m wasting my time acknowledging you."

The air crackled with tension, thick enough to suffocate. One wrong word could ignite an explosion.

Evelyn caught Rosalind’s sly smirk and pieced it together.

She orchestrated this. She knows about the feud between Theodore and the de Armas. But how did she know I’d be here?

Fortunately, Lucas noticed Evelyn’s unease and stepped closer to Harrison. "Grandfather, we should go."

"Let’s." Harrison scoffed, brushing past Theodore without a second glance.

As they disappeared, Rosalind turned to Evelyn, her smile venomous. "So, you were meeting Mr. de Arma?"

Evelyn forced a calm smile. "Sir Harrison wanted to discuss something. Is that a crime?"

Rosalind’s tone turned mocking. "Discuss what? How to betray Nathan?"

Evelyn’s eyes turned to ice.

Theodore, already seething from the encounter, glared at Evelyn. "You’ve ignored my warnings."

"Grandfather, I haven’t forgotten my promise. Meeting Sir Harrison doesn’t mean I’ve sided with the de Armas."

Her voice was steady, but the storm in Theodore’s eyes didn’t waver.