Chapter 107

"It's nothing," Evelyn smiled faintly. "By the way, have you eaten yet, Mr. Whitman?"

Sebastian shook his head. "Why do you ask?"

"Would you like to try something I made? I was just finishing up dinner."

Sebastian inhaled lightly, catching the rich aroma of freshly cooked rice. "Then I’ll gladly accept your invitation."

Evelyn’s mood brightened at his response.

She had originally planned to eat a simple meal and go straight to bed, but now, she quickly prepared two more side dishes.

Once, she had dreamed of the day when the man she loved would come home after work, sit across from her, and enjoy the food she had made with her own hands. They would talk, laugh, and share their day.

She had thought Alexander would be the first to taste her cooking. But fate had other plans. All those hopeful dreams had crumbled like sandcastles, swept away by the cruel winds of reality.

For the first time in a long while, Evelyn found herself with an appetite. Since falling ill, she had barely managed half a bowl of rice per meal, but tonight, she finished everything on her plate.

Perhaps she wasn’t entirely useless after all. At least she could still bring someone a little happiness.

"Evelyn, your cooking is exceptional," Sebastian praised.

"I’m glad you like it, Mr. Whitman."

"Please, call me Sebastian. We’re not at work. Think of me as a friend."

Despite his aristocratic demeanor, his tone was warm, his eyes kind.

A pang of sorrow struck Evelyn’s heart. She hadn’t expected to find genuine kindness in someone when she was so close to the end.

"To be friends with you is more than I could have hoped for." Evelyn lifted her soup bowl with a smile. "Since I don’t drink, let me toast you with soup instead. Thank you, Sebastian, for saving my life and shielding me from that coffee. Just those two acts alone have earned my friendship."

"Actually, it’s more than twice."

Evelyn froze, her spoon hovering mid-air.

She met his gaze, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Remember that video you received three years ago?"

Sebastian continued, "The one that proved your innocence at Victoria’s mother’s 50th birthday party—when you were falsely accused of stealing that bracelet."

Evelyn’s breath hitched. She could never forget that video!

How could she? The evidence that could have cleared her name had been destroyed by Alexander right before her eyes.

His actions that day had shown her the truth—he cared nothing for her innocence. As long as Victoria was happy, he would turn a blind eye to anything, even if it meant her suffering.

Her heart ached anew, but a strange warmth seeped through the cracks of her pain.

"So it was you…" Evelyn stared at Sebastian, overwhelmed with gratitude.

Even though Alexander had ruined the video, Sebastian’s kindness still deserved her thanks.

"If you really want to thank me, treat me to dinner next time." Sebastian easily read her emotions.

Evelyn laughed softly, nodding. "Not just once—as many times as you’d like, Sebastian."

Click.

The sound of a key turning in the lock cut through their conversation.

Evelyn’s smile vanished as the door swung open—and Alexander stepped inside, holding a key to her apartment.

Her body tensed instinctively, fear shooting through her veins. "How do you have a key to my place? What are you doing here?"