Chapter 89
"You don't look well."
Evelyn flinched when Sebastian spoke, her fingers brushing self-consciously over her pale cheeks.
Of course she didn’t look well. Her health had been deteriorating steadily, and the exhaustion was written all over her face.
"Are you feeling alright?" His concern was genuine, his voice softening.
"Thank you, Mr. Whitman. I’m fine."
She forced a polite smile before standing, guilt gnawing at her. The last thing she wanted was to drag Sebastian into the mess Alexander had created.
"You can drop the formalities when we're alone."
Evelyn hesitated. "I should get back to work... Uncle."
His lips quirked. "I’m only three years older than Alexander. 'Uncle' makes me feel ancient. Just call me Sebastian."
She blinked, then nodded. "Then I’ll return to my desk, Mr. Whitman."
Sebastian chuckled. "Go ahead."
Work was the only escape.
Drowning herself in designs and deadlines kept the pain at bay. Their month-long project was halfway done, and Evelyn was proud of her contributions.
After finalizing her latest draft, she sent it to Catherine Winslow via company email, then grabbed her purse for lunch.
The elevator doors slid open—and there he was again.
Sebastian’s eyes flicked to her bag. "Heading out? Join me."
Other employees crowded the space, their curious stares prickling Evelyn’s skin.
"Don’t leave me hanging, niece-in-law," he teased, diffusing the tension.
Her smile was tight. "Thank you, Mr. Whitman."
She followed him out, the weight of judgmental gazes burning into her back.
Five-star restaurants weren’t her scene.
Evelyn perched awkwardly across from Sebastian, her fingers fidgeting with the napkin. The view from their window seat showcased the bustling city below.
She let him order for her. When the food arrived, the aroma was intoxicating.
"Eat up. You’re too thin," he murmured.
"Thank you." She kept her eyes down, unused to such luxury.
Sebastian studied her. "Alexander never brought you here? He’s a regular."
Her fork stilled. "We never dined alone."
His brows lifted. Before he could respond, two figures materialized beside their table.
Alexander. And Victoria.
Victoria clung to his arm, her laughter like shattered glass in Evelyn’s ears. The juice in her mouth turned bitter.
Alexander’s gaze locked onto hers—sharp, accusing, as if she were the one at fault.
Victoria offered Sebastian a saccharine smile. "Uncle, I owe you an apology. That day... I wasn’t myself. But Evelyn provoked me. After everything—the plagiarism, losing our baby—how could I stay calm?"
She painted herself the victim, draping her sins over Evelyn’s shoulders.
Sebastian’s expression cooled. "I saw the footage. What I witnessed was you assaulting my employee like a common bully."
Victoria’s smile faltered. "Uncle—"
"Don’t call me that."
Her lips trembled as she turned to Alexander. "Darling..."
Alexander’s hand settled on her waist. "Let’s eat first." Then, to Sebastian: "Mind if we join you?"