Chapter 889

Evelyn Sinclair blinked in confusion. The name meant nothing to her.

Cassandra Blake had already taken the seat across from her. The woman's sultry eyes curved like crescent moons, capable of stealing souls with a single glance.

"Such a coincidence." Cassandra's smile was polished, radiating calculated charm. "I never expected to run into you here. It's been ages since I last saw an old classmate."

Evelyn offered a polite smile but remained silent.

The waiter placed a lemonade before her. Evelyn studied Cassandra. "Here for lunch too?" Her tone implied the other woman should leave. Strangers ruined her appetite.

Cassandra nodded. "Just transferred to Montecito for work. Still getting my bearings." She waved at the waiter. "Since we're both here, let's dine together. My treat."

Evelyn's brow furrowed as Cassandra requested another menu.

Only professional social climbers acted this familiar with strangers.

Cassandra ordered several signature dishes before sliding the menu to Evelyn. "Order whatever you like. Don't hold back."

Evelyn hesitated. Something felt off about this encounter. She met the waiter's gaze. "One of everything, please."

Cassandra's smile faltered. "That's... quite an appetite."

"My colleague's joining us." Evelyn sipped her drink. "If that's a problem, I'll cover the bill."

Cassandra's eye twitched. Trust fund babies really were different - Evelyn hadn't even glanced at the prices. "Of course not! It's my pleasure."

Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes as she assessed Cassandra's designer ensemble. Five-figure outfit. Impeccable makeup. Clearly premeditated.

A woman's handbag told her story. Cassandra clutched this season's XN tote - six figures. Pathetic compared to Evelyn's eight-figure Hermès.

Years in high society had taught Evelyn to read people through their accessories. Cassandra's practiced generosity couldn't mask her calculating nature.

Had Evelyn not been raised by William and Alexander Sterling to observe carefully, she might have fallen for Cassandra's act.

Evelyn texted Bennett: "Bring the secretaries for lunch." His instant reply: "On our way!"

Cassandra opened her mouth to speak when Preston Sinclair arrived. "You've made a friend already?" He rested a hand on Evelyn's shoulder as she scooted inward to make space.

Cassandra stood abruptly, extending her hand. "You must be Evelyn's boyfriend?"

Preston barely grazed her fingertips before withdrawing. "Just an old friend," he said smoothly.

Cassandra's grin didn't waver. "So handsome! What do you do?"

Preston glanced at Evelyn, who answered for him. "Ms. Blake just returned to Montecito. She's... unfamiliar with local circles."

Preston offered a modest smile. "Small business owner. Nothing noteworthy."

Cassandra sighed dramatically. "Must be nice being your own boss. Not like us wage slaves, constantly scheming just to pay rent." Her gaze flicked to Evelyn's diamond watch. "Some people wake up wondering how to spend their trust funds, while the rest of us scrape by."