As the car sped toward the charity dinner location, Evelyn felt her chest tighten even more.
Her hands rested on her lap, fingers fidgeting with the small clasp of her clutch bag.
She had survived business negotiations, court hearings, and even awkward meetings with Axel's grandparents...
But this?
This felt even worse.
Evelyn tried to distract herself by playing Minesweeper on her phone, the same game she usually played with Oliver.
But today, even the soothing click of opening tiles couldn't calm her nerves.
Every little "boom" from accidentally tapping a mine only made her heart jump harder.
Ryan, Axel's driver, glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Ma'am, would you like me to accompany you inside?" he asked carefully, noticing her tense expression.
Evelyn looked up from her phone and forced a smile.
"It's fine, Ryan. My friend is already waiting for me there. I'll text you when the event is over."
