[Evening—Cater Mansion]
Evelyn stood before the mirror, adjusting the delicate chain around her neck for what felt like the tenth time. On the surface, she looked every bit the poised daughter of Gregory Carter, but inside, her stomach was a tangle of unease.
Behind her, Patricia leaned casually against the doorway with arms folded and eyes full of curiosity. "I still can't believe your father agreed to this dinner," she said. "Last week he was ready to set fire to anyone who even mentioned the Reids," she added
Evelyn gave a faint smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "He says it's just business."
Patricia shrugged her shoulders. "But still, it's kinda strange."
Evelyn turned slightly, picking up her clutch. "It's important for the company and that's all that matters."
Patricia walked over, watching her closely. "And what if Alexander is there too?"
Evelyn froze for the briefest moment and her fingers tightened around the clutch before she forced a composed expression. "He won't be there," she said quickly. "It's a business meeting. Benjamin is the one my father's dealing with."
Patricia gave her a knowing look. "But you wouldn't mind if he was, would you?" She grinned as she waited for her response.
Evelyn's eyes flicked back to the mirror. "I don't know what you are talking about."
Patricia rolled her eyes. "Oh, you know exactly what I am talking about. The mysterious Mr. Reid who came to your rescue. If you guys are meant to be, he would show up tonight just to make things interesting."
Evelyn tried to laugh it off but her voice came out softer than intended. "That is an insane and unrealistic expectation, Patricia."
"What if he does happen?" Patricia winked at her as she left to fetch her phone.
As soon as she left, Evelyn chuckled. "Crazy girl." She then gazed at her reflection in the mirror. The A-line dress she was wearing hugged her body perfectly. She had a simple diamond earring and pendant on and her hair was tied up in a neat bun.
She glanced at her phone and sighed. It had been days since she last saw Alexander or heard from him. Ever since he dropped her off at her parents place, he hadn't called or even left a message.
Part of her told herself it was for the best. Their worlds were never meant to intertwine. Yet another part of her couldn't help but wonder if he had already forgotten her the moment he left her at her parents' door.
She drew in a deep breath, straightened her dress and forced her thoughts aside.
It didn't matter. Tonight was just dinner for business and nothing more.
….
[Later that Evening—The Aureate Lounge]
The restaurant was one of the most exclusive in the city. It had private rooms, velvet curtains and a faint hum of a jazz piano floating through the air.
Evelyn walked in beside her father. She had been to this place countless times before but tonight, everything felt different and heavier.
Benjamin Reid was already seated when they arrived. He rose to greet them. "Gregory," he said with a small, polite smile as he extended his hand. "It's good to see you again."
"Likewise, Benjamin," Gregory replied, shaking his hand firmly before gesturing toward his daughter. "You remember Evelyn."
Benjamin's gaze softened as it landed on her. "Of course, Ms. Carter—" He inclined his head slightly. "It's good to see you, though I wish it were under better circumstances."
Evelyn nodded politely. "Mr. Reid—It's good to see you again."
When she was dating Jack, she had hardly met Benjamin a couple of times in person or had crossed paths with him during the charity events she had attended with Jack. Over the years, she had understood he wasn't a man with many words and that he preferred to stay silent and talk only when it was needed.
Expecting that tonight would be no different, Evelyn took the seat right beside her father.
Once they were seated, Benjamin folded his hands on the table. "Before we discuss business, allow me to say this—" He looked at Evelyn and said in a sincere tone. "I want to personally apologize for my son's behavior. Jack acted recklessly and caused harm he cannot undo. I assure you, Ms. Carter, he had been dealt with accordingly."
Evelyn looked down briefly, unsure how to respond. "It's in the past," she said softly. "I would rather not dwell on it."
Benjamin inclined his head. "Understandable. Still, I believe it's important that you hear it from me. The Reids take responsibility for their actions."
Gregory nodded approvingly with a hint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes before he smoothly redirected the conversation. "Now, about the new partnership—"
Benjamin leaned back and nodded. "Yes. As we discussed, merging our logistics branch could be mutually beneficial. Reid Enterprise has the international channels and Carter Industries has the domestic supply dominance. Together, we can take the market share by storm."
As the two men spoke, Evelyn tried to focus but found it increasingly difficult. The low murmur of their conversation blurred into the background as she fiddled with her napkin.
But suddenly the air in the room felt stifling, pressing in on her chest.
She glanced toward the door, half tempted to excuse herself for a breath of air when the door suddenly opened and a tall figure stepped inside.
Alexander Reid.
….