Chapter 6

Evelyn's POV

Edward lifted his glass and took a leisurely sip of wine, his throat moving as he swallowed.

"Keep the dress. Everyone else seems to think it looks good. Personally, I find it rather ordinary."

Only then did I finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Mia laughed softly, her eyes crinkling.

"I thought you were talking about her taste in men."

I managed a weak smile, fully aware that was exactly what he'd been getting at.

Mia turned her attention back to me.

"So, Evelyn, are you dating anyone these days?"

The question made me uncomfortable, so I answered without giving it much thought.

"I've dated quite a few people. Things just never worked out."

It wasn't as though anyone was going to check.

My answer had barely left my mouth when I felt two sharp gazes land on me simultaneously.

"You just haven't met the right person yet," Mia said casually, as though we were old friends. "So, what's your type?"

The first person who came to mind was Arthur.

Someone thoughtful, gentle, and perceptive. Someone who always knew what I needed without having to ask.

But Beatrice was watching me, and I could practically feel her disapproving gaze cutting into me.

I lowered my eyes and deliberately described the exact opposite.

"Controlling. Rough around the edges. Sharp-tongued. Preferably someone who doesn't bother making sense."

The table fell silent for a few seconds.

Edward seemed rather amused.

Mia's lips twitched.

"Well, Evelyn certainly has... distinctive taste."

At dinner, Mia turned to Arthur with a sweet, slightly plaintive expression.

"Arthur, I'm craving shrimp. I just had my nails done, and I don't want to ruin them peeling the shells."

Arthur nodded and began removing the shells for her without hesitation.

His movements were smooth and practiced, as graceful as ever. Before long, a small bowl of perfectly peeled shrimp sat in front of Mia.

Her face lit up.

I kept my head down and continued eating.

"Evelyn."

Arthur looked over at me.

"You like shrimp, too. Want me to peel some for you? I remember how much you've always liked them."

Beatrice shot me a warning look from across the table.

I froze, barely daring to move.

"No, thanks. I'm in the mood for... this tonight."

"The bald eagle is a federally protected species," Edward remarked quietly. "So are you settling for a knockoff?"

Only then did I realize I'd been eating roast duck all evening.

Suddenly, I didn't want another bite.

The banquet finally came to an end. The guests offered their congratulations before gradually making their way out, while Mia gathered a few of the other women for photographs.

I glanced at my watch and took the opportunity to excuse myself.

"It's getting late. I have work to get to, so I'll head out first."

I'd graduated from NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. By the time I finished school, I'd received several excellent job offers.

But the Sterlings had other plans. They invested in an overnight news program and appointed me as its producer.

Ever since, my schedule had been completely upside down. Midnight Frequency went on air at one in the morning, and I spent most of my nights working.

It was also my way of keeping the amount of time I spent alone with Arthur to a minimum.

The Sterlings kept a close watch on me and wouldn't even let me take a job overseas. I was expected to stay in New York.

"Then I'll drive you," Arthur offered, looking up.

"Arthur, that wouldn't be appropriate."

It wouldn't have been appropriate on an ordinary day, let alone on the day of his engagement.

But he was already smiling, reaching for his coat and moving toward me.

"It's late, and the roads aren't safe. Besides, you're my sister. What's so inappropriate about giving you a ride? Edward and Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell can look after our parents. You don't need to worry about them."

His hand was just about to reach mine when Edward stepped between us.

He looked mildly inconvenienced, as though I were simply in his way. Lazily turning the platinum ring on his finger, he spoke.

"The ceremony's over. I have some business at the office. I'll head out first."

Beatrice seized the opportunity and gave me a hard shove.

"Since you're leaving too, go see Mr. Hartwell off."

Then she lowered her voice.

"And make sure you apologize properly. Don't forget that you nearly ruined Arthur's engagement. Don't cause another scene at the last minute."

I argued silently with myself.

What I'd nearly ruined was Arthur's engagement, not Edward's.

What exactly was I supposed to apologize for? A man like Edward, whom nobody would dare slight, hardly needed me to escort him to the door.

Before I could refuse, a sharp pinch landed in my palm.

I looked toward Edward's retreating figure. He hadn't even bothered to turn around.

With a resigned sigh, I pressed a hand to my forehead.

Fine. I only had to walk him down to the lobby. It wasn't that big a deal.

In the end, Beatrice managed to steer Arthur back toward Mia, wearing a smile as though nothing had happened.

I followed Edward with my head lowered, rehearsing my farewell over and over.

Good night, Mr. Hartwell. Drive safely. I'll see you off here. Good night, Mr. Hartwell. Drive safely...

The car door opened.

I lifted my head, ready to deliver the carefully rehearsed line, but the man in the back seat spoke before I could get a word out.

"You've told me to drive safely so many times. What, did you plant land mines along the road to my office?"

If blowing up the road would somehow break our strange connection, I'd honestly be tempted to give it a try.

His voice dropped.

"Come here."

I pretended to move closer, taking no more than a couple of centimeters forward before stopping outside the car.

"Is there something else you need?"

Edward leaned back against the seat, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"I'm only five years older than you. Arthur and I are the same age. Don't mix us up again."

I felt irritation flare inside me.

"What do you mean?"