Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 39

Evelyn didn't deny it. She tilted her chin up slightly, smiling with calculated elegance. "You flatter me, Mr. Sheridan. You're too kind."

Her tone sounded modest, but her posture clearly accepted the compliment without a hint of genuine humility.

Zane chuckled, his gaze lingering on her face for an extra second. Women like her put on a facade of pride, but lacked true self-assurance in elite circles. They were the most entertaining to play with. He spoke slowly.

"I wonder if Dr. Vance has the time to join me for dinner sometime?"

Hearing this, Julian's face darkened instantly. However, he didn't make the decision for her; if she genuinely wanted to go, he wouldn't stop her. He respected her choices.

Evelyn acutely sensed the shift in his mood. She turned her head, shot Julian a glance, and then smiled apologetically, shaking her head.

"My apologies, Mr. Sheridan. I already have plans with Mr. Hayes."

Zane's eyes darted between the two of them, instantly understanding the dynamic. He gave a knowing smile and nodded gracefully.

"I won't intrude, then. Let's arrange something another time."

With that, he raised his glass and walked away.

Julian's expression finally relaxed. He reached out, gently took Evelyn's hand in his, and looked down at her with intense tenderness. "Evelyn, why did you turn down his invitation?"

Evelyn bit her lip, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. "What do you think, Julian? I only want to have dinner with you."

She looked up at him. "What about you?"

Julian answered without a second's hesitation. "Of course. You know how many years I've waited for you."

A thrill of joy rushed through Evelyn's heart, but she couldn't resist pushing further.

"And what about Hazel? You've had dinner with her countless times."

It was Gideon. Hadn't the Garrison family sent him away for causing trouble? What was he doing here?

Instinctively, Hazel wanted to avoid him.

Her brother had caused her nothing but endless trouble growing up. When the family finally shipped him off, she had breathed a massive sigh of relief. She never expected him to resurface so quickly. Wanting absolutely nothing to do with him, Hazel turned to walk the other way.

But as if sensing something, Gideon looked up and stared straight in her direction.

Hazel's chest tightened. She quickened her pace and veered off to the side. There was a door at the end of the corridor. Without even looking at the sign, she pushed it open and slipped inside.

The door clicked shut behind her, and she leaned against it, panting heavily.

She waited a few seconds, and after confirming there were no footsteps approaching outside, she finally let out a sigh of relief.

Just then, a deep voice echoed from the shadows. "Dr. Garrison?"