Chapter 222

Since Evelyn reserved the grandest ballroom at the Oceanview Grand Hotel, Dominic immediately booked the adjacent smaller venue.

He needed to witness firsthand the scale of Evelyn's birthday celebration.

That weekend, all invited guests gathered in the majestic Astor Hall of the luxury hotel.

"Where's Evelyn?" Sophie asked Adrian the moment she entered. "She hasn't even responded to my message from last night."

Adrian shrugged. "She's been preoccupied lately. I sent her the details though - she promised she'd come."

"But isn't Thornfield Industries keeping her busy?" Sophie pressed.

"Not that I know of." Adrian crossed his arms. "Everyone deserves privacy. Even if we're close as siblings, I respect her boundaries."

Sophie arched an eyebrow. "If she's been so busy, who organized this whole event?"

"Yours truly," Adrian declared proudly.

"And the guest list?"

"That too!"

Sophie snorted before slipping into the neighboring Celestial Hall.

The intimate space contrasted sharply with the sprawling Astor Hall.

Thanks to Adrian's meddling, Dominic's inner circle now occupied Celestial Hall.

Sophie immediately claimed the seat beside Lucas.

"Where's Dominic?" She grabbed Lucas's wine glass. "I thought he'd be fuming about not getting an invitation?"

"Traffic delay," Lucas replied, watching her drain his drink. "Evelyn's not here either?"

"Adrian says she's been mysteriously busy." Sophie licked her lips. "He planned everything - no wonder you weren't invited."

When Wesley arrived, the scene stunned him.

Adrian was taking punches from two men - one being Evelyn's ex-husband Dominic Blackwood.

Wesley yanked Adrian away. "What the hell, Dominic?"

The CEO had arrived moments earlier.

Finding Adrian pummeling Nathan had triggered his violent response.

Now it was two against one.

"He attacked my assistant," Dominic said calmly, straightening his cuffs. "Nathan's not built for fistfights."