Chapter 44

The security guard abruptly pulled Evelyn aside, making everyone in the office turn toward the commotion at the door.

When Dominic recognized Evelyn's delicate silhouette, he rose from his chair with a frown. "What are you doing here?"

Evelyn wrenched her arm free from the guard's grasp, straightened her blouse, and stepped confidently into the office. "I came to see Professor Whitmore," she said, then tilted her head curiously at Dominic. "Are you here to see him too?"

Professor Whitmore adjusted his glasses as his gaze shifted between them. "Do you two know each other?"

Evelyn opened her mouth to explain their acquaintance, but Dominic spoke first. "Professor, our discussion must remain confidential."

"Naturally," the professor replied. "Doctor-patient privilege applies."

"I'll take my leave then," Dominic said curtly.

The professor nodded in acknowledgment.

As Dominic strode past Evelyn, their eyes met briefly. His gaze held an unreadable expression before he walked out without another word.

Evelyn stood frozen for a moment.

Why had he avoided her question?

What secret conversation had he been having with the professor? What was he hiding?

"Miss Thorne?" Professor Whitmore's voice snapped her back to reality. "I have another appointment in ten minutes. Did you need something?"

Evelyn quickly retrieved her prepared documents. "Professor, I apologize for the intrusion. I'm Evelyn Thorne, a senior at Ravenswood University with a medical minor. This is my analysis of several clinical cases from your published work. Since the online records lacked detail, I had to make some educated conclusions. I'd be honored if you could review it for accuracy."

Professor Whitmore accepted the folder and began flipping through the pages.

Meanwhile, Dominic sat in his car, staring at the medical building through tinted windows.

Was Evelyn studying medicine?

His background check clearly stated she was an art major. Had his information been wrong?

He pulled out his phone and dialed Nathan. "Your report said Evelyn was an art student. Why was she in the medical department?"

"Records confirm she's enrolled in the arts program, Mr. Blackwood. I verified it personally."

"I just saw her at Ravenswood's medical school."

"Let me investigate immediately," Nathan replied, then added, "I've sent the concert reservation details for 4 PM today."

"Understood."

Minutes later, Nathan called back. "Mr. Blackwood, Miss Thorne is indeed majoring in fine arts with a minor in medical sciences."

"I see."

"Quite impressive for someone her age."

Dominic ended the call without comment.

At noon, Evelyn met Sophie at a café near campus.

Sophie pushed the menu toward Evelyn with a teasing smile. "You've changed, Ev. You used to cancel every time I invited you out. Last night was our first outing in months, and you vanished like Cinderella at midnight. What's going on?"

"Sophie, was last night's party a singles event?" Evelyn asked pointedly.

"Obviously! Why?"

"Don't invite me to those anymore. I'm not single right now."

"What?!" Sophie nearly knocked over her water glass. "You just got out of a relationship! How did you rebound so fast?"