Chapter 80
Adrian gave a firm nod. "That's him! We met during my time overseas. He's eight years my senior. We were neighbors when he attended university. I used to trail after him constantly back then."
Sophie arched an eyebrow playfully. "You maintained contact despite such an age difference?"
"Absolutely! He's always been my go-to when I need guidance," Adrian confessed.
Sophie studied his face with amusement. "What problems could possibly trouble someone as young as you?"
"I want to launch my own startup, but my family opposes it. Dominic has built an empire - even my father respects him. I need his help convincing them."
Sophie's pulse quickened with excitement.
"What's his full name? If he's such an accomplished entrepreneur, I must have heard of him."
Adrian took a deliberate sip of water. "Dominic Blackwood."
Sophie's mouth fell open in shock.
She dropped Adrian's hand abruptly. "He's married?! Oh my god! My best friend idolizes him... She'll be heartbroken when she finds out!"
"Your friend isn't alone in admiring him. With his wealth and influence, countless women would kill to be in his wife's shoes. Though honestly, she's completely ordinary."
Sophie's eyes narrowed with curiosity. "Who is she? I'm dying to know!"
She pouted dramatically, green with envy.
Adrian deliberately prolonged the suspense. "She's nobody special. You wouldn't recognize her name anyway. You'll see when they arrive." He added pointedly, "And don't mention anything about how Dominic arranged for me to assist her previously, understood?"
Sophie nodded eagerly.
She couldn't wait to discover what kind of "ordinary" woman had captured the legendary Dominic Blackwood.
Evelyn selected a new evening gown for the occasion.
Yet she found it too formal and layered an old blazer over it.
When the chauffeur arrived at Thornfield Industries, he remarked, "You look exceptionally lovely today, Mrs. Blackwood."
Evelyn felt heat rise to her cheeks.
She'd only applied light makeup - just foundation and lipstick.
Could such minimal effort really make such a difference?
In the car, Evelyn retrieved a compact mirror from her purse, studying her reflection.
Perhaps it was her uplifted mood, but her naturally flushed complexion gave her an unusually radiant glow.
Dominic and Evelyn arrived promptly at six.
As they ascended to the private dining area, Sophie immediately recognized the woman beside Dominic.
Evelyn Thorne!
Sophie felt the air leave her lungs.
Time seemed to freeze as her surroundings distorted momentarily before snapping back into focus.
The woman Dominic Blackwood had secretly married was none other than her closest friend, Evelyn Thorne!
She nearly wept from the sheer exhilaration of the revelation.
Noticing Sophie and Adrian, Evelyn arched an eyebrow at Dominic. "You know Adrian Vaughn?"
An uneasy premonition stirred within her.
Dominic noted her sudden tension. "We were neighbors during my postgraduate studies abroad."
They approached the table where waiters promptly seated them.
Evelyn lowered her gaze, her breathing becoming noticeably uneven.
She'd never imagined Dominic and Adrian were acquainted.
Their rapport appeared far from superficial.
Private meetings like this suggested a significant connection. Why exactly had Dominic brought her here to meet Adrian Vaughn?