Chapter 329

Richard held the car door open as Evelyn Sinclair stepped out.

Her gaze flickered with something unreadable as she looked at him. "I feel terrible for monopolizing your time like this. If you have other commitments, please don't let me hold you back. I can take these flowers to Mrs. Cole on my own."

Ever since aligning herself with Richard, Evelyn had strategically used his influence to establish her boutique floral business.

Her clientele consisted almost exclusively of the elite, cultivated through Richard’s extensive connections.

Ordinary customers didn’t interest her—not when the wealthy socialites, with their bottomless pockets and penchant for grand romantic gestures, were willing to spend exorbitant sums on lavish floral displays.

A single high-profile event, like a birthday gala, could net her six figures for nothing more than a few hours of work.

Over the years, she had amassed both wealth and a formidable network, ensuring that even if Richard’s support vanished overnight, she and Vanessa would never want for anything.

This time, for Olivia Cole’s birthday celebration, every arrangement had been sourced from Evelyn’s shop.

As the proprietor, she had personally curated an exquisite bouquet to deliver to the Cole residence.

But her motives weren’t purely professional.

She needed to see Olivia for herself.

The moment Evelyn Sinclair heard Richard Hayes would attend the birthday gala, anticipation curled in her stomach. Would he finally acknowledge her publicly?

In their elite circles, married men keeping mistresses was as common as champagne at brunch.

No wife would dare make a scene when half the women present played the same game.

That's why she'd "coincidentally" had car trouble today, conveniently needing Richard's chauffeur services.

Struggling with an oversized floral arrangement, Evelyn nearly stumbled when Richard reached out. "Let me help with that."

She shook her head, biting her lip. "If we walk in together...people might talk."

Deliberately putting distance between them, she pretended to adjust her shawl, creating plausible deniability.

Richard didn't push. Tonight he attended Olivia Cole's celebration strictly as Horizon Enterprises' CEO.

Business obligations demanded these tedious social performances between the Hayes and Cole dynasties.

"After delivering those," he nodded at the flowers, "wait in the car. James will take you home."

Evelyn's manicured nails dug into the ribbon wrapping the stems.

Richard Hayes showed no intention of publicly acknowledging her presence.

Once inside the Hawthorne Estate, they went their separate ways. Richard followed a servant through the manicured gardens, only to stumble upon a commotion.

He lingered at the garden's edge, observing as Leonard Herty regained his footing.

The sight of his former classmate left Richard momentarily stunned.

Leonard has been part of high society for years now—far removed from ordinary businessmen like me. Benjamin Cole must have serious influence to secure his attendance.

Countless people would kill for this opportunity. And here I am, with the advantage of our shared past.

But what truly shocked him was spotting Evelyn Carter standing beside Leonard.

So Evelyn was Leonard's savior?

This is fate smiling upon me.

With a debt of that magnitude, how could I not capitalize on it?

Securing Leonard's favor would be my golden ticket into elite circles. Horizon Enterprises would thrive like never before.

As the crowd thinned, Richard seized his moment and strode toward them.

Evelyn froze for a split second, her mind racing. Alexander? He's attending Olivia's birthday celebration?

Noticing her bewildered expression, Richard swiftly clarified, "Mr. Wells contacted me recently. He was deeply moved by your cello performance and expressed interest in mentoring you. Didn’t I mention this?"

That much was true—but Evelyn had declined the opportunity at the time.

Hearing Richard’s explanation, Leonard’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

A realization dawned on him. No wonder she looked familiar when we first met. I’ve seen recordings of her playing the cello before.

The air between them thickened with unspoken thoughts.

Evelyn’s fingers twitched slightly, as if recalling the weight of the bow in her hand.

Leonard studied her with newfound interest, his earlier casual demeanor shifting into something more intent.

Richard watched the exchange, a knowing glint in his eyes.

Some opportunities, once lost, had a way of circling back.

The question was—would she take it this time?

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Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison (Evelyn) novel