Chapter 536

Alexander froze when he saw Evelyn pick up her cello, finally understanding what she meant by "having to work" earlier.

His breath caught when he realized Evelyn was performing at this very hotel tonight.

A waiter approached with menus. Isabella ordered several dishes before sliding one toward Alexander.

"Their bouillabaisse is supposedly divine. Care to try?" she asked.

Alexander shook his head. "You enjoy."

He couldn't possibly feast with another woman while his wife worked mere feet away.

The thought turned his stomach.

Abandoning Isabella mid-meal, he moved to the table closest to Evelyn's performance area, watching her intently.

When her order arrived alone, Isabella's face darkened with humiliation.

Every other table in the French restaurant was filled with couples, leaving her conspicuously solitary.

Evelyn's fingers danced across the cello strings effortlessly, each note resonating perfectly through the elegant space. Several male diners cast appreciative glances her way.

One particularly bold gentleman even slipped her his business card between pieces.

Though focused on her performance, Evelyn could feel someone's intense gaze burning into her.

When she finally looked up, her eyes locked with Alexander's. Her bow faltered momentarily at the realization he'd changed tables.

"Wasn't he supposed to be dining with Isabella?" she wondered.

As Evelyn concluded her final piece and set down her bow, an elegant bouquet appeared before her.

"Miss, might I have the pleasure of your contact information?"

A handsome biracial man with striking blue eyes presented roses directly in Alexander's line of sight.

Evelyn instinctively glanced toward her husband before murmuring, "My husband is sitting right there."

The man froze as Alexander approached, claiming Evelyn's hand possessively.

Producing a bouquet of lilies from behind his back, Alexander gave the interloper a pointed look. "Lilies happen to be my wife's favorite."

After the man retreated awkwardly, Alexander guided Evelyn to a seat.

"You must be exhausted. I ordered this for you - eat while it's warm." His brow furrowed. "Why didn't you tell me about this performance?"

"Mr. Herty recommended it last minute," Evelyn began, but Alexander's phone interrupted.

Stepping away to take the call, he left Evelyn momentarily alone - precisely when Isabella struck.

"Lovely performance," Isabella purered, her compliment dripping with false sweetness.

Evelyn maintained polite composure. "Thank you."

Isabella slid into Alexander's vacant chair.

"Rumor has it you're carrying Ethan's child." Her eyes gleamed maliciously. "Since you're already cheating, when will you divorce Alexander?"

Evelyn's expression frosted over.

She set down her fork deliberately. "Eager for my marriage to end?"

"Alexander's too naive. I'd hate to see him raising another man's child unknowingly."

Isabella leaned closer. "How much did Ethan pay you to bear his bastard?"

Every suspicion Evelyn harbored about Isabella's motives crystallized in that moment.

This childhood friend's return was no coincidence. She wanted Alexander.

Never had Evelyn encountered a homewrecker so brazenly confrontational.

Rather than anger, cold amusement curled Evelyn's lips. "How much did your father pay your mother to conceive you?"

The barb struck true.

Isabella flushed crimson. "How dare you!"

Evelyn sipped her juice calmly. "Pursuing a married man reflects poorly on your upbringing, Ms. Morgan. Your parents have been gone over a decade - must they roll in their graves at your behavior?"

"You—"

Blind with rage, Isabella snatched a water glass and hurled its contents at Evelyn's face.