Chapter 581

"Evelyn told you to give this to me, but she didn't say anything else?" Dominic's voice was laced with skepticism as he examined the pink lollipop Nathaniel handed him.

"Nothing at all," Nathaniel confirmed, watching his employer's reaction carefully.

Dominic turned the candy between his fingers, his expression unreadable. "Does she think I'm some child who can be pacified with sweets?" Though his words were dismissive, he didn't return the treat.

Nathaniel ventured cautiously, "Perhaps Ms. Carter simply wanted to share something pleasant with you. Or maybe she considers you a friend? Friends often exchange small tokens like this, don't they?"

The tension between Dominic and Evelyn had been palpable during their recent encounters, filled with heated debates and opposing viewpoints. To Nathaniel, this gesture seemed like an olive branch.

"I find Ms. Carter quite remarkable," Nathaniel continued. "When you were at your weakest, despite your recent arguments, she came immediately when I asked for her help. That's the mark of a true friend."

Dominic's fingers tightened around the lollipop as he stared out the window. "Do you know what I admire most about her?"

Nathaniel blinked in surprise at the unexpected question.

"She's like sunlight breaking through storm clouds," Dominic murmured, a rare softness in his voice. "You find yourself drawn to her warmth without even realizing it."

Over the next fortnight, Evelyn balanced her rigorous orchestra rehearsals with daily treatments for Dominic's injuries. Their interactions remained strictly professional - doctor and patient.

Dominic proved to be an exemplary patient, enduring painful therapies without complaint and following every instruction precisely. Evelyn had promised to help him walk again, and she was determined to keep that vow.

His recovery progressed astonishingly well, especially after she incorporated therapeutic massages into his regimen. Within weeks, Dominic could stand with support, and full mobility seemed imminent.

Meanwhile, under Leonard Herty's expert tutelage, Evelyn's cello skills flourished. The renowned musician had submitted her application for the orchestra's upcoming auditions without her knowledge.

Cassandra Brown emerged from the vice conductor's office, her eyes scanning the competitor list. Her lips twisted into a sneer when she spotted Evelyn's name.

"Nepotism at its finest," she scoffed to her companions. "Does she have no shame, competing after buying her way into Herty's tutelage?"

The orchestra buzzed with rumors that Evelyn had used Alexander Whitmore's influence to pressure Leonard into accepting her as a student. Too focused on practice to address the gossip, Evelyn noticed the subtle shift in her colleagues' attitudes.

A chance encounter in the cafeteria revealed Rachel wasn't the rumor's source - her genuine surprise at hearing the story was evident. That left Cassandra.

Their confrontation came in the break room when Cassandra blocked Evelyn's path. "People like you, bribing your way into Mr. Herty's circle with dirty money, don't belong in this orchestra. You're contaminating our sacred space of art!"

Her two followers nodded vigorously. "Mr. Herty might tolerate you, but we don't want your kind here."

Evelyn's icy gaze swept over them before her lips curved into a knowing smile. "What I enjoy most," she said sweetly, "is watching people like you seethe with hatred, yet remain utterly powerless to change anything."