Chapter 68

Evelyn had her first taste of alcohol during her eighteenth birthday celebration.

That fateful day was supposed to be magical - sharing the same birthday as Vanessa meant they were to have a joint coming-of-age ball. The highlight was meant to be Evelyn's first waltz with Ethan.

But destiny had other plans.

The night before the ceremony, while taking an evening stroll through the rose gardens, Evelyn was suddenly attacked by Vanessa's beloved spaniel.

That dog had always been gentle, following Evelyn around like a shadow. No one could explain its sudden aggression.

Instead of dancing under crystal chandeliers, Evelyn spent her milestone birthday in a sterile hospital room, battling infection from the deep bite wounds.

While she lay feverish in bed, Ethan ended up leading Vanessa across the ballroom floor. When Claire showed Evelyn the video footage, the pain cut deeper than any dog bite ever could.

Claire smuggled in two bottles of cabernet that night. By dawn, both young women were giggling drunkenly about how absurd life could be. The expensive silk gown meant for Evelyn's debut remained untouched in its box.

The alcohol blurred Evelyn's judgment as she dialed Ethan's number, her voice trembling with intoxication. "Why?" she demanded, the single word heavy with accusation.

Ethan's response came cool and calculated. "Vanessa was the center of attention at the party. She needed a dance partner. Was I supposed to leave her standing alone?"

His tone turned mocking. "You're just jealous, Evelyn. If you hadn't gotten yourself bitten by that dog, you would've been the one in my arms tonight."

The truth was, the signs had been there for months—lingering glances, whispered conversations, sudden business trips. Evelyn had ignored them all, clinging to denial.

Now, hearing his belated concern, she let out a bitter laugh.

Suddenly, he remembered she couldn't handle liquor?

Yet he conveniently forgot all the times she'd drowned her sorrows in alcohol because of him.

Evelyn's lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. "What I drink isn't your concern anymore."

Her words were sharp. "We're over. Stop showing up where you don't belong."

The scent of whiskey clung to her, making Ethan's nose wrinkle in distaste. He exhaled sharply, deciding reasoning with a drunk was pointless.

"Vanessa," he called over his shoulder, voice clipped. "Bring the car around."

His dismissal stung, but Evelyn refused to let it show. She straightened, gripping the edge of the bar for balance.

The night air was cold against her flushed skin as she stumbled outside, determined to leave before he could see her break.

But fate had other plans.

Headlights cut through the darkness as a sleek black car pulled up—not Vanessa's, but one she recognized instantly.

Her breath hitched.

Alexander Whitmore stepped out, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her pulse race.

Evelyn's world tilted—not from the alcohol, but from the storm brewing in his eyes.

What was he doing here?

Ethan tossed the car keys toward Vanessa with careless ease.

Vanessa caught them reflexively, the cold metal pressing into her palm. A flicker of discomfort crossed her mind—why was she automatically the designated driver among them?

Something about this situation felt off.

Ethan's impatient voice cut through her thoughts. "What are you waiting for? Move."

Her lips pressed together, fingers curling around the keys so tightly she barely registered the sting of her nails biting into her skin.

Across from them, Evelyn shook her head firmly. "I don't need a ride."

"You drank," Ethan argued, frustration edging his tone. "How else are you getting home?"

Vanessa forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "It's late, Evelyn. Taxis are impossible to find right now. Just let us take you."

"I said no." Evelyn's voice was sharp, laced with irritation. "Is that not clear enough?"

Ethan reached for her wrist, but Evelyn sidestepped him with practiced ease.

Then, in a deliberate motion, she pulled a tissue from her purse and wiped the spot where his fingers had nearly brushed her skin—as if scrubbing away contamination.

Ethan's face darkened, his jaw clenching. "Evelyn!"

The air between them crackled with tension.

Vanessa watched, silent, the keys in her hand suddenly feeling heavier than before.

Evelyn paid him no attention. After cleaning her hands, she tossed the tissue into Vanessa's palm with deliberate precision. "Here, you can have this. Isn't this what you specialize in—collecting garbage?"

Vanessa's expression darkened instantly, her lips pressed into a bloodless line.

"Evelyn, that's enough!" Ethan growled, his voice rough with warning.

Just as tension crackled between the three of them, the roar of an engine cut through the air. A sleek, vintage luxury car rolled to a smooth stop in front of them.

Cresthaven was no stranger to expensive vehicles, but this one was different—a rare classic, one of only five in existence worldwide.

The door swung open, and a sharply dressed man stepped out. The sheer opulence of the car made all three of them pause, their gazes locking onto the newcomer.

The man approached them with practiced ease. "Ms. Hart?"

Vanessa blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. "Are you... looking for me?"

It was obvious this man served someone important. Vanessa couldn’t imagine Evelyn having connections to anyone of real influence.

She stepped forward, chin lifting with practiced arrogance. "And you are?"

The man remained unfazed, his polite smile unwavering. "I’ve been sent to escort you."

Vanessa’s eyes gleamed with sudden interest. "By whom?"

Before he could answer, Evelyn crossed her arms, her voice dripping with skepticism. "Must be a mistake. No one with taste would invite her anywhere."

Ethan shot Evelyn a warning glare, but the driver merely inclined his head. "No mistake, ma'am. The invitation is specifically for Ms. Hart."

Vanessa’s lips curled in triumph. "See? Some people do recognize quality."

Evelyn scoffed, but before she could retort, the driver gestured toward the car. "Shall we?"

Vanessa didn’t hesitate. With one last smug glance at Evelyn, she sauntered toward the vehicle, leaving the other two standing in stunned silence.

Ethan turned to Evelyn, his expression unreadable. "What the hell was that?"

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed as she watched the car disappear down the street. "I don’t know... but something tells me we’re about to find out."