Chapter 68

Adrian Prescott's usual playful demeanor was replaced by a gentle smile. "Seems you don't need my handkerchief after all."

Evelyn Carter maintained her stoic expression. "Obviously. I wasn't crying."

"I thought you'd be sobbing like last time." Adrian produced a second handkerchief from his pocket, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Came prepared with backups."

The memory of that rooftop night in Darai flashed through Evelyn's mind. She cringed internally at the thought of breaking down before her supposed rival. Her mask slipped slightly.

"That never happened. Your memory's faulty."

Adrian didn't argue, simply nodding. "Must be mistaken then." Watching Evelyn's stormy expression, he wondered if Nathan Sterling had been the cause of those tears.

"Want me to rough him up for you?" Rare seriousness colored Adrian's voice as he cracked his knuckles. "Just say the word."

Evelyn scoffed. "He's your best friend. The fact you're not taking his side is miracle enough."

Adrian thumped his chest dramatically, triggering a coughing fit. "Justice doesn't pick sides! Friendship doesn't excuse bad behavior."

His earnest expression reminded Evelyn of a knight pledging fealty to his queen. There was something disarmingly genuine about how he looked at her.

The ridiculousness made Evelyn's lips twitch. "You're full of nonsense."

"Only if you're willing to listen." Adrian closed the distance between them.

"Smooth talker," Evelyn teased, but this time her smile reached her eyes.

Compared to Nathan's willful blindness, Adrian's loyalty felt like a breath of fresh air. When she met his gaze again, she realized something surprising - he wasn't nearly as irritating as before.

"Serious question," Adrian straightened abruptly. "Can we pretend I never insulted you? I was an idiot."

He rubbed his neck sheepishly. "I've grown since then. Didn't realize I was hurting someone so..." His voice trailed off meaningfully.

Evelyn tucked windblown hair behind her ear. "Already forgotten. Just stop with the daily declarations of love."

"Not happening!" Adrian's stubborn grin returned. "I'm not giving up on courting you."

"Insufferable." Evelyn turned to leave but paused, throwing over her shoulder, "Thanks."

"Anytime! And if Nathan bothers you again—"

"I know, I know." She waved him off, calling for her driver.

That night, Sophia Whitmore called as Evelyn prepared for bed. "You vanished! Olivia was worried sick."

"The Sterlings showed up. Couldn't deal with their nonsense." Evelyn flopped onto her silk sheets.

"Tears of the Ocean's secured in the vault."

"Oh. Right." Evelyn had completely forgotten about the billion-dollar necklace.

Sophia's exasperated sigh traveled through the phone. Only Evelyn could treat a fortune like spare change.

"Speaking of," Evelyn teased, "I'm visiting Frenda tomorrow. Any messages for Julian?"

"Brat. Goodnight." The line went dead with a click.

Evelyn giggled. She really needed to orchestrate Julian's return to Pamore - those two were painfully obvious.

The next morning found Evelyn boarding a private jet to Frenda. She went straight to Beatrice Whitmore's villa.

"Evelyn darling!" Beatrice swept her into a perfumed embrace the moment she arrived. "I've missed you terribly!"

"Missed you more." Evelyn nuzzled into Beatrice's shoulder like a contented kitten. "Aunt Bea, I've been dreaming of your cooking."

"Anything for you, sweetheart." Beatrice cupped Evelyn's face fondly, then feigned sternness. "If you missed me so much, why the radio silence?"