Chapter 162

Lillian Rothschild's eyes sparkled like they were filled with starlight.

She gently waved the menu, her tone sincere. "I've tried all the signature dishes here. You won't be disappointed."

Evelyn Laurent arched an eyebrow at her.

This girl was almost painfully naive, yet oddly endearing.

"Aren't you afraid I might be dangerous?" Evelyn teased.

Lillian tilted her head, then suddenly laughed. "Dangerous people don't help strangers out of tight spots."

She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Besides, my intuition is never wrong."

Evelyn couldn't help but smile.

It felt strange, like meeting a kindred spirit.

"My treat today," Evelyn said, closing the menu.

Lillian immediately shook her head. "No way! I invited you!"

Her stubborn expression reminded Evelyn of a squirrel guarding its nuts.

Evelyn didn't argue further.

The food arrived quickly.

Lillian eagerly picked up a piece of sweet and sour ribs, her eyes closing in bliss. "Try this! It's amazing!"

Evelyn took a bite. The perfect balance of flavors exploded on her tongue.

They chatted easily between bites, the atmosphere warm and relaxed.

Meanwhile, the restaurant manager was hastily making a phone call.

"Mr. Sullivan, Ms. Laurent is dining at our establishment."

A pause on the other end. "With whom?"

"A girl named Lillian Rothschild. Seems to be a Harvard student."

Ethan Sullivan hung up and grabbed his coat.

When he arrived, laughter spilled from the private dining room.

Evelyn's laughter—but lighter than he'd ever heard it.

Ethan lingered outside the door, his lips curving unconsciously.

He settled onto a hallway sofa and opened his laptop, pulling up surveillance footage.

Sophia Lowell and Sebastian Royston flashed across the screen.

Ethan's expression darkened.

His fingers clenched when he spotted the necklace around Sophia's throat.

The one he'd given Evelyn.

"Harrison, run a background check on Lillian Rothschild," he ordered his assistant.

The private room door swung open.

Lillian emerged arm-in-arm with Evelyn, both still smiling.

"Ethan?" Lillian's eyes widened in recognition.

He gave a curt nod, his gaze locked on Evelyn.

Evelyn ignored him completely, steering Lillian toward the exit.

Lillian glanced back over her shoulder, her lips quirking with secret amusement.

Outside, Evelyn's phone vibrated.

A notification appeared:

[Lillian Rothschild's dossier sent to your inbox]

Sender: Ethan Sullivan.

Evelyn's eyes turned to ice.