Chapter 164

Evelyn Laurent strode out of Chef's Table in her high heels.

The sunlight made her squint.

A shrill laugh cut through the air nearby.

Lillian Rothschild stood trapped between three women like a cornered animal.

"Well, if it isn't the Cooper family's discarded bastard?" The lead woman flicked her diamond bracelet, her rhinestone nails glinting.

Her lackey sneered. "She must've heard Madam was coming and waited here on purpose!"

Lillian clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white. "I'm just here to eat."

"You?" The woman laughed mockingly. "A place like this is beneath you."

Evelyn narrowed her eyes.

She recognized the gaudy woman as Madeline Clemenson, current matriarch of the Cooper family.

"Move." Madeline's face darkened. "You're bad luck."

She raised her hand to shove Lillian.

"Stop!"

Evelyn's voice sliced through the air like a blade.

Everyone froze.

Madeline's lackey eyed Evelyn up and down. "Who let the waitstaff out? Escort us already!"

Evelyn walked straight to Lillian's side.

The faint scent of gardenias clung to the younger woman.

"Are you okay?" she murmured.

Lillian shook her head, eyes reddening.

"Cut the act!" the lackey shrilled. "They're clearly in cahoots!"

Madeline finally looked at Evelyn properly. "Little girl, meddling brings trouble."

Evelyn gave a soft laugh.

She turned to the approaching security. "Ban these women from entering again."

Madeline's face twisted.

"Do you know who I am?" Her lipstick-smudged mouth trembled.

Evelyn adjusted her cufflinks leisurely. "Madam Cooper, correct?"

Her gaze turned glacial. "Not anymore."

As the lackeys sputtered, the restaurant manager rushed over.

"Miss Laurent, why are you standing here?" Beads of sweat dotted his forehead. "Your private dining room is ready."

Dead silence fell.

Madeline's expression froze.

Evelyn took Lillian's hand. "Come, I'm treating you to lunch."

Behind them, a glass shattered against the floor.