Chapter 201
Sophia Lowell dialed Sebastian Royston's number.
The line rang with an automated voicemail prompt.
She stubbornly redialed several times.
Still no answer.
Sophia strode briskly toward the parking lot.
Sebastian's car remained parked in its spot.
She circled the vehicle once.
Her triumphant smirk reflected in the tinted windows.
"Divine intervention," she murmured.
Sophia yanked the door open and slid inside.
Her fingers flew through the compartments, scavenging valuables.
Wallet. Watch. Limited-edition lighter.
All disappeared into her handbag.
"Car service? Yes, Culture Plaza underground parking."
Hanging up, she hummed a tune and settled into the driver's seat.
Meanwhile...
Evelyn Laurent browsed through Culture Plaza.
Her phone vibrated abruptly.
"Yes?"
"Everything alright?"
Ethan Sullivan's baritone voice carried through the receiver.
Evelyn's lips curved. "Never better."
She nudged a pebble with her shoe.
"Unlike those fools who picked the wrong fight."
A low chuckle resonated from the other end.
"Your location? I'll come get you."
"Unnecessary."
Evelyn glanced at the directory sign.
"Nearly at the venue."
After ending the call, Ethan exited the event space.
His gaze instantly found the familiar silhouette.
Sunlight danced across her hair as she approached with effortless grace.
Ethan's expression softened involuntarily.
"How was the warmup?"
His voice gentled.
Evelyn scoffed. "Pathetic."
She flexed her wrist.
"Didn't even break a sweat."
Ethan studied her restless energy.
A foreboding pricked his instincts.
Right on cue—
"Care for a real match?"
Her eyes sparkled with challenge.
Ethan exhaled in defeat.
"I surrender."
Evelyn frowned. "I'll go easy on you."
Ethan swallowed his retort.
"Let me take you somewhere."
He deftly redirected.
"You'll love it."
Her attention hooked instantly.
"Promise?"
"No deception."
Watching her animated expression, warmth bloomed in his chest.
This version of Evelyn—
Vibrant. Alive.
Infinitely more captivating than the ice queen she'd once been.
The black sedan glided toward downtown.
"What's Monarch Lounge?"
Evelyn tilted her head.
Ethan's lips curved mysteriously.
"All in due time."
From the driver's seat, Harrison Whitmore observed the pair through the rearview mirror.
He suppressed a silent whistle.