Chapter 197

Zoe nodded thoughtfully. "Alright."

The villa was brightly lit. Evelyn kept Zoe company in the living room, watching a variety show before heading to the bathroom.

The warm water cascaded over her body, clearing her mind. Suddenly, she remembered the flash drive Yvonne had mentioned—the one containing footage of her visit to Bianca.

Scorpion.

The name flashed through her thoughts. No one else would monitor her like this.

Water droplets slid from her hair as she clenched her fists. She had to eliminate this threat before it endangered everyone around her.

Just as she finished blow-drying her hair, Sophia's call came through.

"Evelyn, remember when I said I'd set you up with someone?"

"Yeah. What about it?"

She put the phone on speaker and picked up a comb to detangle her damp locks.

"Now that the plagiarism scandal is over, I'm sending you photos! If none catch your eye, I'll find more!"

Amused by Sophia's enthusiasm, Evelyn chuckled. "This isn't a dating show. Anyone will do to fool Ethan."

"No way!" Sophia protested. "If you pick someone inferior, he'll never believe you'd fall for them."

Evelyn paused. "Why not?"

"You have high standards. You wouldn't settle for just anyone. Don't worry, I'll find you a perfect match!"

She sighed. "Fine, whatever."

"Wait for it—coming right up!"

After hanging up, her phone buzzed repeatedly with notifications. Evelyn opened the messages, scrolling through a gallery of handsome faces, yet none stood out.

[So? These are all the most eligible bachelors in town. Pick one, and I'll make it happen!]

Evelyn replied with a smile: [The first one, then. But will he agree to this charade?]

Sophia responded instantly: [Leave it to me!]

[Thanks.]

[Just treat me to dinner afterward!]

Something about the wording struck Evelyn as odd, but exhaustion overtook her. She set her phone aside and drifted into sleep.

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains. Evelyn checked her phone to find multiple messages from Sophia and a new friend request.

She read Sophia's texts first, then accepted the request from "Sean Reynolds" before getting ready for the day.

At the office, Sophia burst in with her usual energy.

"Lunch? I invited Sean so you two can get acquainted."

Evelyn organized her files. "Sure. I might need to face Ethan soon anyway. He can come along."

Sophia's eyes sparkled. "I'll book a table!"

At noon, they arrived at a French restaurant. By the window, a man in a gray suit stood to greet them.

"Miss Sullivan, I've heard so much about you."

Behind gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes held a warm glint. Sean extended his hand, his wristwatch gleaming subtly under the light.

"Mr. Reynolds."

As the three settled in to order, none noticed the camera lens glinting from a shadowed corner.