Aiden gave a quick nod and said, "Make sure Sally''s Bistro sends the food straight to the office."


    "Got it, Mr. Jenkins."


    Heading downstairs, Aiden went to fetch Evelyn and personally escorted her to Charles''s office. Before she could utter a word, Charles nced up and said, "Give me about twenty minutes."


    With that, he buried himself back in his work. Evelyn, keeping her face emotionless, wandered over to the sofa and settled in.


    After what felt like an eternity, a knock interrupted the silence. Aiden came back, carrying dinner from Sally''s Bistro, setting it up neatly in the office''s dining area before making a quiet exit.


    Charles put down his pen, stood, and turned to Evelyn. "Let''s eat and chat."


    "Charles, let''s not waste time."


    Ignoring her protest, Charles took his seat at the table, making it clear that if she didn''t join him, there''d be no conversation. Reluctantly, Evelyn took her ce across from him.


    "Give this a try," he said, serving her a piece of salmon.


    Evelyn eyed the dish. She quickly noticed that every single te was filled with her favorites. It was obvious Charles had gone out of his way, crafting this moment just for her.


    For those five long years, having a meal together with him and Charlie was like chasing a dream. Now...


    Meeting his gaze, Evelyn let a cold smile cross her lips. His efforts seemed absurd to her.


    Internally unfazed, she ate the salmon, her face showing nothing.


    "How is it? Do you like it?" Charles asked, genuinely hoping to bridge the distance between them. He couldn''t stand her icy demeanor.


    "Can we talk now?" Evelyn cut him off, swallowing without savoring the food.


    "I had Sally''s Bistro make this just for you," he pressed on.


    "So what?" Her voice carried a chill.


    Her indifference got under Charles''s skin, but he held back his frustration, offering her some shrimp instead. This time, Evelyn didn''t even bother picking up her fork.


    "Charles, I can''t stomach a meal with you. Let''s not drag this out..."


    "If not with me, then who? Brooks?" Charles''s expression darkened.


    He was used to being the one adored, the one people bent over backward for. Not even for Dahlia had he humbled himself this much.


    Evelyn could see Charles dodging the real conversation. Staying any longer was a waste.


    She needed Brooks to quietly find awyer for Wesley, to spring him free as soon as possible. With her mind made up, she rose from her seat.


    Without another word, she turned to leave. But a few steps in, Charles caught up, grabbing her wrist and pulling her into his arms.


    After two years, holding Evelyn


    tightly again felt like filling an empty


    space in his heart. Charles


    instively held her closer, wishing


    he could keep her there forever.


    Evelyn came eto her senses and began to struggle fiercely. Her strength had improved over the past couple of years, but against Charles, it still wasn''t enough. Her intense resistance made him let go sooner than he intended.


    "Eve, about Wesley—if you''re worried about owing me, just consider this meal as clearing the te."


    "Charles, I''m getting him out," Evelyn said bluntly.


    "Are you out of your mind? He almost killed you. Letting him out is like inviting disaster."


    "That''s my concern," Evelyn replied. She couldn''t exin more; Charles wouldn''t believe her. He might even cut off any way to help Wesley, all to protect Dahlia.


    After all, he knew Dahlia was behind Charlie''s death, and he still managed to forgive her.