200 Do You Have Other Plans Tonight

Cassandra shared her name.

Genevieve gave a knowing smirk and nodded. "Alright. I understand."

She exited the café first to avoid attracting any unnecessary attention.

Back at the office, Genevieve nearly collided with Evelyn, who was on her way to the printer.

Evelyn looked up, bracing herself for the usual sharp, mocking glare.

Given their history, she fully expected a sarcastic jab or a veiled insult.

But Genevieve simply gave a dismissive nod and walked past without a word.

The silence left Evelyn momentarily stunned. Other colleagues noticed the strange interaction too. They exchanged confused glances, sensing the shift in atmosphere.

"That's odd. Genevieve didn't confront Evelyn?"

"Maybe she's finally scared. Evelyn must have powerful backing now."

"Probably because of Cassandra Sterling. That's keeping Genevieve in check."

Evelyn shrugged off the unusual quiet from Genevieve. She collected her prints and returned to her desk, immersing herself in her design work.

From a distance, Genevieve cast occasional glances at Evelyn, a smug smile playing on her lips.

Her thoughts were venomous. "Enjoy your peace while it lasts, Evelyn. Your downfall is coming soon."

A cold flicker of malice shone in Genevieve's eyes, betraying her true intentions.

At the end of the workday, Evelyn packed her things. Her phone buzzed. It was Alexander.

"Are you finished for the day?" His deep, calming voice came through the phone. "I'm outside the café. Come meet me."

Evelyn was taken aback. "Why are you here so suddenly?"

The question slipped out before she could stop it. Then she remembered their conversation from the previous night. Her surprise turned to curiosity. "Wait... are we going to the place you mentioned last night? I thought we were going this weekend. Why the change of plans?"

She nervously smoothed her hair, feeling flustered by the suddenness.

"I thought you might be overthinking things after last night," he explained with a warm chuckle. "So I decided we should go now. Do you have other plans tonight?"

Recalling the intimate nature of their previous night's talk, Evelyn felt a blush warm her cheeks.

She couldn't quite explain what had come over her to open up so completely, but the memory now brought a wave of mild embarrassment.

She pressed her lips together, her voice softening. "No, I don't have other plans. But... you changed the time so abruptly. I'm not really prepared. Should I go home and change first?"

This felt like a proper date, after all.

"There's no need for that. Just having you here is enough." Alexander's voice was firm and reassuring.

Her nerves settled slightly. She offered a soft smile. "Alright. I'll be right there."

Soon, she was sliding into the passenger seat of his car.

As she closed the door, he reached over and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Was work difficult today?"

She smiled, feeling comfortable. "Not at all. When I'm doing what I love, it never feels like work."

A brief silence fell between them. Evelyn grew slightly anxious. She glanced at him. "Where exactly are we going?"

She looked down at her professional attire, suddenly self-conscious. "I hope it's not some formal place. I'm a bit underdressed. I wouldn't want to embarrass you."

Seeing her concern, he chuckled softly, his tone calm. "Don't worry. It's nowhere that fancy."

Then, with a playful smile, he added, "Actually, I'm more concerned that you might not like it once we arrive."

Hearing this, she shook her head immediately, her tone earnest and firm. "It doesn't matter where you take me. Or who you are. I could never dislike it. Or you."

For a moment, his gaze softened, filled with intense emotion. He took her hand, holding it gently. "Evelyn, remember you said that. If you try to run away later, I won't allow it."

Her curiosity deepened even further.

What kind of place was this, that he would say something so serious?

Finally, the car came to a stop.

"We're here," Alexander said, smiling.

Evelyn opened the door and stepped out. The moment her feet touched the ground, her breath caught in her throat.

Her entire body froze in sheer shock.

It was in that instant she fully understood the meaning behind his earlier words.