Chapter 74
After finishing her words, she set the magazine aside, completely ignoring Dahlia, before pulling the door open and striding out. Inside, Dahlia was boiling with anger. ‘Evelyn, do you seriously think you can snatch Charles away from me? Not a chance!’ It wasn’t long before Dahlia calmed herself down. She opened the door with a smile plastered on her face and walked out. She glanced over at Evelyn, who was busy at the printer, and casually asked, “Is anyone free tonight?” Someone piped up jokingly, “Dahlia, are you treating us to dinner?”
With a grin, Dahlia replied, “Yep, Charles called earlier. He wants to celebrate my first day at work by taking everyone out to dinner at Debbie’s Garden. Is everyone free tonight?”
“Absolutely, we’re in!”
“Debbie’s Garden! I’d brave a storm for that! I’ve heard their food is top-notch. Thanks to you, Dahlia, we get to try it tonight.”
Even though her colleagues were teasing, their excitement was genuine. Debbie’s Garden, owned by Jenkins Enterprises, was the Capital’s most prestigious restaurant, where only the elite dine.
“Don’t hold back! You can order whatever you like tonight.” Dahlia chuckled though her eyes were fixed on Evelyn.
“That’s the future Mrs. Jenkins! So generous!” her colleagues teased.
“Come on, don’t joke about that,” Dahlia said, blushing but not denying her connection with Charles.
Before they knew it, the workday had ended, and everyone headed to Debbie’s Garden with Dahlia. The place boasted an ancient, majestic exterior and a serene, elegant interior-a charm that money couldn’t buy.
As soon as Dahlia walked in, a waiter greeted her with respect, “Ms. Dahlia, the Diamond Room is ready for you.”
The mention of the Diamond Room left her colleagues in awe. They knew it was Charles’ private room, not open to the public.
“Please fetch some wine from Charles’ cellar and bring it to the room,” Dahlia instructed the waiter with an air of authority.
“Yes, Ms. Dahlia.”
Dahlia cast a sidelong glance at Evelyn, her expression smug. Evelyn met her gaze with a plastic smile, clearly unfazed by Dahlia’s flaunting.
Once inside the private room, Dahlia asked the waiter to bring extra menus. “Please order whatever you want, everyone.”
Seeing Evelyn hadn’t chosen anything, Dahlia handed her a menu. “Evelyn, you haven’t been here before, right? Don’t be shy with me and Charles. Just order whatever you like.”
Evelyn accepted the menu calmly and began selecting her favorite dishes. Dahlia clenched her teeth in frustration.
The cold appetizers arrived, presented beautifully and bursting with flavor. The wine, worth tens of thousands, was brought in by the bottle. Her colleagues lavished praise on the selection. Dahlia basked in the compliments. “Please, enjoy.”
“Dahlia, isn’t Mr. Jenkins joining us? Should we wait for him?” someone asked, hesitating to start eating.
“No need. Charles messaged me. He doesn’t want to make everyone feel awkward by being here. He’ll come later to pick me up.”
The mention of going home together
carried a hint of intimacy. Under envious glances, Dahlia, as the host, was the first to dig in. The dining atmosphere quickly turned lively.
Evelyn, however, was distracted. Her eyes were frequently checking her phone. Suddenly, a message popped up. After reading it, she glanced at Dahlia with a sly smile and stood up, “I’m heading to the restroom
That smile sent a shiver down Dahlia’s spine. After Evelyn left, Dahlia followed suit. “I need the restroom too, excuse me.” She noticed Evelyn wasn’t heading towards the restroom but… the main entrance. Was she planning to meet Charles?
Dahlia hurried after her. She caught up in a small garden and grabbed Evelyn’s wrist, whispering, “Evelyn, what are you up to?” Evelyn shook off her hand with a cold laugh. “Why are you so nosy?”
“You’re just trying to meet Charles and seduce him, aren’t you? Evelyn, don’t bother. Charles only has eyes for me.”
“Oh, really? Are you sure?” Evelyn’s gaze was mocking.
Dahlia felt uneasy but insisted, “Of course!”
“Ha.” Evelyn chuckled coldly.
“Dahlia, I overheard Carmen’s call to you last night. What would Charles think if he knew Carmen paid fifty million for your first-place prize?” Dahlia’s eyes widened in shock. Evelyn had heard that!
She quickly regained composure. “So what? You think Charles would believe you?”
“Of course he won’t believe me.” Evelyn’s voice dropped, a twinge of bitterness in her tone. If only Charles had a shred of faith in her, she
wouldn’t need to go to such lengths.
Seeing Evelyn’s expression, Dahlia’s smile grew smug. “I figured as much…”
But before she could finish, Evelyn’s lips curled into a slight smile, interrupting her, “But…”
Evelyn’s gaze shifted past Dahlia, landing on the gazebo just a few steps away.
Dahlia’s heart dropped. She turned to see Charles emerging from the shadows, tall and imposing. Her heart skipped a beat. She had walked right into Evelyn’s trap!
Dahlia was frozen in place and met Charles’ cold stare, her heart pounding with fear. This was the first time he’d ever looked at her this way.
In a desperate move, Dahlia rushed forward, clutching Charles’ wrist, tears welling up. “Charles, please, let me explain.”
An intimidating chill radiated from Charles. His face was stern, and he was clearly furious.