Chapter 149 Seduction
Gilbert set up an omakase dinner for Evelyn, knowing she loved surprises.
After some food and drinks, Evelyn got more lively and chatty.
Both well-read, they talked about literature, music, and games, with Gilbert keeping up easily.
Evelyn was surprised they both played the same asymmetric combat game and liked the same character.
Talking about the game, Evelyn got even more animated, her face flushed, and her hands gesturing excitedly.
Gilbert just smiled and listened.
After the meal, they walked out of the restaurant together.
Despite the great dinner, Gilbert hadn't mentioned the collaboration, making Evelyn a bit uneasy.
Just as they were about to part, Evelyn was about to bring it up when Gilbert, as if reading her mind, said, "Evelyn, about the Rose Garden collaboration, send me the proposal when you're ready. Once we review it, we can sign the contract."
"Gilbert," Evelyn paused, her voice soft, "I know you might be standing up for me by choosing to collaborate with me over the Wellington family."
Gilbert just smiled faintly, not confirming or denying.
Evelyn continued, "But business isn't a game. Everyone has to look out for their own interests. I hope you choose a partner based on merit, not personal relationships. Even though I have issues with Edward, I won't take advantage of others. Since he also wants to collaborate on Rose Garden, I hope you'll consider both our proposals fairly."
Since leaving Rose Garden, Evelyn had been thinking hard.
She felt uneasy about collaborating with Gilbert under these circumstances.
'If the Wellington family messed up and I seized the chance, that'd be fair. But if I got the resources because of my relationship with Gilbert, it would feel wrong, like I was using him to get ahead. That's not me. I don't rely on any man.'
Gilbert looked into her eyes and nodded, smiling, "You make a good point. But even if Edward gives me a proposal, I'd still choose you."
Evelyn fell silent. 'Well, that made all my previous words pointless.'
"Evelyn, I get your point," Gilbert said gently. "But everyone has their own way of doing things. I work with people I know. I don't know Edward, so I won't choose him. But we've known each other for a while and get along well, so I choose you."
Evelyn blinked and turned away, feeling awkward.
Weird enough, Gilbert's words weren't inappropriate, but they felt like a heartfelt confession, making her embarrassed.
"Alright, since you think so highly of me, I won't let you down. I've been busy with my hotel, so the proposal might take a bit longer. Please bear with me," Evelyn said respectfully.
"No problem, I can wait as long as it takes," Gilbert said, opening the car door for her. "It's chilly, go home quickly."
Evelyn waved goodbye. As soon as she got in the car, Gilbert leaned down, looking at her through the window. "Evelyn."
"Gilbert, is there something else?" Evelyn asked, blinking her bright eyes.
"Today at Rose Garden, Edward asked to talk to me alone. Aren't you curious about what we discussed?"
All through dinner, he was waiting for Evelyn to bring it up, but she didn't even hint at it. She's got some serious self-control.
"I'm not interested," Evelyn said with a bright, carefree smile, her dimples showing. "Edward and I are done. Whatever he says doesn't matter to me. Goodbye, Gilbert."
The Bugatti sped off into the night.
Gilbert adjusted his glasses, a smile creeping onto his face, heart racing with excitement.
The Bugatti La Voiture Noire zoomed along the overpass.
Evelyn rolled down the window, enjoying the night wind and the neon-lit skyline across the river, lost in thought.
"Evelyn, have you gotten close to Gilbert from the Alexander family so quickly?" William asked, gripping the steering wheel, his voice muffled.
"Pretty much, we get along well."
"Even though he saved you, he did follow you to your place back then. You can't be too careful," William grumbled.
"Maybe he recognized me and got curious. Besides, after a few interactions, I think he's a good person, though sometimes his words are a bit odd," Evelyn said, her eyes sparkling. "The best part is, he likes playing the same game as I do! We've even planned to team up and play together sometime!"
The more William listened, the more heartbroken he felt.
He pursed his lips, silent for a while, then asked in a low voice, "Evelyn, you've never been this friendly and forgiving to a guy you just met. Do you like him a little?"
"Oh, why would you say that?"
Evelyn rolled her eyes at William. "And even if we take a step back, it should be Gilbert who likes me. Why should I like a man? Men only influence my business!"
William couldn't help but laugh, his worries fading.
'Luckily, Evelyn hasn't been swayed by Gilbert. Thank goodness.'
At that moment, the car went over a speed bump, and a card fell out of the flower basket.
Evelyn frowned and picked it up.
Opening it, she saw Gilbert's handwritten note with elegant writing—
[Such beautiful times were rare in our childhood. I hope there will be more in the future.]
Evelyn's bright eyes narrowed slightly. 'This Gilbert is quite interesting.'
"Did Nicole say anything unpleasant when she saw you today?" William asked, concerned and getting angry just thinking about Nicole.
"What do you think?" Evelyn raised an eyebrow coldly.
"Evelyn, Nicole has already gone all out against you," William's eyes darkened. "What do you plan to do?"
"William, for the next few days, you don't need to assist me. I need you to handle something," Evelyn said.
"I am all ears," William replied.
"Keep an eye on Karen," Evelyn said, gently stroking the roses in the flower basket, her eyes cold as steel. "After tonight, Nicole won't be able to hold back and will start taking action."
"Evelyn, did you say something to her tonight?" William asked, puzzled.
"I mentioned something about her time in Mythorica, and she was indeed scared," Evelyn said, laughing at the thought of Nicole's reaction.
"What? Wouldn't that make her realize we know about her past?" William asked, worried.
Evelyn shook her finger with a smile. "No. What I said to Nicole tonight was to provoke her, so the closer she gets to her engagement with Edward, the more she'll lose her composure. She's desperate to marry into the Wellington family and will try to eliminate all obstacles."
William suddenly understood. "So she'll definitely try to hide that child again?!"
Evelyn smiled cunningly and nodded. "Nicole is in the hospital every day, making it inconvenient for her to act, so she'll likely have Karen handle it. After all, only Karen knows where the girl is being fostered. I've already set the bait; now we just wait for the fish to bite."
