After a busy afternoon at the office, as Evelyn Clayton was leaving, she received a call from Yara Reagan, saying she would pick her up. Evelyn Clayton didn’t refuse and waited for Yara Reagan’s car at the office entrance. A little after six, Yara Reagan’s car pulled up at the door. Iris Lockwood was also in the car. As soon as Evelyn Clayton got in, she heard her say, "Tristan Hawthorne has asked a few times, are you going to the dinner or not?" "Tonight?" Evelyn Clayton mused thoughtfully. Yara Reagan let out a sound of acknowledgment, "You said earlier you could go, so we didn’t decline. But it’s been delayed until now, and he’s asked several times, even called at noon to ask if tonight would work." Evelyn Clayton said, "Then let’s go." It’s just right, as she’s about to secure a position on Apex’s board of directors and will still need external collaboration when persuading Shane Sinclair to form a new fashion design group. Although the resources in Aethelburg are saturated, the city values circle culture; it’s hard for outsiders to integrate. Though borrowing the Sinclair Family’s influence, Evelyn Clayton has half a foot in the door, she has yet to make an appearance formally. This moment, choosing to cooperate with familiar circles is the wisest choice. "Alright, I’ll message Tristan Hawthorne." Iris Lockwood swiftly sent the message and quickly relayed the time. Eight o’clock tonight, Zenith One in Aethelburg. Returning here once more, Evelyn Clayton couldn’t describe her feelings. Fresh chapters posted on novel~fire~net The last meeting with Yvette Warren was still fresh in her mind, and this time going in, she felt an unexplainable anxiety. Yara Reagan sensed something was off with her, misunderstood, and softly spoke after entering the elevator, "Don’t want to see James Grant?" Evelyn Clayton pressed her lips together without speaking, just as Iris Lockwood interjected, "Isn’t James Grant allergic to alcohol? He’s recovered so quickly?" "If not, should he have surgery?" Yara Reagan half teased, half bewildered, "Are you hoping he gets worse?" Iris Lockwood laughed, "I didn’t say that." With a ding, the elevator arrived. The elevator doors slowly opened, revealing Tristan Hawthorne standing with a smile, waiting respectfully by the door. Next to him was Keith Donovan with an indifferent look, faintly dissatisfied. "Hello, ladies," Tristan Hawthorne, gentleman-like, greeted, not at all like he hadn’t seen them in a while, but more like old friends. Especially facing Evelyn Clayton, Tristan Hawthorne’s smile didn’t waver, as if their last meeting was yesterday, not five years ago. This made Evelyn Clayton somewhat dazed, and Yara Reagan momentarily didn’t know what to say. In the end, it was Iris Lockwood who reacted first, smiling and shaking hands with Tristan Hawthorne, "Tristan, long time no see." After speaking, Iris Lockwood cast a glance at Keith Donovan, her tone turning sarcastic, "Oh, Director Donovan." Keith Donovan was almost angered into laughter. Evelyn Clayton seized the opportunity to speak, her smile perfectly polite, "It’s been years, Tristan, and you’re just as charming as ever." Tristan Hawthorne chuckled, pausing briefly without saying anything. Seeing Evelyn Clayton again, Tristan Hawthorne felt a complex mix of emotions. At this moment, he could deeply empathize with James Grant. Evelyn Clayton had changed considerably, no wonder James Grant was so anxious and conflicted. "It’s been too long, but Evelyn, how do you look even younger than before?" Tristan Hawthorne masked his sigh, lightly chatting. After speaking, Tristan Hawthorne invited everyone to the private room. "Let’s not stand here talking; let’s go in and chat."