Chapter 18 That evening after work , the receptionist hesitated as she handed over an invitation . " Ms. Winston , Mr. Roscente would like you to attend this evening banquet . " Evelyn paused , her hand still on the design draft , and looked up . " Is it mandatory ? " " Mr. Roscente specifically said all core project members must attend , " the receptionist replied carefully, placing the invitation on the desk , and added , " I also heard that several key clients from the Swiss branch will be there . " Evelyn lowered her gaze . She instinctively wanted to refuse , but thinking of the potential opportunities , she gave a slight nod . That evening , Evelyn arrived at the banquet in a simple , deep green gown . She stood quietly by the champagne tower , her eyes drifting over the mingling crowd . Matthew stood in the center , surrounded by business elites . His tailored suit made him look even more striking , and he carried himself with his usual grace and composure . As if sensing her gaze , Matthew turned his head . Their eyes met across the crowd . A flicker of light passed through his eyes , and he took a step toward her . But before he could reach her , a server blocked Evelyn's path . " Ms. Winston , Mr. Carter would like to see you . " Following the server's gesture , Evelyn saw Simon standing by the floor - to - ceiling windows , beside an elderly man with silver hair . The old man wore a brooch that symbolized noble heritage and was listening to Simon with a gentle smile . As she approached , Simon stepped aside slightly and spoke with a calm tone . " Ms. Winston , this is Count Algernon . He's quite interested in your lakeside villa project . " The Count's gaze lingered on Evelyn for a moment . Then he raised his glass and said in accented English , " Ms. Winston's designs are stunning . Simon has a keen eye . He gave Simon a meaningful look , then added , " Talent like this deserves a grander stage . " Chapter 18 14.29 % Evelyn was briefly stunned , then politely raised her glass . " Thank you , Count . And thank you , Mr. Carter , for the introduction . " Their glasses clinked lightly , and they shared a subtle smile . Simon's eyes , behind his glasses , softened as he leaned in and said something to her in a low voice that made Evelyn's lips curl into another smile . From a short distance away , Matthew had just arrived , carrying two glasses of champagne . The veins on his hand stood out as he gripped the stem tightly , but the smile on his face remained practiced and elegant . " Count , it's been a long time , " he greeted . The Count barely glanced at him , offering only a slight nod before returning to his conversation with Simon . Matthew stood there awkwardly , champagne in hand , his smile gradually freezing . The music played on in the background . Laughter and chatter surrounded him , but to Matthew , everything suddenly felt unbearably loud . Watching Evelyn and Simon standing side by side , talking and laughing , a heavy weight pressed against his chest . He tried to join the conversation , but every attempt was politely deflected by the Count . In the end , he could only stand there like an outsider , silently watching them enjoy the evening . When the banquet finally ended , the night air was crisp and cool . Evelyn declined the offer to carpool with her colleagues and walked alone to the parking lot . Just as she turned the corner , a familiar figure stepped in front of her . Matthew had taken off his jacket at some point , and the collar of his shirt was slightly open , revealing a glimpse of his collarbone . His eyes were filled with a complex storm of emotions as he spoke in a low , gravelly voice . " Evelyn , stay away from Simon . " Evelyn stopped in her tracks and looked up at him , a laugh escaping her lips . " And on what grounds does Mr. Roscente say that ? " " He's not right for you , " Matthew stepped forward , eyes tightening . " The Carter family has a complicated background . He might not be sincere about you ... " " At least he doesn't lie to me , " Evelyn interrupted , the sarcasm at the corner of her mouth Chapter 18 14.29 % deepening . " At least he didn't make me raise someone else's child , and he didn't drug me to manipulate my memory . " Matthew's breath caught . He wanted to explain , to tell her that Lila's lies had been exposed , to say he had never stopped loving her ... But all the words died in his throat when he met her indifferent gaze . A car engine rumbled in the distance . A gray sedan slowly pulled up nearby . Simon lowered the window and looked between them before finally speaking to Evelyn . " Need a ride ? " Evelyn took two steps back , walking straight toward the car . As she opened the door , she looked back at Matthew one last time . " Mr. Roscente , let's part on good terms . " The door closed . The car pulled away . " Bang ! " Matthew slammed his fist against the wall . Blood seeped from his knuckles , but compared to the pain in his chest , it was nothing . The streetlight cast his shadow long and alone across the wall , like a forgotten outsider in someone else's story . 14.29 %