Chapter 74

“Sure,” Eugene replied after a moment of contemplation, agreeing to take Evelyn with him. Peyton smiled and raised her glass.

“Your mother and | used to joke about being in-laws,” she mentioned casually.

Melanie observed them as they toasted one another. She noticed that Peyton was subtly emphasizing her relationship with Stella while avoiding any talk about business.

She was not sure when Eugene would leave, but if he went back without finalizing the deal, it might complicate matters further with Peyton in the future.

Lost in her own thoughts, Melanie did not notice that the matter had been settled on Eugene’s side. A cedar—infused coat was thrown at her, and Eugene’s cold and deep voice brought her . attention back. “Go and see off Ms. Turner.”

Grabbing his coat, Melanie was about to follow Peyton out when the latter stopped her, saying, “No need to trouble yourself.”

Peyton then looked at Eugene and added, “Please take care of Evie the next few days. She just graduated, and there are many things she doesn’t understand yet.”

Eugene nodded reservedly. “Sure.”

Melanie’s heart stirred. Peyton was putting Evelyn directly into Eugene’s hands, and her purpose for doing that was clear as day.

It remained to be seen how Eugene would handle it, especially considering Viola who was currently in Jepton.

“Bring the car over,” Eugene ordered, giving Melanie a cold glance.

Melanie lowered her head and went to bring the car over. Just as she turned around, she heard Evelyn say, “Eugene, can | go back to the hotel with you tonight?”

Melanie hesitated for a moment as she clutched Eugene’s clothes. However, she hurriedly went to where the car was parked. She did not catch Eugene’s response.

Evelyn went up closer to Eugene and reached out to tug at his sleeve. “Would it be inconvenient?” she asked.

Only then did Eugene shift his gaze, He lowered his eyes and casually responded, “It’s fine. Whatever you wish.”

When Melanie brought the car over, Eugene and Evelyn were already waiting outside the hotel. She parked the car, and Eugene opened the back door, saying to Evelyn, “Get in.”

His considerate and attentive demeanor made Evelyn's smile even brighter. However, in the next moment, Eugene closed the door and got in the front passenger seat.

Melanie was momentarily stunned and turned to look at him.

Evelyn was also surprised and asked him, “Why are you sitting in the front passenger seat?”

“| smell too much of alcohol,” Eugene said flatly.

“| don’t mind it,” Evelyn said eagerly. She looked at Eugene admiringly, wanting to be close to him in every possible way. She could not understand why he would mind the smell of alcohol, However, Eugene insisted, saying, “It’s not good for a girl to have the smell of alcohol on her. It’s not safe.”

Evelyn remained silent, recognizing Eugene’s concern for her.

Beside him, Melanie also remained quiet, only speaking up when the two of them stopped talking. She glanced at Eugene and reminded him softly, “Your seatbelt.”

The hotel entrance was grand and well-lit, and the bright lights illuminated the inside of the car. Eugene’s handsome and refined features appeared softened in the gentle glow. Lowering his eyelashes, he responded. His jawline was clearly defined.

Melanie’s grip on the steering wheel tightened involuntarily. Eugene’s appearance was almost faultless, and she had traced his features countless times, usually when he was asleep.

In a daze, Eugene suddenly looked up, meeting Melanie’s gaze. Melanie felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Her heartbeat sped up all of a sudden, and she quickly averted her eyes.

Her initial attraction to Eugene was, in truth, largely due to his appearance.

Alight chuckle sounded beside her. Melanie was not sure if Eugene did it on purpose but did not turn to look at him either.

Just as they arrived at the hotel, Evelyn’s phone rang, and she quickly got out of the car to answer the call.