Zach had a more comprehensive network than Alexander.

Winter studied Zach, who seemed so confident, and her gaze turned skeptical. “Are you sure you want to talk about collaboration with me?”

Zach replied, “Of course. But why are you looking at me like that? Do you think I can’t handle it?”

She sized him up from head to toe. The Grahams were one of the eight great families of Elgerson. They were far superior to the Channings in prestige. Zach had kept his cool when Mira slapped him earlier. This showed he had some self-control and was somewhat gentlemanly.

He was a playboy with plenty of scandals, but Winter wasn’t looking for a serious relationship with him. Besides, she could have a carefree lifestyle, too. She figured this was great since they wouldn’t be in each other’s way. They could have fun together if they ran into each other at a nightclub. What mattered most was that Zach did it cleanly when he decided to end things. Though he was a scumbag, at least he knew how to move on without dragging things out. There would be no drama, no lingering attachments, and she wouldn’t have to worry about him sticking around when it was time to part ways.

The more Winter thought about it, the more it felt like the right choice. The more she mulled it over, the more satisfied she became. “Great. Let’s head inside and talk.”

Zach snorted. “Sure, bring it on.”

She beamed with satisfaction. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go.” She pulled his arm.

“Hey!” Zach stumbled forward a step.

What was up with her hands-on approach? Winter wasn’t gentle at all.

Evelyn was depressed for two days after losing her unborn grandson, but that sadness soon faded as the thought of no longer dealing with that unbearable Ingrid brought her a sense of relief.

Her life returned to its relaxed routine of social gatherings and poker games. That afternoon, a group of ladies organized a tea party. They enjoyed fine flower tea paired with delicious pastries. Evelyn, dressed in the latest Covetus dress, sank into the soft leather couch. She enjoyed the music while chatting with the other ladies.

“It’s been a while, Mrs. Johnson. You’re not looking your best and seem a bit tired. Is everything alright at home?”

The one speaking was Tessa Leigh. Her family had a publicly listed company and was well-known in the investment circle. She had a round, cheerful face with dimples that made her look friendly, but her words were far from pleasant.

Evelyn’s smile faltered briefly before she quickly recovered and smiled even wider. “Oh, everything’s fine. It’s just me. I can’t seem to handle the hot weather and have been sleeping poorly, so it’s taking a toll on my skin.”

“Really?” Tessa pursed her lips.

All the ladies knew what happened to Evelyn’s family. Ingrid lay alone in the hospital after her miscarriage, and Evelyn didn’t even bother to visit her. Evelyn would keep people close when it benefited her, then toss them aside like they meant nothing when they weren’t useful anymore. Only she could pull off something so cold-blooded.

“Bad skin isn’t a big deal, but if your heart’s rotten, now that’s the real problem, wouldn’t you agree, Mrs. Johnson?”

Evelyn frowned as she caught the hidden meaning in Tessa’s words but held her tongue. She knew that angering Tessa might lead her to spill everything. After all, the damage would be irreparable.

“It’s a bit stuffy here. I think I’ll step outside for some fresh air,” Evelyn said. She stood and nodded politely to everyone before stepping out.

After she left, the discussion continued.

“What’s with the act? Everyone knows her family drama.”

“True, but you can’t blame her. Someone just had a miscarriage, so Mrs. Johnson probably hasn’t slept well.”

“Serves her right! But who is that young woman who allows herself to be treated like that?”

“It’s a classic case of one wanting to play and the other willing to take the hits. Let’s just enjoy the drama.”

“You’re right.”

Evelyn didn’t catch their chatter. If she didn’t hear it, she could feign ignorance.

After leaving the private room, she walked toward the lobby. She was about to ask a server for a glass of water when a loud argument at the front desk grabbed her attention.

“Ma’am, you can’t enter without an appointment.”

“Seriously? This isn’t a hospital visit, why the heck do I need to make an appointment? I just want to find someone. Get out of my way, or I won’t be polite,” Lucy said.