Chapter 415

Theodore adjusted his cashmere scarf against the autumn chill as he hurried toward Evelyn. His breath came in visible puffs, cheeks flushed from exertion.

Evelyn didn't press for answers immediately. She moved with deliberate grace to the mahogany sideboard.

The crystal decanter caught afternoon light as she poured amber liquid into a tumbler.

"Warm yourself first." She extended the glass. "The wind's particularly biting today."

Their fingers brushed during the exchange. A jolt of warmth traveled up Theodore's arm at the fleeting contact.

"Come sit." Evelyn gestured toward the Chesterfield sofa.

She settled into the cushions, silk robe pooling around her. One fuzzy slipper dangled precariously from her toes.

Theodore cradled the drink, watching the ice cubes swirl. His voice held barely contained energy. "You were correct, Ms. Carter."

He took a steadying breath. "Julian Whitmore and Vivian Prescott share more than a professional relationship."

Evelyn's lips curved without humor. "Even correct assumptions require capable men to substantiate them."

Color rose in Theodore's neck as he unlocked his phone with slightly trembling fingers.

Evelyn scrolled through the gallery with clinical detachment. Each image confirmed Julian's betrayal - intimate café dates, lingering touches, exchanged glances thick with conspiracy.

"We have irrefutable proof now," Theodore said, barely containing his triumph. "Enough to confront him directly."

Evelyn set the device down with deliberate calm. "This merely confirms their affair."

Theodore's brow furrowed. "I obtained their hotel registry through contacts. Weekly meetings for two months - all after Vivian started investigating Monarch Group."

"Circumstantial at best." Evelyn massaged her temples. "You studied law. Without concrete evidence of information exchange..."

Her voice trailed off as she reclined against the cushions. The unspoken truth hung between them - passion could explain away all these encounters.

Theodore's realization dawned slowly. This wasn't merely about identifying a leak. Evelyn intended to dismantle the entire operation and make each participant pay dearly.

"We need evidence of actual data transfer," he conceded.

Evelyn's eyelids fluttered shut. "Julian couldn't wait to share news of my new proposal. Monitor Vivian and Cassandra Blackwood instead. Let Julian think he's safe."

She exhaled deeply. "And dig deeper into Vivian's background. I suspect we'll find interesting connections."

"Understood, Ms. Carter."

The only sound became Evelyn's even breathing. Theodore turned to find her asleep, lips slightly parted, dark lashes casting shadows on porcelain cheeks.

Exhaustion had finally claimed her.

Kneeling beside the sofa, Theodore fought the impulse to gather her into his arms. His fingers hovered inches from her shoulder before retreating.

Instead, he reached for the cashmere throw draped over a nearby chair. The blanket settled over Evelyn's form with practiced care.

He was her protector, not her lover. That privilege belonged to another man - one worthy of carrying Evelyn Carter across thresholds.

Theodore contented himself with this silent vigil, promising in his heart to straighten her wedding train when the day came.