Chapter 143

Emeric had scheduled an entire day of blind dates for Evadne.

As she applied the finishing touches to her outrageous makeup in the bathroom, Jason stood outside, scrolling through the day's itinerary on his tablet.

"11:30 AM—lunch with Mr. Zachary from the H Group."

"1:30 PM—afternoon tea with the eldest son of President Wilson."

"3:30 PM—a musical with the second son of President Liam from the Z Group."

It was like a speed-dating marathon, one suitor after another.

The bathroom door finally swung open.

Evadne emerged, her transformation complete. Jason took one look at her and burst into laughter.

"Ms. Evadne, you've truly outdone yourself this time!"

She had on a ridiculous wig, her face covered in fake freckles, a thick mustache glued above her lip, and she was dramatically pinching her nose while leaning against the doorframe. It was as if she were playing a character from some absurd comedy—but there was a method to her madness.

"You think this is over the top? I was considering adding a few fake scars for extra effect."

She grinned, revealing blackened teeth, and waved Jason over. "Come on, join the fun!"

Even the usually composed Jason couldn't help but double over with laughter.

Ms. Evadne was, as always, utterly unpredictable.

Not satisfied with just Jason's reaction, she snapped a selfie and posted it in the group chat with her brothers.

The chat exploded instantly.

Cassius: [Who the hell is that?]

Evadne teased back: (Take a guess.)

Elvis: [LMAO, you're killing me!]

Arnold: [Good God, you look terrifying! Did you have to pick that character?]

The banter escalated, the brothers playfully roasting each other.

Evadne typed: [What do you think my chances are of landing a successful blind date looking like this?]

Arnold: [Zero.]

Cassius, ever the optimist: (Anyone who gets to know you would be charmed. Good looks are common—interesting people are rare. Someone will fall for you.)

Elvis chimed in: [I’d still like you even if you were ugly. You’ve got killer legs!]

Arnold shot back: [As a prosecutor, aren’t you supposed to not judge by appearances?]

Elvis: [Shut up!]

Evadne scrolled through the messages, laughing so hard her stomach hurt.

She typed one last message: [Wish me luck. First blind date incoming.]

Cassius: [God bless you—and especially your date.]

Arnold: [Evadne, if some rich guy actually likes you like this, maybe his feelings are genuine.]

Arnold added: [He might see past the exterior, like we do.]

Evadne chuckled and replied: (If anyone actually falls for me today, I’ll personally escort them to Ashbourne Hospital for an eye exam.)

At the same time, Jason’s phone buzzed.

While Evadne wasn’t looking, he checked it—her four brothers had all messaged him at once.

The messages were nearly identical.

[Keep an eye on Evadne. Let us know if anything happens.]

Jason reassured them: [Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she stays out of trouble.]

The brothers replied in unison: [We’re not worried about her. We’re worried about the poor guy she’s meeting!]

Jason rolled his eyes.

And so, the blind date gauntlet began.

Evadne was nothing if not efficient. If she had to endure this, she’d meet them all in one day and get it over with.

What she didn’t expect was that, despite her deliberately off-putting appearance, these wealthy heirs and noblemen remained unfazed. They carried on conversations with eerie calm.

Was her personality that magnetic? Or were these men just that desperate to align themselves with the Ashbourne name?

Power was a frightening thing—it made people tolerate the intolerable.

Thankfully, she had backup plans.

The first guy? She casually mentioned during lunch that his kidney function was on par with a 70-year-old’s—might affect his ability to have kids. He bolted.

The second? She kept staring at an empty space behind him.

"Ms. Evadne, what are you looking at?"

"Mr. Neil, there’s a child standing right behind you. Don’t you want to invite him to join us?"

Her voice dropped ominously. "He looks so lonely."

The man left in record time.

The third date was at a musical, so interaction was minimal. Surprisingly peaceful.

Afterward, Mr. Lance politely asked her to dinner.

"Ms. Evadne, I had a wonderful time. Would you join me for dinner?"

"Absolutely," she said sweetly, picking up her bag.

Only then did he notice the bold lettering on it: Psychiatric Center of Skyrim.

"Mr. Lance, why did you stop?" she asked innocently, blinking.

He paled. "Ah—just remembered a meeting! Rain check!"

And just like that, the final date of the day arrived.

The location was a quiet, elegant café, the air rich with the scent of coffee. It reminded her of Silverlake Harbor—an unintentionally perfect choice.

Maybe she’d go easy on this one.

After a day of terrorizing wealthy heirs, even Jason was impressed.

"Miss, you’ve certainly scared them off," he said, though he looked concerned. "But what if they start spreading rumors? It could damage your reputation in Elmsworth."

"Let them talk," Evadne said coolly, adding another fake freckle. "I want everyone to think the Ashbourne heiress is insane. Maybe then Emeric will stop setting me up."

Jason didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

"Jason," she sighed, packing up her makeup, "if someone actually fell for me like this, I wouldn’t even be mad. I just want someone to love me for me. So I don’t have to do this anymore."

Jason’s heart ached for her.

He wished for nothing more.

"Emeric’s cunning," she mused. "I dodged this round, but who knows what he’ll try next."

"The chairman adores you," Jason said gently. "He always says you’re the most like him."

"Are you implying that’s an insult?" she shot back.

Jason laughed—just as his phone buzzed.

"Miss, your final date has arrived."

"I know."

Jason stepped out to give them privacy.

Evadne waited, propping her chin on her hand, gazing out at the serene view. She closed her eyes, soaking in the café’s peaceful atmosphere.

Then—the door opened.

Steady footsteps approached.

A faint, intoxicating scent drifted toward her—like a midnight breeze carrying the rare fragrance of violets, subtle yet unforgettable.

Evadne was allergic to smoke but had a sharp nose for perfumes.

She opened her eyes and looked up.

Her breath caught.

Before she could speak, a smooth voice broke the silence.

"Apologies for keeping you waiting, Miss Evadne."