Chapter 300

Jonathan stepped out of his office as the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the studio floor.

"Evelyn, let's have lunch together."

"Of course. My treat this time," Evelyn replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "After you got hurt saving me last week, I still don't know how to properly thank you."

His lips quirked into a playful smirk. "Easy. Marry me."

A flush crept up Evelyn's neck.

Before the silence could stretch, Jonathan waved a hand dismissively. "Just joking. Don't overthink it. Come on, I'm starving."

The studio door swung open.

Judith Reeves swept in, clutching a thermal container. "Jonathan, darling, I brought your favorite chicken soup. You've been working too hard—you need proper nourishment."

"Mom," Jonathan sighed, rubbing his temple. "I told you I wasn't coming home for lunch today."

He'd specifically come to the studio knowing Evelyn would be working. A quiet lunch with her had been the plan.

Judith's unexpected arrival complicated everything.

"I worry about you skipping meals," Judith chided, setting the container on a nearby table. "Ms. Carter, you're welcome to share. It's my special recipe."

Evelyn forced a polite smile. "Mrs. Reeves, have you eaten yet? Why don't we all go out together?"

"Oh, I couldn't intrude—"

"Nonsense," Evelyn interjected smoothly. "It's no trouble at all."

Jonathan exhaled through his nose. "Fine. There's a good Italian place twenty minutes away. Since we're free this afternoon, we can walk."

His carefully planned date now included his meddling mother.

At the car, Jonathan automatically opened the passenger door.

Evelyn hesitated, glancing at Judith.

"Mrs. Reeves, you should sit up front."

"How thoughtful!" Judith beamed, sliding into the seat. "I get terrible motion sickness unless I'm in front."

Evelyn settled into the backseat without complaint.

Judith turned in her seat as Jonathan started the engine. "Ms. Carter, I admire your dedication, working weekends. Most young people these days refuse to lift a finger beyond their scheduled hours. When Jonathan first started this studio—"

"Mom." Jonathan's grip tightened on the wheel.

Evelyn kept her smile intact despite the awkwardness thickening the air.

"Ms. Carter, the doctor said Jonathan mustn't strain himself. Since you work so closely, could you remind him to rest? He'll listen to you."

"Of course, Mrs. Reeves."

"Please, call me Judith." The older woman's eyes twinkled. "I feel like we're becoming friends."

The car rolled to a stop outside a rustic trattoria.

Judith immediately looped her arm through Evelyn's as they exited. "You're such a lovely girl—talented and beautiful. If you joined our family someday, you and Jonathan could build something extraordinary together."

Evelyn stiffened.

Then she looked up—and froze.

Dark, familiar eyes locked onto hers from across the street.

Her pulse skyrocketed.

It was him.