The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 78

As Charles drew near, his strong masculine scent surrounded her, mingling with the perfume Dahlia wore. The mix created an ambiguous aroma, both intriguing and slightly nauseating.

“Ugh…” Evelyn felt her stomach churn.

"Evelyn, don’t you dare!" Charles' face shifted instantly, recalling the last time Evelyn had drunkenly vomited on him. He quickly let go and stepped aside.

Evelyn managed to hold it together. She took the chance to move forward and plop down on a bench, leaning back against a pillar to steady her dizzy head. Ignoring Charles, she pulled out her phone and opened a ride-hailing app, ready to call a car.

Charles stood by, his gaze unreadable as he watched her.

A moment later, he took out his phone, tapped it a few times, and then put it away. Just as Evelyn was about to request a ride, a notification from her banking app popped up on her screen. She tapped on it and saw a transfer from Charles.

Evelyn’s eyebrows knitted together as she stared at the long string of zeros. What on earth was this?

Her alcohol-clouded brain took a moment to catch up. Then Charles' deep voice broke through above her. “The prize money for first place in the design competition. I’ve doubled it for you.”

Evelyn’s gaze on the numbers turned icy. After a few seconds, she looked up, her smile not reaching her eyes. “Is this hush money?”

Her smile was all sarcasm, not an ounce of warmth. Charles watched her, his brows barely furrowing, not bothering to deny it.