Evelyn’s heart, already scarred and worn, felt like it had been stabbed once more as she stared at the bag of herbal medicine, unable to utter a single word.

“I'm not entirely sure of all the ingredients, but safflower—one of the most forbidden herbs in gynecology—is unmistakable,” Jean continued.

“You should consider yourself lucky. With a mother-in-law like that, there's no way your marriage to that scum will last. I really hope you find a way out of this mess soon.”

“If you’re bound to split eventually, you may as well start gathering evidence of his affairs now. That’ll give you a leg up when it comes time for a divorce,” Jean advised, her words spilling out like water over rocks.

Evelyn stood rooted in place, her expression utterly cold.

Once the 4S shop team had towed her car, she lost all interest in watching a movie. She recalled Jason’s plans to dine at BeyondSoul Tower with Cecilia, so she suggested to Jean that they go there for dessert.

“Well, well, Miss Joy finally isn’t watching her calories. Wherever you’re going, I’m in,” Jean replied, lighting up as she rattled off a list of BeyondSoul Tower’s best dishes.

Half an hour later, they arrived at BeyondSoul Tower in Jean’s car. It was a Chinese eatery known for an array of southern delicacies, decorated with a classic Republican-era charm and complete with daily storytelling performances—a perfect spot to unwind.

As Jean parked, Evelyn glanced around the lot but saw no sign of Jason’s car. Once inside, she picked a table close to the entrance, ensuring that anyone who came in would pass right by her.

After ordering, Evelyn casually brought up William. “Ran into SinoContinental’s William Leighton today. I tried to book him for an interview, but he was reluctant. Seems he’s not too keen on the spotlight.”

“SinoContinental’s all about industry, quietly making money for decades. The Leighton family is Riverton’s most discreet dynasty; the Leighton father and son rarely make public appearances,” Jean replied, her enthusiasm for gossip in full swing.

“The Stark’s Group and SinoContinental are the two biggest names here. Besides you, the Stark family men and women are all flamboyant, always in the spotlight. William, though, he’s the only son of the Leightons, focused on family business since he came back from studying abroad. No scandals, no mess—he’s leagues above that worthless husband of yours.”

Evelyn, sipping her steaming soy milk, choked at Jean’s blunt comparison.

“Sing William’s praises or criticize Jason, just leave me out of it.”

“I just can’t stand to see how stifled you are as Mrs. Stark. Someone has to stand up for you.”

“William’s wealthy, sure, and indifferent to fame. I honestly don’t know if I can persuade him to be a guest on my show.”

“That aloofness is all surface-level. William’s as embedded in the world of wealth and status as anyone—he just conceals it better. When someone like that finally gets obsessed with something, they can be intense.”

“William doesn’t seem shackled by fame or status at all. I just need to figure out how to get him on board.”

“If fame and fortune won’t sway him, try charm,” Jean teased with a grin. “Not only do you have the looks, but you’re also a high-profile anchor. Plenty of bigwigs are watching you from the sidelines.”

Evelyn shot Jean a look.

In truth, Jean wasn’t wrong—her marriage to Jason was a secret, and the world still thought she was single.

Over the past two years, as her career skyrocketed, she’d drawn plenty of admirers.

There were bouquets of roses and other gifts sent to the station, dinner invitations over phone and WhatsApp, and even a few bold types who flashed checks or credit cards, hoping for a night together.

She always turned them down politely, but her blocked contacts list was getting impressively long.

“Jason, I’m sorry I couldn’t book a private room upstairs. Let’s just sit on the first floor, okay? My treat tonight, no arguments!” came Cecilia’s soft, syrupy voice, cutting through Evelyn’s thoughts like a jolt.

Looking up, she saw Jason and Cecilia walk through the entrance, side by side.

All three locked eyes for a moment, and Evelyn’s expression cooled as she met their gaze.

She hadn’t yet decided whether to acknowledge Jason, but he was saved from the choice as his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he excused himself and stepped outside to take the call.

Cecilia leaned in with a sweet smile, "Mrs. Stark, what a coincidence. What would you like to eat? It's on me today."

Jean cut in, sharp and quick, "A woman who knowingly becomes the other woman and still wants to pay for the wife’s meal? Shameless. Of course, when you’ve got a scumbag supporting and protecting you, Miss Brooks, you’d naturally have more nerve than most.”

Cecilia leaned forward slightly, hands braced on the table. “It takes a skill to have a man provide for you. Not like some women who can’t even hold onto their own man.”

“Cecilia, you've been with Jason for six years, and he hasn’t given you a single shred of commitment. Honestly, I feel sorry for you.” Evelyn countered, her tone calm and unhurried. “If I recall correctly, you’re turning thirty after the New Year. Youth is short, yet here you are, skulking in the shadows like a rat, parading around like some victor. I’ll give you this, Miss Brooks—you certainly have a thick skin and nerves of steel.”

Every word struck Cecilia like a knife, each line hitting its mark. “Evelyn, you—” Her face drained of color, and she grabbed for the cup of red date soy milk in front of Jean, ready to hurl it at Evelyn.

But Jean was quicker, shoving Cecilia’s hand just as she reached the cup. Cecilia, wearing sky-high stiletto heels, lost her balance and stumbled, dropping to one knee with a thud.

In that split second, Evelyn saw Cecilia’s intention and, without a second thought, flung her own half-finished cup of soy milk right at her. At the moment Cecilia hit the ground, Evelyn’s drink landed squarely on her, soaking her from head to toe. Her long, curled hair and meticulously done makeup were drenched, leaving her looking ridiculous and defeated.

Cecilia immediately became the center of attention in the entire dining area. Evelyn rose, subtly tightening her grip on her handbag. If Cecilia dared make a scene, she was ready to swing.

This was the first time their simmering feud had spilled into a physical confrontation after countless rounds of verbal sparring. Their eyes locked in a fierce standoff.

“There’s nothing to see here, just a mistress provoking a wife and getting what she deserves,” Jean announced, pouring fuel on the fire. The onlookers began to murmur, glancing at Cecilia with judgmental eyes.

“You wouldn’t guess by looking at her—so pretty, yet she’s the other woman.”

“Pretty is the price of admission for a mistress! Ugly ones don’t make the cut.”

“There’s karma for people like her. Sure, they look glamorous now, but one day, the payback lands on their family or their children.”

“The wife’s even prettier than the mistress, and the guy’s still fooling around? What a blind, trashy man…”

Evelyn kept one hand up to cover her mouth, her makeup barely there to avoid recognition.

“Mrs. Stark, when I saw you earlier, I only wanted to say hello. And yet here you are, dumping soy milk all over me without a word…” Cecilia’s voice had a strange shift, and Evelyn felt something was off immediately.

Cecilia hadn’t addressed her so formally before. Sure enough, Jason was now standing by the entrance, phone call finished, watching the scene with a clear flash of anger in his eyes.

Evelyn met his gaze, composed and steady.

“Oh, the act! Brooks, you missed your calling as an actress. Spouting lies in public, really?” Jean cut in, determined that Jason wouldn’t fall for Cecilia’s little performance. “There are at least ten security cameras on this floor—who’d be blind enough to believe your nonsense?” She scoffed, putting Cecilia further on the spot.

Just then, a waiter appeared with a clean towel, ready to assist Jean. Jason’s gaze on Evelyn only grew colder.