Chapter 358

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting golden light across the living room.

Rusty, the scruffy little terrier, wagged his tail excitedly as Evelyn scratched behind his ears.

"Yeah, this little troublemaker loves digging up my flowerbeds," Richard chuckled, shaking his head. "I have to give him a bath every few days just to keep him from tracking dirt everywhere."

"Woof!"

Rusty barked happily, his big brown eyes fixed on Evelyn as if she were his new favorite person.

Nathan set down his teacup with a soft clink. "I found him wandering the streets a few months ago. Poor thing was all skin and bones."

He reached down to pet the dog. "Took him to the vet—turns out he’s perfectly healthy, just had a sensitive stomach. His previous owners probably dumped him because they couldn’t handle it."

Evelyn ran her fingers through Rusty’s soft fur.

No wonder kids adored him. There was something irresistible about his scruffy charm.

"Zoe," Richard began, his expression turning serious. "What brings you here today?"

Evelyn set the dog down and took a seat across from him. "The renovations at Viana Jewelry are almost finished. I wanted to ask—if you’re still willing, the chairman’s position is yours."

Richard froze, his gaze darkening. "Evelyn, I handed Viana over to you. I never planned to interfere—"

"You wouldn’t be interfering," she cut in gently. "The board still needs your leadership. And… I need you there too."

Richard glanced at Rusty, who had curled up at his feet with a sleepy yawn. "But who’ll take care of him?"

"Hire a housekeeper," Evelyn suggested. "Like before. You won’t have to worry about the cost—I’ll handle it. Honestly, I’d feel better knowing someone’s here looking after you."

A slow smile spread across Richard’s face at her concern. "Alright. I’ll leave it to you."

Then his expression sobered. "The day after tomorrow… it’s your mother’s death anniversary. You should visit her."

Evelyn’s breath caught.

She had nearly forgotten.

Swallowing hard, she nodded. "I will."

At Goldmann Group’s headquarters, Rosalind Summers stepped out of the executive office, only to nearly collide with Chloe Lawson.

Rosalind forced a smile. "Did Nathan call you in?"

Chloe nodded without hesitation. "Yeah. He wants me to stick close to Evelyn from now on."

Rosalind’s grip tightened on her tablet.

Nathan assigned Chloe to protect Evelyn? That woman really has him wrapped around her finger.

Chloe tilted her head. "Rosalind? You okay?"

Rosalind quickly smoothed her expression. "Of course. Just surprised. You’ve always valued your freedom—why agree to this?"

Chloe grinned, scratching her cheek. "Well, Mr. Goldmann’s paying me. And honestly? I like Evelyn. This gig’s a win-win."

Rosalind said nothing as Chloe walked away, her smile fading into something colder.

Those two better not disappoint me.

Back at Soul Jewelry, Evelyn found Chloe lounging in her office, flipping through a magazine.

Chloe sprang up the moment Evelyn entered. "Evelyn! You’re back!"

Evelyn laughed. "Nathan really sent you?"

"Yep! So, what’s my job?" Chloe rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "Fair warning—I’m kind of a disaster."

Evelyn sank into her chair. "No tasks. Just do whatever you want."

Chloe’s eyes lit up. "Seriously? You’re the best! Getting paid to hang out? This is the dream!"

Evelyn shook her head, amused.

If only everything in life were this simple.