Rebirth: Love me Again

Chapter 164 Bridging Guilt with Chance

[EVE]

"I'm fine, Daniel and Riri. You don't have to worry," I reassured them with a smile.

To avoid any unnecessary drama or pestering by the media, my

kidnapping incident

had been kept under wraps.

Zen, and the rest of my bodyguards spun a tale that I had a sudden stomach cramp and had to be rushed to the hospital.

"It must've been those cupcakes," Riri whispered conspiratorially, narrowing her eyes at Lily's group across the room. "I bet they poisoned them."

I stifled a laugh, shaking my head. "Don't be ridiculous. If that were true, wouldn't

you

be sick too?"

Riri grinned mischievously, sticking her tongue out and playfully twirling her hand in the air. "Oh, I've got an iron stomach. Poison wouldn't stand a chance against me."

"By the way, are you really okay?" Daniel asked, his tone softer than usual. The concern in his eyes caught me off guard.

For a moment, I hesitated. There was something in his eyes that unsettled me. His worry was genuine, almost . . . natural.

Was he actually my friend now?

Maybe

.

"I'm fine, Daniel," I said with a small smile. "I'm sorry for leaving so abruptly that time."

"I'm just annoyed you didn't tell me you weren't feeling well," he said, his brows furrowed in frustration. "I could've taken you to the hospital myself."

The sincerity in his voice made me pause. "You didn't have to," I replied quickly. "I didn't want to trouble you. Or anyone." I glanced at Riri, hoping to lighten the mood.

Daniel's expression shifted instantly, his face growing serious. "You're never a bother, Eve. Not now, not ever."

My breath hitched. Those words, so earnest and unguarded, left me momentarily stunned. Read exclusive content at empire

Daniel wasn't like Cole, who could hide his emotions behind a mask of confidence and control. His feelings were written plainly in his eyes, even if his face remained composed.

"Uhm . . ." I fumbled, unsure how to respond.

"Well," I began smoothly, "as they say, there's no rivalry when it comes to good investments. And honestly, I think this project shows a lot of promise."

Mrs. Foster beamed at my response, nodding approvingly. "I like the way you think! For someone so young, you're remarkably insightful and intelligent."

"Thank you for the compliment." A pang of guilt settled in my chest despite her kind words.

Then, out of nowhere, she leaned forward slightly and asked, "By the way . . . are you

single

, my dear?"

I blinked, caught completely off guard. "Uh . . . what?"

Mrs. Foster's expression turned conspiratorial, and her tone took on a new level of excitement. "I have a son. My only son. He's probably younger than you—he's finishing high school, actually—but I promise you, he's an excellent match. We may not be old-money wealthy like your family, but Daniel more than makes up for it with his character. He's a fine young man, and I couldn't be prouder."

"I . . . uh . . ." I glanced sideways at Dylan, my ever-stoic bodyguard.

As usual, he stood like an immovable statue, utterly unbothered by the absurdity of the situation.

Mrs. Foster wasn't done. "What do you think? Should I arrange a meeting? You won't regret it, I promise!"

I let out a small laugh, the kind you use when you're trying to buy time. My default response to these sorts of matchmaking attempts was a polite but firm decline.

But then, an idea struck me.

I

did

need to apologize to Daniel in person. And, well, part of my deal with Dylan was to actively try to find a suitable partner and move on from him.

So, against my better judgment, I smiled and said, "Alright, Mrs. Foster. Just let me know the date, and I'll be there."

Mrs. Foster's eyes went wide, clearly not expecting me to agree. "R-really? Oh, that's wonderful! Thank you, my dear. You won't regret this, I promise."

I gave her a polite nod, but then I felt a strange chill from beside me. When I glanced over at Dylan, his expression remained stoic—no surprise there—but there was something

off

. His jaw was tense, his gaze unusually dark.

What's

his

problem now?