Chapter 108

Sophia Laurent's eyes widened in disbelief.

She stared at the mountain of roses piled before Evelyn Langley, then down at the measly few in her own hands. Confusion etched across her face.

This wasn't how things were supposed to go!

Evelyn looked equally bewildered.

She'd deliberately changed out of that eye-catching bikini—so why was she attracting even more attention now?

By the poolside, Nathan Evans' gaze darkened.

His knuckles turned white as he glared at Evelyn surrounded by admirers.

Chloe Valentine trembled with rage.

Her carefully selected sexy swimsuit went unnoticed while Evelyn, in that modest one-piece, became the center of attention.

"How dare she?"

Chloe's teeth ground together.

Evelyn simply stood there effortlessly.

Beneath her wide-brimmed straw hat, sunlight gilded her porcelain skin with a soft glow. Pale ribbons fluttered in the breeze, enhancing her ethereal grace.

As she turned to speak with Sophia, the slight curve of her lips captivated every man nearby.

"Furious?"

Ethan Winston materialized beside Nathan.

Following Nathan's gaze, he chuckled. "She was never meant to be anyone's possession."

Nathan's fist clenched tighter.

"She shines brighter than you realize." Ethan's eyes burned with intensity. "You can't cage that kind of light."

With a mocking smile, he added, "Lost your rose, now regretting it? Too bad—"

A fist whizzed past his cheek before he could finish.

Nathan sneered. "You're in no position to lecture me."

His voice turned venomous. "I cultivated that rose myself. Every inch of her bears my mark. Six years—do you even know which side she prefers to sleep on?"

Ethan's expression faltered.

"The bond between us," Nathan enunciated each word, "is beyond your reach."

For the first time, Ethan dropped his playful demeanor.

He had to admit Nathan was right. No matter how far Evelyn strayed, she'd always return to this man.

Chloe witnessed everything, nails digging into her palms.

Jealousy threatened to consume her.

Why?

Why did every exceptional man lose their minds over Evelyn Langley?

......

The rose contest results held no suspense.

Evelyn won by a landslide, crowned the undisputed Rose Queen.

Sophia snapped photos frantically, hands shaking with excitement.

"Congratulations to our Eastern beauty!"

The blonde host beamed, presenting a velvet box.

"Now, let our Rose Queen unveil the mystery grand prize!"

The crowd held its breath.

Evelyn's slender fingers rested lightly on the lid.

"Three... two... one—"

Just as she lifted it—