Chapter 109

William Sterling curled his lips into a cold smirk.

Perfect timing. He was just about to go meet them.

Evelyn Sinclair tugged lightly at her father’s sleeve, concern flickering in her eyes. "Dad, tonight is a major event for our company. Please don’t cause a scene with them. If people laugh at them, so be it—but it’s not worth risking our reputation."

"Don’t worry, I know exactly what I’m doing." William straightened his suit jacket and strode out of the room.

Just then, Evelyn’s closest friends, Isabella Montgomery and Natalie Beaumont, entered one after the other. "Hello, Uncle William!"

William’s expression softened as he regarded them warmly. "Isabella, Natalie, thank you for always being such wonderful friends to Evelyn. I’ve prepared a selection of jewelry I think you’ll love. Be sure to pick something before you leave tonight."

The two women exchanged delighted glances before bowing their heads in gratitude. "Thank you, Uncle William!"

Satisfied, William exited the room.

Isabella and Natalie immediately rushed to Evelyn, their excitement palpable. "Evelyn! Finally, you don’t have to hide your identity anymore! After tonight, the entire city will be in shock!"

A faint, indifferent smile touched Evelyn’s lips.

"My identity isn’t what matters. I’m just annoyed that all of this has affected the company."

Isabella stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Guess who we just saw?"

Natalie arched a brow. "You’ll never believe it."

Evelyn frowned. "Who?"

"The Blackwoods actually brought that witch Vanessa Holloway with them!" Isabella spat, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Do you think they suspected you’d be here and came specifically to provoke you?"

Evelyn’s lips curled into a cold smirk. "They certainly succeeded in disgusting me."

Before the others could speculate further, Natalie added, "And get this—Nathan’s grandfather has already ordered the media to spread rumors that you were cast out of high society and will never marry into wealth again."

Evelyn scoffed. "Old Man Blackwood is as predictable as ever." She turned to Isabella. "Did you send my invitation to him?"

Isabella smirked. "Of course! A man of his status rarely attends business banquets, but since he’s my father’s old classmate—and I personally begged him—he finally agreed to come tonight with his entourage. I saw him arrive earlier."

Everything was in place. Now, all they had to do was wait.

"Who?" Natalie blinked in confusion.

Isabella squeezed her hand conspiratorially. "You’ll find out soon enough—but trust me, the Blackwoods are going to hate it."

Natalie sighed in mock exasperation. "Fine. I’ll just wait for the fireworks, then."

Since there was still time before the event began, Evelyn excused herself to freshen up. Just as she stepped out of the bathroom stall to wash her hands, a familiar, venomous voice reached her ears.

"You haven’t seen that bitch Evelyn, have you?"

Margaret Blackwood.

Of course she would be here.

"No, why would she dare show her face at an event like this? She’s the most hated woman in the city right now. I bet she’s hiding in some hole somewhere."

Sophia Blackwood’s mocking laughter followed. "Exactly. She’ll always be a disgrace. Does she really think cozying up to the Sterlings will make her better than us? Hah! Grandfather said the Sterlings only hosted this gala to publicly cut ties with her. They want to clear up the scandal between her and Alexander Sterling. Soon, she’ll have no choice but to hand over that emerald pipe."

Margaret’s voice dripped with arrogance as she washed her hands.

Sophia giggled. "Mom, you’re brilliant for bringing Vanessa as Nathan’s date. If Evelyn sees them together, she’ll probably choke on her own rage!"

Their laughter was cut short by a sharp bang as the bathroom stall door swung open.

Evelyn stepped out, her expression icy, her lips curled in a mocking smile.

"Mrs. Blackwood, I didn’t choke on my rage—nor did I collapse in despair. Did I disappoint you?"