Chapter 175

After a brief pause, Evelyn's composed voice responded through the phone, "Understood."

"Do something for me. Sinclair Group isn't the powerhouse it once was."

Their golden era had passed, leaving them barely clinging to relevance. Yet despite their decline, they still commanded respect and remained superior to many competitors.

Evelyn never imagined Nathan Blackwood's mysterious backer would be Sinclair Group. So Preston Sinclair was involved after all.

That evening, Natalie extended an invitation to an exclusive gala, which Evelyn accepted as promised.

In a somber mood, Evelyn perched at the bar, nursing her drink in solitude.

Her striking beauty made invisibility impossible - those endless legs, that willowy waist, every movement like poetry in motion.

No one noticed the discreet photo snapped and sent to a particular recipient. When Nathan checked his buzzing phone, Tristan's name flashed on the screen.

He answered impatiently. "What now?" Tristan chuckled. "I told you to come tonight, but you refused. Guess who's here?" His teasing tone only fueled Nathan's irritation. "Spit it out."

Tristan sighed dramatically. "No sense of fun. Check your messages." Nathan hung up and opened the image.

Evelyn sat bathed in golden light, nearly merging with the glow. The photo's dreamy quality lent an ethereal aura. Her crossed legs formed perfect angles as she absently swirled her wineglass, those delicate features lethally alluring.

Regal yet untouchable, she radiated intoxicating magnetism without even trying. Nathan's jaw tightened as he grabbed his jacket and left.

Slightly buzzed, Evelyn decided to depart. Until an unfamiliar voice called out nearby.

She froze mid-step and glanced sideways.

No recognition. She continued walking. The stranger stormed over, furious. "Evelyn Sinclair! Are you ignoring me?"

Evelyn assessed the woman - all arrogance and mediocre looks. A faint smirk played on her lips. "Should I know you?"

The dismissal ignited the woman's temper. "I'm Yuna Takahashi, heiress to Takashi Holdings. I just debuted in Montecito's entertainment scene! Over 300,000 fans already!"

Montecito's entertainment industry proved far more lucrative than Korea's, prompting Yuna's career shift. She'd skyrocketed after a talent show breakthrough.

Yuna had heard about Evelyn from Penelope Sinclair, whose family's business ties with Takashi Holdings forged their friendship.

When Penelope learned of Yuna's celebrity aspirations, she'd eagerly facilitated introductions to influential directors, promising industry access.

Most enticingly, Penelope vowed to introduce Yuna to Lucas Sterling - not just Montecito's darling, but Korea's beloved idol. Yuna had specifically debuted here to get closer to him.

Yet upon arrival, she discovered Lucas entangled with this divorcee. Deciding to teach Evelyn a lesson would simultaneously please Penelope.

Evelyn studied Yuna with genuine confusion. "Never heard of you." Though fluent in English, Yuna might as well have been speaking another language for all Evelyn cared.

"How dare you!" Yuna's lip trembled with humiliation. She forced composure. "Ms. Sterling, given your... reputation, it's understandable you wouldn't know me."

"But let me make one thing clear-"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. Few dared address her this way. This rookie had audacity.

"Oh?"

"I don't care about your family's wealth or your... appetites. But keep Lucas Sterling out of your messy life. You're beneath him."

So this was about Lucas? Evelyn frowned. "Not your concern."

"Who says it's not? He's disgusted by women like you!" Evelyn's light laugh held no warmth. "Did he tell you that himself?"

"Obviously! He's only tolerating you because of that ridiculous shipping nonsense." Yuna's teeth ground together. "If you had any decency, you'd deny those scandalous rumors instead of leeching off his fame!"

Evelyn's eyes turned glacial. "Is that so? I'll have to verify that." She pulled out her phone. "Lucas, I'm drunk. Pick me up. And bring flats." She hung up without waiting.

Yuna sneered. "Pathetic act. You didn't even dial, did you? As if Lucas Sterling comes running at your beck and call! Know your place!"