Chapter 176

Evelyn Sinclair cast a disdainful glance at Yuna Takahashi, her patience wearing dangerously thin.

"How irritating! Yuna, what exactly are you two discussing?" A woman approached from nearby.

Dressed in an opulent designer gown, she carried herself with practiced elegance. The professional smile plastered across her face looked painfully artificial. Evelyn studied her features, a faint frown creasing her brow. There was something vaguely familiar about her.

Yuna snorted coldly before linking arms with the newcomer. With a smug tilt of her chin, she announced, "Evelyn, surely you recognize her? This is Penelope Sinclair, daughter of Sinclair Group's chairman and the award-winning Hollywood actress!"

Recognition flickered in Evelyn's eyes.

Ah yes. That overrated celebrity who clawed her way to fame through reality TV and carefully crafted public image rather than actual acting talent. But Evelyn's attention snagged on the more relevant detail.

Daughter of Sinclair Group's chairman? The alcohol haze cleared from Evelyn's mind instantly.

So that's her other identity.

"Hello, Ms. Sterling," Penelope offered a saccharine smile, extending her hand.

Evelyn gave a curt nod, making no move to shake it. Her mood had soured considerably, and social niceties held no appeal at the moment.

Besides, anyone chummy with Yuna couldn't be worth knowing. Evelyn's lips curled slightly.

"Big movie star, hm?"

Penelope smoothly withdrew her unshaken hand, maintaining her composure. "Ms. Sterling, please don't mind her. Yuna's recently arrived from Korea as the heiress to Takashi Holdings. She's still adjusting to Montecito's social scene." She turned to Yuna with an indulgent smile. "No need to announce my background everywhere. I prefer people judge me on my own merits."

Yuna gazed at Penelope with starry-eyed admiration before shooting Evelyn a venomous glare. "Of course Penelope's different from some people. She's just too honest sometimes - means no harm by it."

Evelyn's cold laugh sliced through the air. "Being honest doesn't excuse poor manners. And it certainly doesn't indicate good intentions."

What a blindly devoted fool, Evelyn thought. The real malice here clearly came from Penelope.

Yuna's recent arrival explained her ignorance about Evelyn's background. But Penelope? She knew exactly who Evelyn was. The omission to her dear friend was undoubtedly deliberate.

Yuna's face flushed with anger, eager to wipe the smirk off Evelyn's face. "Why so arrogant, Evelyn? Penelope isn't just an actress - she's Nathan Blackwood's childhood sweetheart. Sinclair Group will soon merge with Blackwood Enterprises through their marriage alliance. You don't stand a chance!"

"We're not formally engaged yet," Penelope demurred, though her coy glance at Evelyn confirmed the truth of Yuna's words.

"Marriage alliance?" Evelyn's lips twitched with amusement. Now their boldness made sense. No wonder Bennett had spotted Maxwell Thornton with Sinclair Group's chairman and Nathan earlier.

"It's practically confirmed anyway," Yuna sneered. "Blackwood Enterprises dominates the industry while your family owns what? Some insignificant company? You're hardly worthy of Nathan Blackwood. But Penelope will soon be Mrs. Blackwood. Then we'll see who dares cross her!"

She lifted her chin, waiting for Evelyn's reaction. "I know you've been buying those trending topics to boost your image. Do you really think you're so special? Shamelessly pairing yourself with Mr. Blackwood and Lucas. The audacity!"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed dangerously just as Natalie Beaumont arrived.

"Which bitch reeks of desperation here?" Natalie's blunt words made both women pale. They recognized the fashion mogul instantly - offending her would be career suicide. Even Yuna knew no Korean celebrity had ever secured an invite to Natalie's exclusive shows.

"Ms. Beaumont, this is all a misunderstanding—" Penelope began.

"So she's your bitch?" Natalie cut her off. "Keep her on a leash then!"

"She's foreign, still learning our customs—"

"A foreign bitch? Then train her better!" Natalie snapped. "Teach her some manners first."

Penelope floundered, unwilling to risk her polished image by defending Yuna too vigorously. The cost outweighed any loyalty.

Yuna's face burned crimson, ready to retort when she spotted movement in the crowd.

Lucas! Her jaw dropped. His sculpted features seemed divinely crafted. He approached with casual elegance, his gaze fixed solely on Evelyn.

"My lady, how much have you had to drink?" Lucas ignored everyone else. His eyes dropped to her heels, concern flickering across his face as he knelt before her.

From his bag, he produced the latest Lumière sneakers, gently cradling Evelyn's ankle to change her shoes in full view of the stunned onlookers.

Yuna's face drained of color.

How could Lucas Sterling - international superstar - debase himself like this for Evelyn?

Evelyn caught Yuna's shocked expression. "Lucas," she said lightly, "I hear you've been badmouthing me?"

"Hmm?" Lucas remained focused on his task, as if nothing mattered more than ensuring her comfort. He carefully smoothed the fabric around her heel to prevent any friction before finally satisfied.

The intimate scene unfolded before dozens of watching eyes - including Nathan Blackwood's, who had just arrived, his expression darkening at the sight.