Chapter 182

The scandal surrounding Penelope Sinclair exploded across social media within hours.

No one could believe the usually poised A-list actress would stoop to such desperate measures.

What infuriated the public most was how Penelope had tried manipulating them. The backlash was brutal.

Netizens reveled in her downfall as sponsorships evaporated overnight. Breach of contract penalties piled up.

With no way to salvage her reputation, Penelope had no choice but to issue a public apology.

She posted a tearful video announcing her retirement from Hollywood to focus on the Sinclair family business.

The internet immediately dug into her privileged upbringing, uncovering more scandals. Evelyn was surprised by how quickly Penelope folded.

It was a smart tactical retreat - preserving some dignity before completely burning her fanbase. Meanwhile, Sebastian Hart's birthday approached.

Every year, Natalie and Isabella would compete to find the most extravagant gift for the dashing bachelor. Evelyn never stressed - Sebastian adored anything from her.

Isabella dragged Evelyn through Montecito's luxury district, though she spent more time shopping for herself than gift hunting.

After having her purchases delivered, Isabella resumed her half-hearted search while Evelyn spotted something perfect.

A rare Patek Philippe caught her eye - outrageously expensive yet understatedly elegant. Perfect for Sebastian's refined tastes.

Fate intervened when they bumped into Sophia Blackwood and Tristan Whitmore in the boutique. The awkward tension was palpable.

"Evelyn, fancy seeing you here," Tristan offered nervously. Ever since his humiliating apology, he'd been walking on eggshells around her.

"Obviously," Isabella scoffed. She enjoyed watching Tristan squirm, knowing Evelyn still held compromising photos over him.

Sophia crossed her arms, her face twisting in displeasure at the sight of Evelyn. "What are you doing here?"

"Is this boutique suddenly Blackwood property?" Isabella shot back. Evelyn ignored them, pointing to the watch.

"I'll take this one." She didn't even glance at the price tag.

"Wait! That's ours!" Sophia blurted. Tristan tried silencing her but it was too late.

"First come, first served, Ms. Blackwood," Evelyn said coolly, her piercing gaze making Sophia shrink back.

Sophia's eyes narrowed as realization struck. "Are you... buying a birthday gift for my brother?" The air grew thick with tension.

Tristan's head snapped up. Of course - the timing made perfect sense. Why else would Evelyn be shopping for men's watches?

Evelyn froze momentarily. The mention reminded her that Nathan and Sebastian's birthdays were consecutive. Had she really only remembered Sebastian's?

A satisfied smirk tugged at her lips.

Sophia took this as confirmation and seized the opportunity to taunt her. "Don't waste your time. Nathan won't invite you to his party. Just hand it over."

Tristan yanked Sophia back. "Shut up!" Previous years Nathan might have excluded Evelyn, but this year was different.

Evelyn turned slowly, her icy smile sending chills down Sophia's spine. "You want it? That's exactly why I'm buying it. Because I despise you."

With a dismissive flick of her wrist, she handed over her black card. Isabella smirked at Sophia's outrage.

"Don't embarrass yourself, Sophia. Why would Evelyn waste time buying gifts for Nathan Blackwood?"

As they left, Sophia was still fuming. That Patek Philippe was Montecito's last available piece, snatched away by Evelyn.

Tristan immediately called Nathan from a corner. "Blackwood! Guess what? Evelyn just bought your birthday present!"

The phone nearly slipped from Nathan's suddenly unsteady hands. This changed everything.