Chapter 202

Since Victoria Ashford insisted on joining them, Evelyn Sinclair couldn't refuse without seeming rude. She curved her lips into a polite but distant smile.

"Of course, the pleasure is mine."

She's clearly targeting me. But why? Evelyn pondered it all afternoon but couldn't pinpoint the reason.

When they entered a high-end boutique, the staff immediately recognized Evelyn. As the owner of an exclusive global membership, she was their most valued client.

The manager rushed forward with a practiced smile. "Ms. Sinclair, what brings you in today? We have two new limited-edition handbags—only three exist worldwide. Would you like to see them?"

Before Evelyn could respond, an attendant had already brought them out.

They were exquisite.

"I'll take them," Victoria declared without hesitation.

The staff froze, glancing uncertainly at Evelyn.

Evelyn's eyes gleamed with amusement, her smile deepening.

"Didn't you hear Ms. Ashford?"

The staff scrambled to obey, wrapping the bags for Victoria.

Not stopping there, Victoria proceeded to purchase every item the manager had intended to show Evelyn—a dozen more bags in total.

Evelyn didn't protest, letting her take them all.

They visited several other luxury stores, where Victoria repeated the same pattern—buying everything recommended to Evelyn.

Isabella Montgomery gently tugged Evelyn's arm. "This Victoria shops with more enthusiasm than I do," she murmured.

Evelyn smirked.

By the time they finished, Evelyn's feet ached. She settled into an outdoor café on the upper level, savoring a cup of rich, aromatic coffee. The warmth soothed her instantly.

Victoria and Sophia Blackwood joined her after completing their purchases. Victoria ordered a coffee for herself.

Evelyn regarded her with relaxed ease. "Did you enjoy your shopping spree, Ms. Ashford?"

Victoria hesitated. "It was... adequate."

She seemed to be choosing her words carefully. "Ms. Sinclair, you didn't seem interested in any of the items I bought. Doesn't it bother you?"

Evelyn chuckled, tucking a strand of her long, wavy hair behind her ear. Her smile was radiant.

"Ms. Ashford, I suppose you weren't aware—this mall belongs to me. Since you've been so generous in supporting my business, why would I be upset? I'm delighted by your patronage."

The more Victoria spent, the happier Evelyn became.

The expressions around the table shifted dramatically—especially Sophia's.

Sophia's face was a picture of shock. This mall was the premier shopping destination for high society, where even the cheapest rug cost six figures.

She had no idea it was Evelyn's.

Victoria stiffened, her eyes turning icy.

"You played me?" she asked coolly.

Evelyn met her gaze without flinching.

"You chose to challenge me, Ms. Ashford. I didn't force you to buy anything."

Her lips curled into a frosty smile. Who does she think she's dealing with? She may have been a CEO for years, but I built my empire in Europe while she was still in college.

The air grew thick with tension.

Victoria was a seasoned businesswoman, capable of intimidating socialites with a single glance. Yet Evelyn remained unreadable—unaffected.

After a long silence, Victoria let out a cold laugh.

"Fine. I underestimated you this time. No wonder men flock to you, Ms. Sinclair. You're... different."

Men? Evelyn was baffled.

Aside from the persistent Sebastian Hart, who else was there?

Then it clicked.

"Ms. Ashford," Evelyn said slowly, "are you targeting me because of Sebastian?"