Chapter 209

Evelyn Sinclair hesitated when the invitation to the Hart family banquet arrived. Knowing Sebastian Hart's growing affection for her, she instinctively wanted to maintain distance from the influential family.

Yet part of her reasoned this might simply be a gracious gesture to thank her for the masterpiece she'd acquired—The Radiant Dawn. Declining would appear unnecessarily suspicious.

Upon arriving at the Hart estate, Evelyn was startled to find Victoria Ashford already present, chatting animatedly with Reginald Hart and Eleanor Hart. She presented the carefully wrapped painting.

Eleanor accepted it with practiced grace, her smile faltering for a split second as she glimpsed the artwork. The reaction was so fleeting Evelyn nearly missed it.

After greeting the patriarch, Evelyn heard rapid footsteps descending the marble staircase. Sebastian appeared, boyish excitement lighting his features. "Evie! I just found our old school photos—remember when we dressed as bride and groom for that play?"

Evelyn stiffened.

With Victoria watching, she couldn't afford such casual intimacy. "That was a costume, Sebastian. For A Midsummer Night's Dream." She shot him a warning glance.

Eleanor set the painting aside with deliberate care. "Mind your manners, Sebastian. Ms. Ashford has been waiting patiently for your attention."

Victoria's gaze lingered on Sebastian's star-bright eyes—that particular warmth he reserved only for Evelyn. Her manicured nails dug into her palms.

"It's quite alright," Victoria forced a laugh. "We're practically old friends." The words tasted like ash.

Sebastian offered polite pleasantries before his attention inevitably drifted back to Evelyn. Reginald engaged her in lively conversation while Eleanor's demeanor turned glacial—a stark contrast to her warmth toward Victoria.

After dinner, Victoria volunteered to prepare dessert. Eleanor practically dragged Sebastian to assist, leaving Evelyn alone in the sitting room. The moment the door closed, Eleanor's mask slipped.

She slid a check across the coffee table.

Evelyn examined the sum—ten million dollars—and frowned. "I don't understand."

Eleanor's laugh was razor-sharp. "Consider it payment for that... piece you brought. Though we both know it's not worth half that amount."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her teacup. The Radiant Dawn was valued at over a hundred million. "You believe it's counterfeit?"

"Don't play naive." Eleanor's gaze turned venomous. "I've tolerated your closeness to my son out of respect for your late mother. But passing off forgeries? That crosses lines."

The mention of her mother sent icy rage through Evelyn's veins. She stood abruptly. "Since my gift offends you, I'll take it back."

Eleanor's voice turned deadly quiet. "Take the money. And stay away from Sebastian."