Chapter 216

Evelyn's thoughts raced. Victoria had been infatuated with Sebastian for a decade? No wonder she's been so hostile and bitter toward me.

She studied Victoria's rigid expression and felt an unexpected pang of sympathy.

While Evelyn pitied the woman, she didn't regret her actions.

Meeting Victoria's gaze squarely, Evelyn spoke firmly. "Ms. Ashford, please don't project your romantic disappointments onto me. Your unrequited feelings and Sebastian's disinterest existed long before I entered the picture. I'm not the homewrecker in this scenario, so I won't accept your misplaced blame."

Life wasn't about who could play the victim better.

Evelyn and Victoria were fundamentally different.

Both had experienced unreciprocated love, but Evelyn had fought for Nathan openly, declaring her feelings without reservation.

Victoria, meanwhile, had spent ten years pining silently for Sebastian without ever making her move.

"But he chooses you!" Victoria spat the words like an accusation.

Evelyn shook her head in exasperation. "Ms. Ashford, listen to yourself. His feelings for me aren't my fault. What exactly have I done wrong? If he doesn't return your affection, why can't you let him go?"

Why did Victoria need to invent excuses for her failed romance?

Did shifting blame onto Evelyn somehow make rejection easier to bear?

What twisted logic was that?

Evelyn had initially respected Victoria as a formidable businesswoman.

This petty, vindictive side came as an unpleasant surprise.

She had no interest in continuing this pointless conversation.

"Ms. Ashford, we're done here. If you'd like, I can arrange a meeting with Sebastian so you can express your feelings directly. We're all adults - you should be able to handle whatever outcome emerges. If there's potential, pursue it. If not, stop wasting everyone's time. What do you say?"

Evelyn believed this was the most mature solution.

Better than Victoria's current approach of covert hostility without ever knowing where she stood.

A flicker of hesitation crossed Victoria's face before vanishing. "You just want to humiliate me in front of him, don't you?"

That response told Evelyn everything she needed to know.

She shrugged, her expression cooling. "Never mind then." The woman clearly wasn't interested in reason. "Do as you please. I've extended an olive branch. You have no authority to interfere with my business operations here, and no foothold in this market."

Victoria wouldn't gain anything by staying. Evelyn's dismissal couldn't have been clearer.

New York City had no place for Victoria Ashford.

Victoria's glare turned glacial, her presence radiating dangerous intensity.

The atmosphere grew heavy with unspoken threats.

"Fine," Victoria hissed. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow, meeting Victoria's stare without flinching.

Since when had Victoria ever shown her grace?

"Bennett, please see our guest out."

Victoria departed with unsettling quietness.

Later, Bennett reported that Victoria had returned to Ashford Enterprises' headquarters in Santa Barbara.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow in surprise. "She left just like that? Unexpected... but convenient. At least I'll have some peace now."

At an upscale business cocktail party...

Evelyn arrived with Isabella, only to encounter Sebastian and his mother Eleanor.

Eleanor visibly startled upon seeing Evelyn.

Recovering quickly, she approached with outstretched hands. "Evelyn darling! I've missed you terribly. I've asked Sebastian to invite you over countless times. Why haven't you visited?"

Evelyn thought dryly, Because I prefer avoiding unnecessary drama.

Outwardly, she maintained perfect composure, offering a polished smile. "Mrs. Hart, I've been swamped with work lately. Besides, Sebastian should be focusing on his recovery."

Seeing no resentment in Evelyn's expression, Eleanor exhaled in relief.

She longed to mention The Radiant Dawn again but couldn't find the words.

Evelyn pointedly avoided the subject as well.

Left with no alternative, Eleanor swallowed her regret in silence.

After exchanging pleasantries, they moved on. When Sebastian approached, Eleanor tactfully excused herself.

Evelyn finally dropped her polite facade, rolling her eyes at Sebastian. "Had enough of playing invalid?"

Sebastian's lips curved into a roguish grin, all charm and mischief. "Miss me?"