Chapter 220

The corners of Evelyn's lips twitched involuntarily. That saccharine voice calling her name sent chills down her spine.

If she hadn't uncovered Sophia's true nature beforehand, Evelyn might have doubted her own ears. The polished young socialite before her maintained perfect poise, every gesture dripping with aristocratic refinement.

"Evelyn, I need to speak with you privately." Evelyn arched an eyebrow, swirling the crimson liquid in her crystal glass. "Whatever for?"

Sophia lowered her gaze demurely. "I've been doing some serious soul-searching lately. My past behavior was...unacceptable. I want to offer my sincerest apologies."

Evelyn nodded slowly. "How thoughtful. Why not apologize right here? Wouldn't that demonstrate greater sincerity before everyone?" Sophia's smile faltered.

She forced a brittle laugh. "Some matters...are better discussed in private." Evelyn's gaze drifted to the chandelier's reflection dancing in her wine.

The fractured light shimmering in her glass outshone the actual fixture above them. Seeing her hesitation, Sophia pressed further.

"Surely you wouldn't want our guests overhearing...personal matters concerning you and my brother?" Evelyn's eyes snapped up.

A dangerous smile curved her lips. "Lead the way." As she rose, Isabella caught her wrist with a worried frown.

Evelyn gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before following Sophia. Triumph flashed in Sophia's eyes as they reached the secluded second-floor balcony.

Moonlight filtered through rustling leaves, the Milky Way stretching across the inky sky. Sophia positioned herself strategically behind Evelyn, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

"Honestly, you and Nathan make such a perfect match. Similar social standing, compatible family backgrounds..."

She paused dramatically. "Even Grandfather has warmed to you recently. Are you truly no longer interested?"

Evelyn turned slowly, ice in her gaze. "You misunderstand completely." Her smile turned glacial. "The question isn't whether I'm worthy of your family..."

She leaned closer. "But whether your family deserves to associate with the Sterling heiress." Sophia's face contorted momentarily before smoothing into a mask.

Rage simmered beneath her carefully cultivated facade. Normally, she'd have lashed out immediately - but both her grandfather and brother had issued strict warnings about provoking Evelyn.

Yet seeing that infuriating smirk, Sophia's restraint shattered. Earlier, she'd discreetly loosened the balcony railing's screws.

The flimsy barrier would collapse at the slightest pressure. Hidden by foliage and darkness, no one would notice until it was too late.

Sophia's lips curled in a vicious smile. "Evelyn! What's that on your back?" She lunged forward with all her strength, aiming to send Evelyn tumbling over the edge.

She didn't want death - just enough pain to wipe that smug expression away forever. A crippling injury would suffice.

Imagine the humiliation of the mighty Sterling heiress sprawled on the ground below. The scandal would be worth any punishment.

But as her hands made contact, Evelyn sidestepped with unnatural grace. Momentum carried Sophia forward into empty air.

The railing gave way instantly. A scream tore from her throat as she pitched forward into nothingness.

Wind whipped past her face as panic seized her. Then - a brutal yank at her dress collar halted her descent.

Evelyn's grip was ironclad, her expression chillingly calm as she dangled Sophia over the precipice. "Did you just attempt to murder me, Ms. Blackwood?"

Sophia opened her mouth to deny it. Evelyn's smile turned predatory. "Careful now...I'll release you if you lie."