Chapter 236

Sebastian knew better than to argue. These were his future brothers-in-law after all. He had to maintain some decorum!

His smile turned warm and bright. "You have my word, this won't happen again. My feelings for her will remain locked away in my heart."

Alexander's brows furrowed dangerously. His gaze could cut glass.

Lucas shuddered, goosebumps rising on his arms. "Just shut up already!" Evelyn simply turned on her heel and walked away without a word.

The band Lucas had hired was phenomenal, their live performance captivating the crowd.

Dancers swayed to the rhythm, completely immersed. In the adjacent lounge, lively chatter could be heard. Drawn by the voices, Evelyn moved toward the sound.

Just as she reached the doorway, someone grabbed her wrist and yanked her inside. "What are you doing here? Come with me!" Evelyn frowned.

It was Margaret Dawson. The audacity of this woman to crash an event she wasn't invited to! Though seeing Genevieve earlier should have prepared her.

This mother-daughter duo never missed an opportunity to network with the elite. Naturally, people Evelyn despised always found ways to annoy her.

She struggled subtly, not wanting to cause a scene. Their movements were already attracting attention.

Margaret clung to Evelyn's arm, simpering at several corporate executives. "Our Evelyn is both beautiful and brilliant. You simply must collaborate with her more!"

The executives naturally respected Evelyn's reputation. They immediately approached with glasses raised.

Evelyn seized the moment to break free. She casually took a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and clinked glasses politely.

The executives drained their drinks immediately. Evelyn merely raised her glass in acknowledgment without drinking.

Margaret wouldn't let it go. "Evelyn, drink properly! How rude to these distinguished guests! As Sterling Corporation's President, you can't act like a child! In business circles, refusing a toast is unacceptable!"

The executives exchanged uncomfortable glances. Given Evelyn's status, her polite acknowledgment was already generous.

What right did Margaret have to demand she drink? Evelyn's eyes narrowed as she shot Margaret a sidelong glance.

Her voice turned icy. "Who do you think you're ordering around?" Margaret froze, stunned by the public disrespect.

How dare Evelyn speak to her like this? After she'd been so forgiving! The nerve!

Trembling with rage, she forced a strained smile. "I'm only looking out for you. As your elder, isn't it natural to offer guidance?" Charles Sterling had brought her here.

Margaret was determined to establish herself as the second lady of the Sterling family. Not even Evelyn could disregard her!

"Elder?" Evelyn scoffed. "What makes you my elder? Your delusions of grandeur?" The insult in her tone was unmistakable.

For years, Margaret had endured a powerless existence as Charles' mistress, swallowing every humiliation. The empty title of "second lady" brought only fear - fear the Sterlings would disown her.

All her suffering was because of them! What right did Evelyn have to look down on her? Margaret saw red.

Just as she prepared to retaliate, she spotted Charles and William approaching.

Instantly, tears welled in her eyes as she threw herself into Charles' arms. "What's wrong?" Charles frowned at the scene.

Margaret sobbed dramatically. "I can't take this anymore! I saw Evelyn being disrespectful during toasts and tried to correct her, but she snapped at me! After all these years, am I still not family? She refuses to acknowledge me as her elder!"