Chapter 495

The journalists were determined not to leave without a story.

Evelyn inhaled deeply before pushing open the door, her practiced smile perfectly balanced between warmth and professionalism.

"This is merely preliminary discussions," she began smoothly. "We're considering a talent competition featuring internationally acclaimed supermodels as guest judges. However, all details remain strictly confidential at this stage."

Isabella visibly relaxed beside her. Evelyn had always possessed that rare ability to deflect without seeming evasive.

The reporters immediately swarmed forward. "Ms. Sterling, which contestant impresses you most?" one called out.

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "Every single one."

Their laughter was tinged with nervousness - none dared risk offending the Sterling heiress. Pushing too hard might cost them their careers.

"Then we'll eagerly await your announcement!" they chorused before dispersing.

As the crowd thinned, both women exhaled in relief. Then Evelyn's expression darkened.

Isabella nodded sharply. She knew exactly what needed to be done.

The models were dismissed. Sebastian and Adrian exchanged relieved glances - unlike Evelyn and Isabella, they couldn't afford to alienate their sponsors.

When the room cleared, Isabella clung to Evelyn's arm dramatically. "Next time we're holding auditions in a bunker! These vultures are insufferable!"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "When will you learn?"

Isabella merely huffed, already brushing off the incident.

Natalie began contacting each model's agent with strict confidentiality orders. Someone had clearly leaked today's location, and she intended to find out who.

The winter wind sliced through Evelyn's coat as she exited the building. She was nearly to her car when a voice stopped her.

"Ms. Sterling?"

She turned, momentarily startled before regaining composure. "Xavier?" The resemblance was uncanny - that face so like Nathan's it made her chest tighten.

Xavier stepped forward, opening her car door with practiced grace. His hand shielded the frame as she entered. "Safe travels home," he murmured with a smile.

"Thank you." Evelyn drove off without another glance, unaware of the camera flashes from a darkened window above.

Meanwhile, across town...

Nathan sat brooding at a private club with his inner circle. His mood was so foul even Tristan hesitated to speak.

"Mate, maybe it's time to let Evelyn go," one ventured cautiously.

Nathan's glare could have frozen lava. "Never."

Tristan approached with two glasses. "What did my Alaskan malamute ever do to you? Why's he limping now?"

Nathan downed his whiskey in one swallow. That damned dog. If it hadn't chewed his cane that morning, he wouldn't have forgotten it entirely. The mutt had ruined his entire strategy. Next time he saw it...

Another friend, a self-proclaimed dating expert, leaned in. "Play hard to get, Nathan. Women appreciate the chase. You're acting desperate."

Tristan nodded sagely. "The whole circuit's talking. They're saying you're trying to marry into the Sterling family!" He shuddered dramatically. "The indignity!"

Nathan's grip tightened on his glass. "They're gossiping about me?" His voice dripped menace.

"Relax," Tristan clapped his shoulder. "We'll handle Preston Sinclair for you."

Nathan scoffed. As if Tristan's crowd could touch a titan like Preston.