Chapter 81

The evening sky darkened into a deep sapphire shade. The fading light carried an unsettling chill that made Evelyn shiver slightly.

Checking her diamond-encrusted watch, she moved to her private dressing room at Sterling Corp. The space was stocked with the latest collections from her preferred designers. After careful consideration, she selected a knee-length Chanel dress in midnight blue - understated yet undeniably luxurious. She paired it with a rare Hermès clutch and matching Louboutin heels.

Arriving at the exclusive Celestial Club, Evelyn moved through the crowd unnoticed. The gathering appeared to be another meaningless social event for bored elites. She settled in a quiet corner with a plate of canapés, scanning the room for any sign of Olivia Kensington. Had her rival decided not to show?

"Evelyn?" A familiar voice broke her concentration.

She looked up to see Sebastian Hart's surprised expression. "What brings you here?" she asked, arching one perfectly shaped brow.

"Destiny, clearly," he grinned, running a hand through his tousled hair. "The universe keeps throwing us together."

Evelyn gave him a dry look. "Try again."

"My mother craved the club's famous macarons," he admitted with an exaggerated sigh. "Sent me like some errand boy."

Evelyn's lips twitched. "Mrs. Hart and her sweet tooth." She glanced at her watch again. "I came expecting entertainment, but the main attraction seems to be a no-show."

As she stood to leave, Sebastian caught her wrist. "Where to?"

"The ladies' room, then home," she said, gently extracting her arm. "I drove myself."

Sebastian's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Then I'll wait and hitch a ride with you. Consider me your personal chauffeur."

The hallway outside the ballroom was quieter, though clusters of guests still murmured in corners. Rounding a bend, Evelyn froze at the sound of her name.

"That Sinclair woman is nothing but a gold-digging social climber," a shrill voice declared. "Everyone knows she cheated on Nathan Blackwood before their divorce. The Blackwoods could ruin her anytime they please."

A second voice chimed in, "Olivia told me everything. No education, no connections - just some housewife who suddenly becomes VP at Sterling Corp? Please. She stole Olivia's projects through...special favors."

The first woman snorted. "And now she's stringing along both Alexander Sterling and Lucas Sterling? Disgusting. No respectable family would accept a divorced woman like that."

Evelyn's lips curved into a dangerous smile. She never tired of being the center of attention, even in absentia.

Just as she prepared to confront them, a pitiful voice interrupted. "It's true...I don't have wealthy parents or know how to manipulate men. No matter how hard I work, I'll never compete with Mr. Sterling's...favorite."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. Olivia Kensington herself.

"You're too kind, Olivia," the first woman gushed. "If it were my company, I'd have that tramp fired immediately."

"Someone needs to put her in her place!" the second agreed.

Evelyn stepped back and dialed Sebastian. "I need a favor," she murmured, explaining quickly before hanging up.

A waiter passed with a tray of champagne flutes. Evelyn selected one and approached the gossiping trio with measured steps.

"I'm curious," she purred. "What exactly is my 'place,' Olivia?"

All three women froze like deer in headlights. Olivia's face drained of color before she forced a smile. "Vice President Sinclair! What a...pleasant surprise."

Evelyn's smile turned razor-sharp. "No surprise at all. I came specifically for you." She raised her glass in mock toast, then deliberately tilted it, sending a cascade of chilled champagne over Olivia's meticulously styled hair and designer gown.

Not a single drop was wasted.