Chapter 99

Tristan's words to Evelyn earlier had been absolutely infuriating. Vanessa Holloway probably got kicked in the head because of it—served her right.

The corner of Tristan's lips twitched. He glanced at Nathan and asked, "Is she implying I'm brainless? What exactly did I say that was so wrong?"

Nathan lifted his dark, piercing eyes. His voice was icy. "What do you think?"

"Okay, fine, maybe I went a little overboard," Tristan admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I was just worried about Vanessa's life! It was Theodore Hart's dying wish! How was I supposed to know her 'slight bruise' was actually serious?"

He crossed his arms. "Still… that woman had no right to hit someone!"

A sudden thought struck him. "She must be furious right now. What if she actually does have my nudes? What if she leaks them in revenge?!"

Nathan's brows furrowed. "Take Vanessa to the hospital for a full checkup. I'm leaving."

"What?" Tristan gaped. "No way! I have things to do too!"

He scrambled after Nathan. "I need to apologize to Evelyn before she remembers she has compromising photos of me! A real man knows when to retreat!"

Nathan ignored him and strode off, phone in hand, with Tristan hot on his heels.

Sophia remained standing there, bewildered. "So… I'm the one stuck taking Vanessa to the hospital?"

Settled in Lucas's car, Evelyn scrolled through her phone, reading the flood of messages in the group chat.

Most were lamenting missing the show. Sebastian had been dragged on a two-week business trip abroad by his father. Isabella, who had left early, had sent a few photos of herself and Evelyn to the group.

Sebastian’s endless compliments were directed solely at Evelyn, much to Isabella’s annoyance. She cursed him out in the chat, making Evelyn smirk.

Much better. This is the kind of energy I need.

A message from Natalie popped up.

[Home yet?]

[Evelyn: On the way. Is she dead?]

[Natalie: The doctor slapped a band-aid on her and left. Now I have to deal with the speeding ticket he got rushing here. Talk later!]

[Evelyn: 😂]

Evelyn chuckled.

Lucas glanced at her. "What's so funny?"

She grinned. "Remember, you owe Natalie a yacht."

Lucas sighed dramatically. "All you do is create problems for me."

Back at Evelyn’s apartment, she hadn’t seen Leo in ages. The moment she stepped in, she scooped him up and spun around, delighted.

To her surprise, the apartment was spotless—Leo had clearly been busy.

He wriggled out of her arms and nudged her Gucci slippers toward her, urging her to change.

Evelyn blinked. "You’re cleaning now?"

Leo puffed out his chest. "I watched TV and learned new things!"

She laughed. "What did you watch?"

"Animal Planet!" Leo declared, then pranced in a circle, trying to look fierce. "I’m a mighty tiger now!"

Evelyn bit back another laugh and nodded solemnly. "Very impressive."

Lucas, still standing by the door, scowled. "Where’s my welcome? Where are my slippers?"

This ungrateful AI. I spoil him more than Evelyn does! Why does he only adore her?

Leo lifted his chin, turned his back on Lucas, and flicked his tail dismissively.

"Mama, I can sing now!" Leo announced. "Want me to sing you a lullaby?"

Evelyn’s eyes lit up. She scooped him up again and headed to her room.

Lucas stood frozen at the door, utterly ignored.

"Did they just… forget I exist?!"

The next morning, Evelyn groaned as Leo nudged her awake.

He held her phone in his mouth and dropped it on the bed.

"Mama, Pretty Isabella is calling!"

Evelyn blinked sleepily, took the phone, and saw Isabella’s name flashing on the screen.

She scratched Leo’s head gratefully and answered. "Hello?"

"Nikki," Isabella’s voice was urgent. "Someone’s targeting you online. You’re trending again—and not in a good way."