Chapter 498

Evelyn took a deep breath, her fingertips lightly tracing the phone screen. "Use the money for now."

"You're really going to have his baby?" Vivian's voice suddenly rose.

"He's insane, but I'm perfectly lucid." Evelyn chuckled softly. "So Vivian, you need to step up. Make big money, and we'll pay him back with interest."

A sigh came through the phone. "Forget it. I tried. I'm just not cut out for business. My dad looks at me like I'm a lost cause now."

"What about the company—"

"We'll keep it running, of course." Vivian's tone turned resolute. "I've figured it out—if I can't do it, I'll find someone who can."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. "You're hiring a professional manager?"

"No. I'm getting married."

"A business marriage?" Evelyn nearly bit her tongue. "You're going the heiress route now?"

"Please. The so-called elite in our circle are either playboys like Vincent Wilson or mediocre talents." Vivian scoffed. "The only decent one is Gregory. But we both know who he really wants."

The mention of Gregory Wilson made Evelyn's chest tighten.

If she had met him first...

"So what's your plan?"

"I'll marry a self-made man." Vivian said it casually. "Doesn't matter if his background is humble, as long as he's capable."

Evelyn immediately thought of Simon Stapleton's deceitful face. "Have you forgotten what happened last time?"

"This time is different." Vivian's laugh was cold. "I won't be naive again. My dad holds all the company shares. I can offer a high salary, bonuses—but not a single share."

"This kind of marriage—"

"It's mutually beneficial." Vivian cut her off. "He wants social mobility. I need someone to run the company. He can keep ten mistresses for all I care, as long as the business thrives."

Evelyn's grip on the phone turned white-knuckled.

She recalled the rumors about that financial firm in Harbor City—the wife who allowed her husband to keep his first love as his secretary, the three of them happily having afternoon tea together.

"That's absurd—"

"I think it's perfect." Vivian laughed lightly. "If his women know their place, I wouldn't mind taking them shopping or to the spa."

Evelyn wanted to argue, but Vivian abruptly changed the subject. "More importantly, Alexander is dead set on having a child this time. If he's truly determined—"

"He can't exactly chain me to a bed." Evelyn gazed out at the dark valley beyond the window.

After hanging up, she noticed several elegant paper bags by the bed. Inside were neatly folded outfits—from lingerie to outerwear, all in her exact size.

This wasn't Emily Zade's style.

Evelyn changed into a pale yellow dress set, loosely pinning up her hair. She needed air before these troubles suffocated her.

The hotel garden was serene under the night sky. Just as Evelyn read the signpost, she collided with a scorching gaze.

A woman in a fiery red dress leaned against a pillar, her cascading curls spilling over bare shoulders. Evelyn recognized her—Sophia Winston from the karaoke bar.

The heavy perfume hit Evelyn first.

"Excuse me." She walked past without a glance.

Sophia stepped aside but her eyes followed. When Evelyn reached the heart of the garden, the woman suddenly quickened her pace.

Evelyn deliberately turned into a secluded greenhouse, then spun around to block the entrance the moment Sophia stepped inside.

"What's this about, Ms. Carter?" Sophia touched her collarbone, red lips curving.

"That's my question." Evelyn's stare was icy. "Following me from the lobby to the garden—what do you want, Ms. Winston?"