Chapter 177

Evelyn Sullivan stared at her phone screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard. She deleted the drafted message and typed again: "Work has been hectic lately. I'll visit Grandma another day."

Ethan Sullivan's reply popped up instantly: "Who said anything about visiting Grandma?"

She frowned, fingers flying across the screen: "Then why are you contacting me?"

"Didn't Isabella tell you?" His message carried obvious irritation.

Only then did Evelyn recall the family dinner invitation from William. She smirked and replied: "Enjoy your family gathering. I wouldn't want to ruin the mood."

Her phone vibrated—Ethan was calling.

"Evelyn Sullivan, what's your last name?" His voice was icy.

"Mr. Sullivan, I'm busy—"

"Six p.m. tomorrow. I'll pick you up at the office." He cut her off decisively before hanging up.

Evelyn stared at the darkened screen, chest rising and falling rapidly. She texted another refusal, but received no response.

The next morning at MY Fashion Group.

Sophia Reynolds entered the CEO's office to find Evelyn standing by the floor-to-ceiling window. Sunlight gilded her silhouette but couldn't dispel the chill surrounding her.

"Look at this." Evelyn slid a file across the desk.

Sophia flipped through the pages, her expression shifting dramatically. "Yvonne Young is the niece of Glorious' creative director?!"

"Glorious received the designs before Yvonne even uploaded them to our system." Evelyn tapped the desk. "Coincidence?"

"I'll confront her immediately!" Sophia trembled with anger.

Evelyn stopped her. "Don't alert them yet."

She picked up her phone and messaged a black avatar contact. An instant "OK" appeared in response.

"This goes deeper than it seems." Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "Glorious is just a front."

Sophia looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"Wait and see." A smirk played on Evelyn's lips. "Someone's handing us free publicity."

At closing time, Quincy Howard rushed in. "Ms. Sullivan, reporters are swarming the building!"

Evelyn walked to the window. Camera crews clustered at the entrance, flashes popping like fireworks.

"Call security." Her gaze drifted to a distant black sedan where a shadowy figure watched through binoculars.