Chapter 227

Ethan Sullivan ended the call coldly without another word.

Isabella Jackson tightened her grip on the steering wheel, suppressing the turmoil in her chest as she drove toward Skyview Mansion.

The private dining room was brightly lit, with Victoria Farley and William Jackson unable to hide their delight. Charles Jackson had called specifically to praise Isabella for advancing to the semifinals.

"Isabella, you've made me so proud!" Victoria beamed. "At the mahjong table today, those society ladies turned green with envy when they heard the news!"

Isabella lowered her eyes with a modest smile. "Mom, it's just the preliminary round."

"With talent like yours, the championship is practically yours already!" Victoria lifted her chin proudly.

William chuckled. "If you win first place, I have a big surprise for you."

"Really? What is it?"

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise." He winked mysteriously.

Victoria slid the menu toward Isabella. "Order whatever you like. Tonight, we celebrate."

Just as Isabella finished selecting dishes, William's phone rang. He frowned at the caller ID.

"An important client. I'll take this outside."

Around the corner of the hallway, he answered to a panicked woman's voice. "William! The baby's fever spiked to 39 degrees!"

His face paled. "I'm on my way. Start cooling him down now!"

Back in the dining room, he grabbed his coat hastily. "A company emergency. Don't wait for me."

After he left, mother and daughter's conversation drifted to Evelyn Sullivan.

"Mom... there's something I don't know if I should mention..." Isabella hesitated.

Victoria's expression darkened. "What has she done now?"

"At the competition today... I saw her carrying bottled water." Isabella's voice trailed off.

Slap!

Victoria slammed the table and stood. "That disgrace!"

"Maybe we should give her some money so she doesn't have to—"

"Absolutely not!" Victoria yanked out her phone. "I'll deal with her myself!"

Isabella feigned concern. "Mom, she'll blame me..."

The phone rang eight times before being answered.

"What do you want?" Evelyn's icy voice came through.

Victoria exploded. "Evelyn Sullivan! You took a temp job at the design competition? Are you trying to humiliate our family?!"