Chapter 230

Evelyn's lips curved slightly, but her eyes remained cold.

"Mr. Sullivan, you're the one rushing to sever ties. The divorce isn't even public yet, and you're already parading Isabella around. I'm just helping you along."

A flicker of confusion crossed her mind. Ethan hadn't told Isabella about their divorce?

That wasn't like him. The moment the papers were signed, she'd expected him to announce it to the world.

Ethan's expression darkened, the air around him turning icy.

"It's not what you think. I'll explain when the time is right."

Evelyn pushed him away with calm indifference.

"Don't bother. Your affairs are none of my concern."

She turned and walked out, only to be intercepted in the hallway by Isabella and Victoria.

Victoria's face was livid, her voice shrill. "What did you mean by 'divorce'?"

Evelyn didn't even glance at her.

"If you don't understand, Mrs. Farley, I suggest you consult a dictionary."

"You—"

Before Victoria could finish, Evelyn brushed past her.

Ethan emerged from the private room moments later, his presence radiating cold hostility.

Isabella, eyes red, blocked his path. "Ethan, you and Evelyn really...?"

"Remember our agreement," he cut in sharply. "If this leaks, the deal is off."

Isabella grabbed his sleeve desperately.

"If you're divorced now, why won't you give me a chance?"

His gaze turned razor-sharp, each word deliberate.

"What happens between Evelyn and me is none of your business. We ended years ago."

Isabella paled, stumbling back a step.

Victoria immediately stepped forward. "Mr. Sullivan, Isabella has waited for you all this time. Are you going to abandon her now?"

"We never got back together," Ethan scoffed. "How could I abandon her?"

He strode away, leaving the mother and daughter frozen in shock.

Victoria whirled on Isabella. "What's going on? He's been taking you to events all this time!"

Isabella bit her lip hard, tears welling.

"Mom, I need space..."

She fled, her retreating figure unsteady.

Victoria watched her daughter disappear, hatred for Evelyn burning deeper in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Evelyn walked out of the restaurant with Zoe.

Zoe glanced at her worriedly. "Are you okay, Evelyn?"

Evelyn shook her head. "I'm fine. In a city this size, we were bound to cross paths eventually."

Zoe finally relaxed.

Soon, the day of the national design competition semifinals arrived.

Isabella cornered Evelyn backstage, venom in her eyes.

"If you're divorced, stay out of our lives. You don't belong here!"

Evelyn didn't even look up.

"Instead of wasting time here, you should practice your mediocre designs."

Isabella's face twisted with rage.

"Didn't you see those water bottles? Move them to the lounge now! If you delay the competition, you'll regret it!"