Chapter 157

"Cheers," Evelyn said, raising her whiskey glass and clinking it against Alexander's. She downed the amber liquid in one swift motion and immediately refilled her glass.

"Another," she declared, polishing off three glasses in rapid succession. As she reached for a fourth, Alexander swiftly intercepted her hand. "Hold on, that's enough! You'll be flat on your back if you keep this up."

Evelyn waved him off with a careless flick of her wrist. "Relax. I can handle my liquor."

"Even if you can, this isn't the way to do it," Alexander warned, his brow furrowing. After a beat, he asked softly, "What's really going on?"

With a bitter laugh, Evelyn confessed the looming competition with Lila. Alexander's expression darkened. "What happened after you agreed to face her? Has your father spoken to you?"

Evelyn shook her head slightly. "No. It's my mother..."

A sardonic smile twisted her lips as she continued, "She wants me to let Lila win."

"What?" Alexander's shock was palpable. "Your mother actually said that? She expects you to just... throw the competition?"

Evelyn nodded. "Exactly. Ridiculous, right?"

Alexander was momentarily speechless, struggling to process the absurdity. Finally, he demanded, "But why? Why would she ask that of you?"

Evelyn's gaze dropped to her glass. "She said if Lila gets expelled because of our rivalry, it'll only make things worse for both of us at home."

Alexander absorbed her words before sighing. "I get her concern, but that doesn't make it right. Does she even realize what losing would mean for you?"

"Oh, she knows," Evelyn replied, exhaling sharply before recounting Grace's disheartening words.

When she finished, Alexander let out a dry chuckle. "She's only looking out for herself, isn't she? But has she considered your reputation? If you lose now, the gossip will explode. You can't agree to this!"

Evelyn smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "I already told her I'd let Lila have her way."

Alexander's frown deepened. "Evelyn! Have you lost your mind?"

Her sly grin widened. "Why so serious? I said I'd let her win. But the how... that's up to me."

Understanding dawned on Alexander, and he burst into laughter. "Now that sounds like you." He grabbed his glass and raised it. "Alright, since you're clearly in a mood, let's drink until you forget this nonsense."

The weight of her mother's betrayal pressed heavily on Evelyn, and alcohol seemed the easiest escape. She knocked back another glass, her usual composure slipping as the liquor took hold.

Soon, she was standing on the sofa, a fake flower in one hand and a vase as her makeshift microphone. "Hello, everyone! Let's get this party started! Hands up!" she shouted, her inhibitions long gone.