Chapter 175

Once Evelyn was seated, she lifted her gaze to meet Victor's, silently waiting for him to speak.

Without any pleasantries, Victor began, "Lila told me about last night's incident at the bar."

Evelyn's brows twitched at the mention, but she remained silent, her expression unreadable.

After a deliberate pause, Victor pressed, "What do you think about Celeste's interest in Ethan? What are her true intentions?"

A faint, mocking smile curled Evelyn's lips. "That's nothing but a delusion. She'll never capture Ethan's heart."

Victor's face darkened instantly, displeasure flashing in his eyes.

"Ethan is single, and so is Celeste," he countered sharply. "Why shouldn't they be together? Yes, Ethan is a prize, but Celeste has her own merits."

Unwilling to drag out the conversation, Evelyn cut straight to the point. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Victor composed himself, his tone turning earnest. "I believe Lila was right. If Ethan and Celeste were to be together, it would strengthen the bond between our family and the Caldwells. You should support Celeste in this."

Evelyn let out a derisive laugh. The absurdity of his suggestion was almost laughable.

"I made myself clear last night," she said coolly. "Ethan has already set his heart on someone else. Celeste and him? Impossible. She needs to give up this ridiculous fantasy."

Victor's jaw tightened. "How can you be so sure Ethan won’t fall for her? If she tries and fails, fine. But giving up without even trying? That’s not fair."

Evelyn didn’t waver. "There’s no point in trying."

Victor’s expression darkened further, suspicion creeping into his gaze.

"Unless…" His voice dropped dangerously low. "You have feelings for Ethan yourself?"

Evelyn’s eyes flashed with icy fury. "That’s absurd," she snapped. "Why would you even suggest something so ridiculous?" The mere idea was preposterous. Had he lost his mind?

Victor pressed on. "If you don’t have feelings for him, then why oppose this? Their union would benefit our family."

Evelyn scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain.

"So, just because I don’t support this, I must be interested in him? By that logic, if someone wanted to pursue you and I objected, would that mean I have feelings for you?"

Victor faltered, momentarily speechless, his face darkening with frustration.

Before he could gather his thoughts, Evelyn stood abruptly. "Let me make this clear one last time. I won’t help Celeste pursue Ethan. She shouldn’t even think about using me to get close to him. If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving."

She turned to go, but Victor’s voice stopped her.

"Wait!"

Evelyn paused, turning back with an impassive expression.