Chapter 289

Lila Sinclair's expression tightened further. "But... But..."

Noticing her hesitation, Evelyn Hartley tilted her head. "What's wrong? Don't you want to help me?"

"No, of course I do! It's just—" Lila stumbled over her words, her mind racing for an excuse.

Evelyn blinked up at her with wide, guileless eyes. "Didn't you say sisters should always support each other? This is the only way to expose Serena without ruining my relationship with Nathan. Lila, can't you do this for me?"

Lila clenched her fists, frustration bubbling beneath her skin. She had never intended to actually help Evelyn. If she released the surveillance footage, Evelyn would reap all the benefits while she would be left dealing with Nathan's wrath. What did she gain from that?

Damn it. Manipulating Evelyn was becoming harder than she'd anticipated.

After a tense pause, Lila offered an alternative. "Evelyn, why don't you post it instead? If Nathan blames you, I'll step in and defend you."

Evelyn scoffed, her sweet facade cracking. "Cut the act, Lila. Do you think I'm stupid? Stop pretending to care—it's pathetic."

She was done playing along. Lila's plan was obvious: let Evelyn take the fall, drive a wedge between her and Nathan, and tarnish Serena's reputation—all while keeping her own hands clean.

A flawless scheme. Too flawless.

Lila's smile froze, her eyes turning icy. "Evelyn, you—"

Evelyn shoved the USB back into Lila's palm, her voice flat. "Take it. Stay out of my business from now on."

"Do whatever you want with it. Just leave me out of it."

She turned to leave, but Lila called after her, desperation creeping into her tone. "Evelyn! Are you really going to let Serena get away with this?"

Evelyn paused but didn’t look back. "That’s my problem, not yours."

And with that, she walked away, leaving Lila seething.

Lila hadn’t expected Evelyn to reject her so bluntly. Without Evelyn’s involvement, the footage was useless. It had to come from Evelyn—otherwise, the backlash would land solely on her.

She wasn’t about to let that happen.

Gritting her teeth, Lila shoved the USB into her pocket and stormed off.

Meanwhile, at the Thornton estate, Serena Cole exhaled in relief as the online backlash against her began to fade.

Then her phone rang.

The caller ID made her pulse spike.

Taking a steadying breath, she answered. "Hello, Manager Fernandez."

The voice on the other end belonged to her orchestra manager.