Chapter 321

Evelyn slipped her phone into her pocket, taking a deep breath to compose herself before returning to the garden where Olivia sat waiting.

Olivia's sharp eyes immediately caught her troubled expression. "Evelyn, darling, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

With a faint shake of her head, Evelyn forced a small smile. "It's nothing," she murmured softly.

Leaning against Olivia's shoulder, Evelyn nuzzled closer with uncharacteristic vulnerability. "Thank you," she whispered, "for having my back. You and your friends... it means more than you know."

Olivia stroked Evelyn's hair affectionately. "That's what family does, sweetheart. No one gets to hurt you while we're around."

Evelyn remained silent, her thoughts drifting to those who should have protected her but didn't. The memory of her father's betrayal still stung...

"By the way," Olivia broke the silence, "Marcus called while you were away. The Sterlings and Whitmores want to come apologize in person. What should I tell him?"

Straightening up, Evelyn's expression turned icy. "Don't bother. Their apologies would be as fake as their smiles. I won't waste my time on their theatrics."

After a thoughtful pause, Olivia nodded. "You're absolutely right. I'll have Marcus send them packing."

That evening, Evelyn had planned to dine with Julian, but he'd canceled due to urgent business. Instead, she found herself enjoying a surprisingly pleasant dinner with the Caldwell family.

Later, Cassandra and Julian Montgomery practically dragged Evelyn to the Velvet Lounge. She'd hesitated at first, but Olivia had encouraged her. "Go have some fun, darling. You deserve it."

At the club, Cassandra raised her cocktail with a mischievous grin. "Come on, Evelyn! Bottoms up!"

Evelyn clinked glasses lightly before taking a cautious sip, immediately regretting it as the strong liquor burned her throat.

Cassandra leaned in conspiratorially. "So... do you know why Giselle's been targeting you?"

Evelyn shook her head, genuinely puzzled.

"It's Julian," Cassandra explained. "She's obsessed with him. At the gala, when he spent time talking with you? That was enough to make you her mortal enemy."

Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. She'd only met Julian twice - they were barely acquaintances. That someone would go to such lengths over such a trivial interaction was absurd.

"Wait," Evelyn breathed, "all this... because I had a conversation with Julian?"

Cassandra nodded grimly. "Giselle's ruthless. Any woman who even looks at Julian becomes her target. Last year? She bankrupted some poor girl's family business. That's why most women avoid Julian now."

The revelation hit Evelyn like a punch to the gut. Wasn't this exactly how she'd behaved under Lila's influence? The realization made her cringe - she'd been just as insufferable.

"That's Giselle for you," Cassandra shrugged. "Vicious and vindictive. But don't worry - with Aunt Olivia and Uncle Marcus backing you, no one would dare touch you."