Chapter 344

The private dining room of Le Jardin was bathed in soft golden light as Evelyn Hartley arrived for her scheduled lunch with Grace Monroe. During her brief respite from work, Evelyn had driven across town to meet her mother, only to find Victor Sterling already seated at the table when she entered.

Evelyn's delicate brows knitted together instantly at the sight.

Victor didn't waste a second before launching into his characteristic tirade. "Too important for your own father now, are we? Blocking my number? Ignoring my calls? Do those Caldwell connections make you think you can treat me this way?"

A cold, mirthless laugh escaped Evelyn's lips.

She remembered Victor's first call - all honeyed words and false humility. Now his true colors showed. This sudden shift didn't surprise her. Not when all of high society buzzed about how Lila Sinclair had become the Caldwell family's new darling after saving Olivia Sinclair. Naturally, Victor no longer saw any value in pretending to care for Evelyn.

"Get to the point," Evelyn said coolly, taking her seat and picking up her fork.

Victor leaned forward, his demand immediate. "Your sister saved Mrs. Caldwell. They're throwing her a gala. If Ethan and Olivia offer to support Lila publicly, you will not interfere. Understood?"

Evelyn's dark eyes flashed with derision as she studied him. Was he truly this delusional? Did he honestly believe one good deed could buy Lila the Caldwells' favor? That their world operated on such simplistic transactions?

Before she could respond, Victor pressed further. "And if Ethan doesn't bring it up, you will. You'll suggest they support Lila publicly. Do I make myself clear?"

For a moment, Evelyn could only stare, certain she'd misheard. The sheer audacity left her momentarily speechless.

Victor's frown deepened at her silence. "Did you hear me?"

Another sharp laugh. "Mr. Sterling, you're fantasizing. The Caldwells would never back Lila."

Victor's face flushed crimson. "Why not? They took you in readily enough! And Lila saved Olivia's life!"

Suddenly, a smug expression crossed his features. "I see what this is. You're jealous. Worried your sister might steal your precious Caldwell connections. But Evelyn, you should be happy - two daughters in their good graces! People would kill for that!"

Evelyn continued eating, utterly unfazed by his shameless words.

Victor exchanged a loaded glance with Grace, who hesitated before speaking. "Darling, perhaps your father has a—"

"Mother," Evelyn cut in sharply, setting down her fork with deliberate precision. "Don't."

Rising gracefully, Evelyn looked down at Victor with icy disdain. "I will never agree to this. Don't ask again."