Chapter 5

Her presence didn’t just command attention—it electrified the room, leaving everyone breathless.

“Holy hell! Who is that woman? How has someone this mesmerizing been hiding in Owathe all this time?” Dylan Reeves blurted, his jaw practically hitting the floor.

Serena Cole smirked, swirling her champagne. “Stunning, isn’t she?”

Nathan Black’s gaze lifted slowly, his sharp eyes narrowing as they landed on her. Recognition flickered—subtle, dangerous.

Dylan, ever impulsive, straightened his tie with a cocky grin. “I’m getting her number. Watch and learn.”

He sauntered over, flashing what he thought was his most irresistible smile. “Well, hello there. Dylan Reeves—heir to the Reeves fortune. And you are…?”

Evelyn Hartley’s lips curved, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Oh, the irony.

This was the same man who’d sneered at her in the past, tossing cruel jabs like confetti. Pathetic. Worthless. His words had cut deep once.

Now? He was practically drooling.

The satisfaction was delicious.

Dylan, mistaking her smile for encouragement, leaned in. “Care to share your name, gorgeous?”

Before she could answer, a smooth, commanding voice cut through. “Evelyn.”

Both turned.

Ethan Caldwell approached with effortless grace, his presence alone parting the crowd.

Dylan stiffened. “Mr. Caldwell.”

Ethan barely spared him a glance before locking eyes with Evelyn. “Marcus is waiting. Your godfather doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“Of course.” She fell into step beside him without hesitation.

Dylan gaped as they walked away, then bolted back to Nathan’s group, nearly tripping in his excitement. “That’s Marcus Donovan’s goddaughter! Evelyn something—sounds like royalty, right?”

Nathan’s expression darkened.

Theodore Whitmore, silent until now, finally spoke. “Marcus and his wife never had children. For years, relatives tried pushing their kids on them—all rejected. Then, three years ago, they announced a goddaughter from Chixdon. Everyone assumed she lived there. Turns out she’s been here the whole time.”

Dylan’s grin turned predatory. “Mom wanted me to cozy up to Marcus’s heir. Wasn’t thrilled before… but now?” He cracked his knuckles. “Consider me motivated.”

The game had just gotten interesting.