Chapter 275
The moment Evelyn revealed the truth, she immediately noticed the shift in Victoria and Penelope's expressions.
Their faces darkened with barely contained fury.
Penelope's voice trembled with outrage. "Evelyn, how dare you play us for fools?"
A smirk curled Evelyn's lips. "Oh, but I did. And you both played your parts perfectly. Can't handle the truth?"
Penelope's hands clenched into fists, her body tensing as if ready to strike.
Evelyn tilted her head, feigning indifference. "Think carefully before you act. There are witnesses everywhere. Do you really want to explain why you assaulted me in public?"
"I don't owe anyone an explanation!" Penelope snapped.
Victoria intervened, gripping Penelope's arm. "Let's go. We have more important matters than wasting time on her."
Evelyn had a point. As a public figure at this event, Penelope couldn't afford a scandal.
Victoria found Evelyn infuriating. Being with Julian had clearly made her bolder. But her victory wouldn't last.
As the two women stormed off, Evelyn finally looked away.
Beside her, Sophia burst into laughter. "Oh my god, Evelyn, that was priceless!"
"The look on their faces when you admitted there was no recording—absolutely classic."
Evelyn's smile turned icy. "Sometimes, being ruthless is the only way to survive."
"True," Sophia agreed. "But Evelyn, what about that woman with Penelope? The one who reeks of fake sweetness?"
"Victoria Sinclair. Sister of the owner of Vista Properties."
Sophia's eyes widened. "Wait—the one who was desperate to marry your ex-husband?"
"That's her."
Evelyn lowered her gaze. "Though my marriage to Nathaniel ended abruptly too."
A question still nagged at her. Why had Nathaniel called off his engagement with Victoria?
Hadn't he worried her brother would refuse to perform Eleanor's surgery out of spite?
She had asked Nathaniel at the hospital, but their conversation had been interrupted by her brothers.
"Evelyn," Sophia said hesitantly, "you handled that well, but aren't you worried about retaliation? These elite families don’t take humiliation lightly."
"Sophia, trouble finds me whether I provoke it or not."
"Besides, I plan to return to Nord City after graduation. The Whitmores won’t matter to me anymore."
Evelyn had already arranged to leave Bern City once she completed her credits—just in time before her pregnancy became obvious.
She intended to give birth in Nord City, where her child would be safe.
Sophia hugged her. "I’m glad you’ll be back home. I’ll visit you all the time."
"You’re always welcome."
Evelyn considered telling Sophia about the baby but decided against it. That revelation could wait.
Her thoughts drifted back to Eleanor’s surgery, her fingers tightening around her clutch.
Hours later, the scholarship foundation ceremony concluded.
Victoria, as the representative, gave a polished speech, basking in the audience’s admiration.
Evelyn didn’t stay. She and Sophia slipped out of the auditorium.
She had only attended to fulfill her sociology requirement.
"Evelyn, wait!"
Penelope caught up, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "Leaving so soon? We’re dining with the university board. You should join us."