Chapter 7

Evelina hadn't yet reached the hotel when Kristina's eager voice came through the phone.

"Well? Did you get a glimpse of Jasper Russell? Is he really as ridiculously attractive as everyone says?"

"Unfortunately, no," Evelina replied, her tone lightly teasing. She knew exactly what Kristina wanted-juicy gossip. "The man who appeared today was probably just an assistant."

Though she'd never met Jasper face-to-face, Evelina immediately recognized that today's visitor, impressive though he was, lacked the unmistakable aura of someone who wielded absolute authority.

Of course, she wouldn't dream of sharing this piece of gossip with Margot. Better to let that fool chase shadows.

If Margot truly dared pursue Jasper, she'd drag the entire Gibson family into a spectacular downfall.

"Predictable!" Kristina's curiosity vanished in an instant."The Gibsons should feel honored an assistant even bothered with them. Margot genuinely believes she'll marry into the Russell family? Please! Does she even know what happened to the last woman who dared chase after Jasper? Her entire family disappeared from Ireah's elite overnight."

Born into the powerful Anderson family, Kristina had always steered clear of Jasper.

The man was notoriously ruthless, viewing the world through a stark lens of allies versus enemies. Romance or sentimentality held no meaning to him

Regardless of his exceptional physique, undeniable charm, or striking appearance, Kristina stayed well away.

"On another note, my Queen." Kristina swiftly changed topics. "I've signed some promising new talent. Mind coming by to take a look?"

Despite her family's dominance in luxury hotels globally, Kristina had chosen a different path entirely.

Launching her own entertainment company had become her passion, and scouting handsome young talents from around the globe her specialty. Once refined, she'd thrust them confidently into stardom.

Evelina possessed an uncanny instinct for recognizing genuine star power-two of her selections had already risen to immense fame. Naturally, Kristina always sought her input.

"Sure." Evelina accepted without hesitation.

Simultaneously, not far away, Jasper sat quietly in the back seat of another vehicle, his phone pressed to his ear as lan Payne, his assistant,relayed details.

"Sir, Esme Barton is definitely hiding something. But Cary Gibson's soon-to-be ex-wife, Evelina Marsh...she seems intriguing. Almost as if she's certain that Esme is a fraud."

"Soon-to-be ex-wife?" Jasper's smooth voice held a subtle intensity. "They're getting a divorce?"

"Yes, in progress," lan explained quickly. "But Cary is openly flaunting his relationship with Esme."

"Disgusting." The single word dripped with cold disdain.

Renowned for his composure and cold demeanor,Jasper rarely showed emotion openly. Thus, when he spat out the word "Disgusting," lan immediately recognized the subtle shift in his tone.

"All of Cary's eye surgeries occurred after his marriage to Evelina," lan continued thoughtfully. "Recovery periods, postoperative care-she was there through everything. Evelina must be closely connected to the genuine Sight Weaver."

Before even setting foot in Aglonard, Jasper had meticulously investigated everyone tied to Cary.Overlooking details simply wasn't in his nature.

"Keep a close watch on her," Jasper instructed coldly."And find whatever means necessary to unearth the truth."

"Understood,sir."

Meanwhile, at the Gibson Mansion...

Margot had been sobbing dramatically for over thirty minutes straight. "We're still influential-why shouldn't I have a shot at him? Why does everyone treat me like I'm not good enough?" she cried out. 4

Completely infuriated, Elora and Cary had long since abandoned Margot to her tantrum and gone for their meal. Esme, however, lingered patiently, soothing Margot's wounded ego. "Margot, can't you see what's really happening here?"

Esme paused deliberately, sighing gently as she cupped Margot's chin, forcing their eyes to meet. "Do you really think Evelina showed up today dressed like that just to irritate Cary?"

Margot immediately perked up, suspicion flashing in her eyes. "Esme, did you notice something strange?"

Playing her role expertly, Esme softly explained, "It's quite possible the butler tipped Evelina off about Mr. Russell's visit today..."

"You mean-she's after Jasper?" Margot's eyes blazed,her expression contorted in jealousy. "How dare that tramp try to seduce another man right under our noses!"

Esme patted Margot's shoulder affectionately, like a concerned older sister.

"It's exactly like her. Realizing she lost Cary to me,she's desperately looking for her next target," Esme whispered.

"Please," Margot sneered dismissively, "Mr. Russell wouldn't glance twice at a nobody like her."

"Certainly not," Esme replied smoothly. "Compared to an elegant and refined lady like yourself, she's insignificant. But some men are easily tempted by those bold women. While Mr. Russell would never marry someone like her, it won't stop her from attempting to seduce him."

"She wouldn't dare!" Margot practically screamed,cheeks blazing with fury.

"Margot, sometimes it only takes one night," Esme murmured slyly. "If Evelina manages that, she'll be set for life financially. Isn't that temptation strong enough for someone like her?"

With that single remark, Esme cleverly transformed Evelina from mere annoyance to grave competition.

Margot trembled violently,fury consuming her entirely.Seizing the perfect moment, Esme casually teased her, "Didn't Hayden Reid mention his contacts-those hired thugs he's friends with?"

Margot's eyes widened eagerly, and she instantly grabbed her phone to dial Hayden's number. "Hayden?Remember how you've been begging me for a date?Do one thing for me first-get rid of someone. Then I'll gladly accept."

Behind Margot, Esme's lips curled into a cold, satisfied smirk.

How dare Evelina humiliate her in front of the Russell family? Esme wouldn't rest until Evelina was permanently out of her way.