Chapter 65

Evelyn rubbed her sleepy eyes as the afternoon sun slanted through the window. She stretched, her stomach growling in protest.

"Hungry?" Her fingers brushed the slight curve of her abdomen, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

The aroma of sweet and sour ribs wafted from the kitchen. Victoria had left them warming in the insulated container before departing. Evelyn eagerly served herself a portion.

Just as she lifted a piece to her mouth, her phone rang sharply.

"Nathan?" She frowned at the caller ID.

"Sis, the Valentine family is hosting a banquet at the Imperial Palace Hotel. Want to come?" His voice crackled with excitement.

Her chopsticks froze mid-air. "No." The refusal was crisp.

"But—"

"No buts." She cut him off. "I have zero interest in Valentine affairs."

After hanging up, her appetite vanished. She chewed mechanically, her thoughts drifting elsewhere.

When the phone rang again, she nearly choked.

"Evelyn!" Scarlett's voice pierced through the receiver. "Finally decided to show yourself?"

Evelyn sighed. Her childhood best friend always knew how to wear her down.

"I'll be there soon." She abandoned her meal and headed upstairs to change.

The Imperial Palace Hotel glittered under the night sky. As Evelyn parked, her gaze snagged on the striking couple at the entrance.

Adrian stood impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, Isabella clinging to his arm with a saccharine smile. They greeted guests like the perfect matched set they appeared to be.

Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel. A deep breath forced her eyes away.

"Evelyn!" Scarlett materialized outside her window, yanking the door open. "Daydreaming again?"

Evelyn forced a smile. "Nothing important. Let's go."

She deliberately avoided the main entrance, slipping in through a side door. But fate loved its cruel jokes—the elevator doors opened to reveal Adrian.

The air turned to ice.

His gaze skimmed over her for one heartbeat before sliding away, as if she were a stranger.

Evelyn straightened her spine and strode past without a glance. She could feel the heat of his stare between her shoulder blades but refused to turn.

"So here you are." Isabella's voice dripped with triumph behind her. "Long time no see, Ms. Roland."

Evelyn paused mid-step. She didn't turn, merely offering a flat, "Congratulations."

Scarlett shot her a worried look. "Evelyn..."

"I'm fine." She summoned a smile. "Let's get a drink."

The banquet hall buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, but to Evelyn it was just noise. She downed her wine in one go.

"Easy there." Scarlett caught her wrist. "In your condition..."

Evelyn shook her head. "I know my limits."

Her eyes caught Nathan signaling from across the room. Following his gaze, she spotted Theodore Lowell deep in conversation with Isabella.

"I heard Isabella saved Theodore's daughter?" Evelyn murmured.

Scarlett nodded. "Quite the coincidence. The Lowell girl had a sudden heart attack right when Isabella happened to be nearby."

Evelyn traced the rim of her glass. Too convenient. Suspiciously so.

"Be right back." She stood abruptly.

At the end of the hallway, Evelyn dialed Sophia. "Pull the surveillance footage from the day the Lowell girl collapsed."

Hanging up, she caught her reflection—pale but determined.

This game was just beginning.