Chapter 131

Evelyn's lips curved into an amused smile as Vanessa ranted. "Do you honestly believe I need social climbing?" she asked, swirling her champagne flute.

The simple question struck like a dagger.

Vanessa's friends gasped. "She's the Kingsley heiress! CEO of Kingsley Industries!" one whispered loudly.

Evelyn's pedigree placed her in an entirely different stratosphere.

If anyone was setting social climbing standards, it was Evelyn Carter.

Vanessa's face darkened instantly.

Evelyn's smile remained unshaken as she added, "Though it seems someone here is desperately trying to scale those heights."

"You—!" Vanessa's voice turned shrill. "Nathan discarded you like trash! How dare you speak to me like this? I'll—"

"Vanessa." Nathan's commanding voice cut through the tension like a blade.

The crowd parted as he approached, his presence commanding immediate silence. Vanessa looked stunned that her brother would still defend Evelyn after everything.

"Nathan!" she protested.

His icy glare silenced her mid-sentence. When his gaze shifted to Evelyn, her expression remained coolly detached. Before he could speak, the ballroom lights dimmed dramatically.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd as all eyes turned toward the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen," a booming voice announced, "welcome to Horizon Technologies' grand opening gala!"

The emcee commanded attention effortlessly. "Horizon's expansion into this market wouldn't be possible without your support. Together, we'll forge a brighter future!"

Polite applause filled the room, but whispers quickly overtook it.

"Where's the Horizon CEO? Why all the mystery?"

"This suspense is ridiculous!"

"I hope he lives up to the hype."

The speculation reached fever pitch when the emcee finally declared, "Please welcome Horizon Technologies' president—Mr. Harrison Whitmore!"

A collective gasp swept through the crowd. The name meant nothing to most attendees.

"Vanessa, Harrison? What an unusual name!" one friend giggled.

Vanessa's forced smile barely concealed her discomfort. "It's a distinguished name!" she snapped.

Her friends exchanged knowing looks. "Oh? Are you two already on a first-name basis?"

Vanessa preened, glancing pointedly at Evelyn. "Don't be absurd. Harrison and I merely move in the same circles."

She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Though our families have been... encouraging certain possibilities. But it's early days—no gossip, understood?"