Chapter 174

Nathan Sterling's brow furrowed in confusion.

Gregory Hammond didn't mince words. He pressed play on his phone, letting the damning recording speak for itself. "This is why I called you here today."

As the audio played, Nathan's face darkened with each passing second.

"Evelyn gave Vanessa every opportunity to walk away," Gregory said firmly. "But your sister kept pushing. Everyone has their limits, Nathan."

Nathan's hands balled into fists at his sides. A crushing wave of remorse hit him. For the first time in his life, the formidable CEO stood frozen, utterly lost.

After a long silence, he whispered hoarsely, "I was wrong about her..."

Meanwhile, Evelyn Carter was exiting the venue when a young man hurried after her. "Ms. Carter! A moment, please!"

She turned, studying the unfamiliar face. "Can I help you?"

"I'm Professor Whitaker's assistant," he explained, presenting an embossed business card with elegant gold lettering. "The professor asked me to deliver this personally."

Evelyn's breath caught.

An invitation.

"Professor Whitaker regrets not being able to speak with you properly today due to the crowds," the assistant continued. "He'd be honored if you'd join him for a private meeting at his residence this weekend."

Her pulse quickened.

Edmund Whitaker. The legendary design icon whose approval could launch careers.

"Please convey my deepest gratitude," Evelyn managed, carefully tucking the precious card into her purse. "I'll be there without fail."

"Safe travels, Ms. Carter."

In the car, Evelyn couldn't stop staring at the invitation. A delighted laugh escaped her lips.

Harrison Whitmore raised an eyebrow. "That must be some invitation. You're glowing like you just won the lottery."

"It might as well be!" Evelyn beamed. "This is from Edmund Whitaker himself!"

"Ah," Harrison nodded appreciatively. "Now I understand the sparkle in your eyes."

"It's... more than I dared hope for," she admitted softly. At the very least, it meant her designs had caught the master's attention.

"I have to tell Olivia!"

Her text to Olivia Sinclair was met with three shocked exclamation points followed by: You're meeting THE Edmund Whitaker??? I might actually die of jealousy.

Evelyn grinned. Want to come with?

Seriously?!

Of course.

She could practically see Olivia's ecstatic face through the phone. Screw the boutique! We're going!

Tucking her phone away, Evelyn gazed at the passing cityscape. A shadow of melancholy flickered across her features.

Then her phone buzzed insistently.

She glanced at the screen - and immediately rejected the call.

It rang again. And again. Each time, her finger stabbed the decline button with increasing determination.

"Trouble?" Harrison asked, noting her tense expression.

Evelyn didn't bother hiding it. "Nathan Sterling."

As she spoke, she pulled up her call log and blocked the number with a decisive tap. A weight lifted from her shoulders. Peace at last.

Across town, Nathan's face turned thunderous as the call disconnected yet again. Beside him, Simon wisely kept silent, watching his boss's grip tighten around the phone until the screen cracked.