Chapter 175

Simon hesitated before delivering the urgent message.

Taking a deep breath, he spoke. "Mr. Sterling, I just received word from Blackwood Penitentiary. Ms. Delaney has attempted suicide."

The office fell into stunned silence.

Isabella's name hadn't been mentioned in months.

Nathan's jaw tightened. "Her condition?"

"Guards intervened in time. She's been transferred to the medical ward." Simon swallowed hard. "She's requesting to see you."

After being convicted for orchestrating that near-fatal car accident, Isabella had been sentenced to ten years. With the Delaney family's downfall and Alistair's disappearance, Nathan had severed all ties.

"Deny the request," Nathan commanded icily.

"Yes, sir." Simon turned to leave.

"Wait." Nathan's voice stopped him. "Where's Vanessa now?"

"At the Sterling estate, I believe."

"Freeze all her accounts immediately. Not a single transaction gets approved."

Simon's eyebrows shot up before he composed himself. "Right away, Mr. Sterling."

Alone in his penthouse office, Nathan stared at the glittering cityscape below. The vibrant lights mocked his hollow emptiness.

Meanwhile, Evelyn had been buried under mountains of paperwork at Kingsley Industries all week.

When Saturday finally arrived, she'd canceled all plans for much-needed rest.

At dawn, Olivia's text buzzed on Evelyn's nightstand. "Up yet? I'm outside!"

Evelyn groaned, squinting at her phone. "It's 6 AM..."

She dragged herself to the window, pulling back the curtains to reveal Olivia's cherry-red convertible.

"Babe, the sun's barely up," Evelyn texted back.

Olivia's reply came instantly. "This is Professor Whitaker we're talking about! Showing up late would be disrespectful!"

Evelyn rolled her eyes but hurried through her morning routine.

The Whitaker estate sat in Royal Vista's exclusive eastern enclave - once barren land now transformed into the city's most coveted address.

As they entered, whispers followed Evelyn.

"Isn't that Evelyn Carter? What's the Kingsley CEO doing here?"

"Rumor has it Professor Whitaker personally invited her."

Nearby, Cassandra Winslow's perfectly sculpted eyebrows knitted together. "Why would Edmund invite some business executive? What does she know about design?"

A guest chuckled. "Haven't you heard? She owns that boutique all the socialites are obsessed with."

Cassandra's scrutinizing gaze intensified. "I had no idea she dabbled in fashion."

"The waitlist for her custom pieces is six months long," another attendee added.

Cassandra knew today's gathering was actually preparation for Pamore's inaugural fashion week - an event Edmund himself would headline.

Olivia nudged Evelyn excitedly. "This sounds incredible! Aren't you thrilled?"

Evelyn smirked. "We'll see."

Large-scale fashion events meant grueling work, but the energy in the room was electric.

Edmund addressed the crowd. "For this show, I want full participation from everyone here."

He paused dramatically. "However, we still need to select our lead designer. Any volunteers?"

Cassandra's eyes lit up. This was her moment.

"I'd love the opportunity, Professor," she declared confidently.

Edmund gave a noncommittal hum, making Cassandra's smile falter. After five years as his protégé with an impressive portfolio, she'd expected immediate endorsement.

Instead, Edmund turned to Evelyn. "Ms. Carter, what are your thoughts?"

Every head swiveled toward Evelyn, expressions ranging from curiosity to outright envy.