Chapter 490

Evelyn completely disregarded Elliot's and Julian's concerns.

She stood her ground. "Absolutely not. Once I've made up my mind to pursue this, I'll give it my all. I won't disappoint you."

"This isn't about disappointing us! Kingsley Industries will eventually be yours to inherit. If you go chasing after fashion design dreams, what happens to our family legacy?"

Evelyn shook her head. "Elliot, we still have Dominic, remember? As long as he's around, the Kingsley legacy is secure."

"Besides, I have zero interest in corporate life. Why don't you two consider taking over?"

Elliot and Julian exchanged glances before shaking their heads in unison.

"Not happening. The business world isn't for me."

Julian added, "Same here. Music is my calling. I'd much rather become a singer and make it big in the entertainment industry."

Evelyn threw up her hands in exasperation.

"See? Everyone should follow their passions!"

The brothers had no rebuttal. How could they force Evelyn into something they themselves refused to do?

"I'll pretend I never heard about this."

"Same here. You've always been independent, Evie. This is your decision to make."

Their responses satisfied Evelyn. "Good. Then let's keep this between us for now - no telling Grandpa or Dominic."

The brothers fell silent, exchanging meaningful looks before sighing deeply.

Though they kept their sister's secret from the family, they couldn't resist confiding in their closest friend.

"Harrison, we can't figure out what's gotten into Evelyn. She's suddenly obsessed with fashion design - even signed up for art classes to 'build her foundation.'"

Harrison's eyebrows lifted slightly. "She's serious about this?"

Elliot clapped him on the shoulder with a heavy nod. "When that girl sets her mind to something, nothing stops her."

"Right now her enthusiasm is at its peak. She's more passionate about this than those physics experiments you used to drag her to."

Harrison murmured, "That's good. Pursuing one's passion is never wrong."

"But Harrison! She's taking these classes secretly without telling the rest of the family!"

"And how does your family feel about this?"

"What do you think? Grandpa's always seen Evelyn as his second heir, expecting her to help Dominic run the company someday!"

"Couldn't you two handle it instead?"

The brothers shook their heads simultaneously. "Not interested."

Elliot clearly only cared about his coding projects, nothing else.

As for Julian, though he bore the Kingsley name, he knew he wasn't a blood relative. Everything the family had given him was generosity he couldn't repay.

How could he possibly ask for more?

Harrison simply said, "Then practice what you preach."

The brothers fell silent. Elliot clicked his tongue. "Harrison, whose side are you on? That's blatant favoritism!"

Julian looked confused. "What do you mean, Elliot?"

Elliot shrugged, indicating some things were better left unsaid.

Then he teased, "Julian, you're almost an adult. Time to learn about these things from Harrison here. Otherwise you'll die alone without ever finding a wife."

"I'm hosting a gathering tonight. Want to come?"

Evelyn nearly refused, but Adrian's puppy-dog eyes changed her mind. "Please, my lady! If you don't show, my father will never let me live it down."

Evelyn burst out laughing. Even bold Adrian had someone who intimidated him. Intrigued, she agreed. "Fine."

Adrian beamed. "Perfect! See you tonight."

That evening, Evelyn dressed simply and headed out. Adrian's gathering was at an upscale lounge.

When she arrived, Adrian was already waiting outside. Spotting her, he waved eagerly. "Over here, my lady!"

They entered together.

The private room was filled with Adrian's childhood friends - both men and women. They greeted Evelyn enthusiastically.

"Ms. Kingsley! What's your game of choice? Cards? Bridge? Dice?"

Evelyn wasn't picky. "Anything's fine."

They settled on cards. Though inexperienced, Evelyn had beginner's luck and doubled her chips in the first round.

Feeling uncomfortable with the attention, she excused herself to the restroom, asking Adrian to play for her.

Leaving the private room, she wandered down the hallway toward the rooftop for fresh air. But as she reached the top, a scream pierced through the music.

"Stop! Please!"

"I was wrong!"

"Don't hit me again!"

Though muffled by the music, the terrified cries were unmistakable. Evelyn followed the sound.

A man's voice growled, "Trying to run away, were you?"

The sickening crack of a whip followed, then another. Through a door crack, Evelyn saw seven or eight bound women, their eyes wide with terror.

The screaming woman's body was a mass of bloody welts.

"Listen well! You'll earn me money or die trying! Anyone else thinking of escaping will end up just like her!"

The other women trembled in silent horror.

As the man turned toward the door, Evelyn instinctively backed up, bumping into the doorframe.

"Who's there?" the man barked.

Evelyn spun to flee, but three hulking men materialized behind her, blocking her escape.