Chapter 79
The clock struck nine when Evelyn Carter and Natalie Reeves made their grand entrance at the high-profile cocktail soirée.
This was no ordinary gathering—it was an exclusive event where Hollywood's elite mingled with media moguls. Naturally, everyone had brought their most dazzling companions.
Evelyn wore a floor-length emerald gown that shimmered under the chandeliers. The silk fabric cascaded like liquid over her curves, secured only by a delicate satin ribbon at the waist.
No jewelry adorned her slender neck or wrists. She needed none. Her natural elegance outshone every diamond in the room.
The moment she stepped through the gilded doors, conversations stuttered to a halt. All eyes turned toward the vision in green.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. No one had expected the editor-in-chief of GEM to arrive with Nathan Sterling's rumored lover in tow.
Yet despite their curiosity, the guests maintained a respectful distance. GEM Magazine's influence commanded that much deference.
Natalie remained her usual icy self, barely acknowledging the endless stream of greetings. Evelyn smoothly intercepted the champagne flutes thrust their way.
"I can actually tolerate these events when you're here," Natalie murmured over the rim of her glass. "Normally I'd snap one photo for social media and escape within fifteen minutes."
Evelyn's crimson lips curved. "I'm honored to receive such high praise from the legendary Natalie Reeves."
Their conversation halted when Charles Sanders, CEO of rival company Glory Entertainment, waddled over.
The squat man's tailored suit couldn't disguise his protruding belly. He resembled a child playing dress-up in his father's clothes.
"Ms. Reeves," he leered, raising his champagne flute toward Evelyn. "Isn't this the infamous Ms. Carter? She's been dominating tabloid headlines lately." He drained his glass in one gulp.
Natalie's reaction was markedly different from her usual detached politeness. Her eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. "Are you blind or just stupid?"
GEM had suffered multiple security breaches recently—all traced back to Glory Entertainment's corporate espionage.
Charles chuckled, unfazed. "Now, now, Ms. Reeves. With all your recent... troubles, I understand the hostility."
His beady eyes gleamed. "Perhaps you should monitor your employees better before I poach them all."
"By all means," Natalie countered smoothly. "Anyone swayed by your offers isn't worth keeping. Consider it free housecleaning."
Her meaning was clear—he'd only stolen her garbage.
Undeterred, Charles turned to Evelyn. "Rumor has it you were involved with Nathan Sterling while still married. Care to comment?"
He licked his lips. "An exclusive interview, perhaps?"
Glory Entertainment desperately needed investors. While their resources paled compared to GEM's, Charles specialized in sensationalism.
The more outrageous the story, the better. It created the illusion that his second-rate company rivaled GEM's prestige.
His question drew every ear in the vicinity. Even the string quartet seemed to play softer.
"Charles—" Natalie's glacial tone now carried lethal intent.
Tampering with her employees was one thing. Spreading vicious rumors about her friend? That demanded retaliation.
"Tired of breathing?" she asked softly.
One word from Natalie, and Glory Entertainment would collapse overnight.
Charles smirked. "Why would I fear? You're still standing here talking to me, Ms. Reeves."
Evelyn stepped forward, her stilettos clicking like a countdown. "Tell me, Mr. Sanders... care to make a wager?"
His eyebrows shot up. "Do continue."
"If you win, you get your exclusive interview." Her gaze traveled pointedly down his ill-fitting suit. "If you lose..."
She crossed her arms, tapping one manicured finger against her elbow.
"You strip naked and walk out. How's that?"
Charles's smile froze. The barb about his physique struck home.
But the opportunity to humiliate GEM's golden girl and gain insider access to Nathan Sterling's private life? That was worth any embarrassment.
"Deal." He extended a sweaty palm. "Just remember your promise, Ms. Carter."
Evelyn's mocking smile widened as curious onlookers edged closer. "Oh, I will. I'm more concerned about your modesty when the time comes."
"What's the game?"
Her emerald eyes flicked toward the nearby gaming tables. "Dice. Highest roll wins."
Charles nearly choked on his laughter.
This woman had just handed him victory on a silver platter.
Before founding Glory Entertainment, he'd been a casino hustler. His entire startup capital came from gambling winnings.
What chance did some socialite have against him?