Chapter 314

"You're welcome. It's my duty." Evelyn accepted the documents but hesitated before acting. She turned to Samuel with uncertainty. "Do you think the Mitchells will believe any of this?"

She had little faith in her own family.

Given how they'd treated her, she was certain they'd side with Victor over her.

Evelyn's mind swirled with doubt.

Samuel paused, unable to give a definitive answer. The Mitchells were unpredictable.

After a moment, he offered a solution. "Mrs. Martin, Sophia Mitchell seems reasonable. Why not send the evidence anonymously? That way, she can decide for herself. If she chooses to trust Victor, you won’t be implicated. What do you think?"

Evelyn stayed silent.

It felt ridiculous—wanting justice but lacking the courage to confront them directly. She still cared, despite everything.

With a quiet exhale, she followed Samuel’s advice and emailed the files to Sophia.

Hours passed with no response.

If this continued, she’d let it go.

Her focus shifted to the design competition. Registration was complete—now she needed three assistants and a winning concept.

The theme? A farm-inspired resort.

The Martin Group had acquired land years ago, untouched until now. Their vision? A luxury farm retreat.

The first round judged the overall framework. The finals would hinge on execution. Only the top three would see their designs realized.

That evening, Evelyn sat slumped before her laptop, drained and uninspired.

Nathaniel brought her fruit. "Trouble?"

"Why a farm?" she muttered.

He smirked. "The land’s unsuitable for skyscrapers."

"It could be a park."

"Evelyn," he said dryly, "I’m a businessman. Parks don’t profit. Farms do."

She scoffed. "Capitalists. Always so straightforward."

"Mocking me?" He gripped her chin, forcing her gaze to his. His voice dropped. "What’s really bothering you?"

Her frustration was palpable.

"Nothing."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Then why attack my company?" His piercing stare demanded honesty.

She exhaled. "Because I have to design for this competition. Your theme’s a nightmare. Can’t I complain?"

"Too difficult?"

"Obviously."

A lie. She just lacked inspiration.

Nathaniel’s smile turned sly. "If drafting’s such a struggle, why not bribe me for a free pass to the finals?"

His teasing tone made her roll her eyes.

But the tension between them crackled—unspoken, electric.