Chapter 116

Evelyn Roland lifted her champagne flute, fingertips tracing the delicate rim. "After all, she's Mr. Roland's sister. I owe her for her kindness during my time at KL Design Group." Her tone was dismissive.

Adrienne Klein settled beside her, studying her former star employee with conflicted eyes. Since Evelyn's departure, KL's sales hadn't plummeted, but their new client acquisition rate had nosedived.

"Celadon," Adrienne began carefully, "have you considered coming back?"

Evelyn lowered her lashes, shadows dancing beneath them. Adrienne sighed. "Never mind. I won't press you."

Across the ballroom, Isabella Langley glided through the crowd on Alexander Roland's arm. The newly appointed head of domestic operations carried herself with effortless grace, her conversation sparkling.

"Thank you all for celebrating my birthday," Isabella said under the spotlight, voice trembling. "Most of all, I want to thank my parents..."

Hannah Clementson leaned toward Evelyn. "She's sweet to everyone, yet it feels like there's always this...barrier."

Below the stage, Sophia Roland dabbed at her tears while Edward Roland patted her back. Evelyn's chest tightened watching them. If Isabella truly cared about family, why had she made Evelyn's life hell?

Halfway through the gala, Isabella's gaze kept drifting toward Evelyn. She gave a subtle nod to a waiter.

Upstairs in the presidential suite, Nathan Evans paced like a caged animal. He'd nearly spilled his drink when Isabella's invitation arrived.

The door swung open. His face twisted in shock. "You?"

Evelyn tried the handle. Locked. A cold smile curved her lips as she strode toward the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Save your energy," Nathan sneered. "That's bulletproof glass."

Moonlight silvered Evelyn's profile as she turned. Her gaze sliced through him like a blade. "So you knew exactly what this trap was."

Nathan's bravado faltered under her stare. "Stop acting so—"

The crystal ashtray was in Evelyn's hand before he finished speaking.