Chapter 203

Sophia Roland's fingers traced the rim of her teacup, her knuckles turning white.

The mocking gazes of the society ladies made her chest tighten as if stuffed with cotton.

"Let me—"

"No need." Evelyn Roland shook her head gently, her calm eyes like still water.

Sophia bit her lower lip as sharp whispers pierced her ears.

"Who does she think she's fooling?"

"Maestro couldn't possibly be this young..."

"Mrs. Lee is absolutely right..."

Evelyn felt Sophia's trembling hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Maestro!"

A booming voice cut through the tea house chatter.

A dozen staff members in committee uniforms filed in, their leader striding straight to Evelyn.

"You left your credentials at the venue."

The room fell deathly silent.

The ladies' expressions froze. Mrs. Lee's teacup shattered on the floor.

"It really is her..."

"Oh my god..."

The hushed murmurs stabbed at Mrs. Lee's ears.

Evelyn accepted the badge with a faint smile. "Thank you for delivering it."

"Our pleasure!" The staff bowed respectfully.

Sophia scoffed, linking arms with Evelyn. "This gathering isn't worthy of my daughter's status."

The Roland mansion blazed with light.

"Edward!" Sophia rushed into her husband's arms the moment she entered. "Guess what happened today?"

She animatedly recounted the tea house scene, her eyes sparkling.

Edward's face darkened. His fist slammed onto the coffee table. "Bastards!"

Cupping his wife's face tenderly, he growled, "Next time, use my name directly."

His gaze softened when it landed on Evelyn sipping tea quietly. "We owe this to Evelyn."

"Just doing my part." Evelyn set down her cup with a crisp clink.

At the stairwell, Isabella Langley dug her nails into her palms.

She forced a concerned expression and hurried downstairs. "Mom! Who upset you?"

She embraced Sophia warmly, but her side-eye burned into Evelyn.

Why did this outsider get everything upon returning?

Outside, moonlight outlined Sebastian Valdemar's tall frame.

He leaned against his Rolls-Royce, fingers absently tapping the door.

"Master Valdemar?" The butler opened the gate in surprise. "Why wait out here?"

"...Just arrived."

Sebastian's Adam's apple bobbed as Evelyn's indifferent gaze flashed through his mind.

Just then, Isabella's shrill voice pierced the night. "Sebastian!"

Inside, Evelyn turned without a word and ascended the stairs.

Sebastian's eyes followed her retreating figure, his chest constricting.