Chapter 26

"Well, well, if it isn't the Lowell family's precious heiress."

Victoria Lowell's saccharine voice cut through the hushed ambiance of the hotel lobby. Clinging to Nathan Evans' arm, her pink dress swayed with each step, her meticulously styled curls gleaming under the chandeliers.

Nathan's gaze, however, remained fixed on Evelyn Roland. His dark eyes held an unreadable intensity, as if trying to pierce through her very soul.

Evelyn's crimson lips curved slightly, a flicker of mockery flashing in her eyes. She had long cast these two out of her mind, yet fate had a cruel sense of humor, bringing them face-to-face again.

Hannah Clementson immediately sensed the tension and stepped protectively in front of Evelyn. "And you are?"

"We're here for our engagement celebration," Victoria announced, tilting her chin up as her disdainful eyes swept over Evelyn's attire. "Evelyn, working here now, are we?"

Curious glances from nearby colleagues darted their way, but no one intervened.

Victoria feigned sympathy with a dramatic sigh. "If only you'd swallowed your pride back then, Father wouldn't have disowned you. Look at you now—how far you've fallen..."

Evelyn leaned back lazily against the sofa, her fingers tapping the armrest. She didn’t even bother lifting her eyelids, as if observing a tiresome circus act.

Hannah barely suppressed a whistle. This composure—no wonder Evelyn was a director.

The dismissive attitude made Victoria's face flush with anger. She despised Evelyn's unshakable calm, as if she herself were nothing but a ridiculous clown.

"Stop pretending to be above it all!" Victoria raised her voice sharply. "Today is mine and Nathan's engagement party. Care to join us and see how real society celebrates?"

She deliberately glanced around, ensuring everyone heard her next words. "After all, the Evans family only marries true heiresses... not some impostor."

Nathan frowned but stayed silent. His eyes remained locked on Evelyn, as if waiting for a reaction.

Evelyn finally lifted her gaze, her lips parting slightly. "Finished?"