Chapter 113

Evelyn's stomach twisted into knots as Theodore's words hung in the air.

She flicked a nervous glance toward Nathaniel, her eyes silently begging for reassurance.

Nathaniel merely shrugged. "It's fine."

Relief flooded Evelyn's veins as she watched Theodore guide Nathaniel to his seat.

Nathaniel occupied the front row—a position reserved for VIPs.

Evelyn frowned. Why would Nathaniel, with his packed schedule, attend something like this?

The answer revealed itself soon enough.

As Evelyn stepped onto the stage, Nathaniel—the anonymous benefactor behind the scholarship—rose to personally present the awards.

Her breath caught at the sight of him. Impeccably dressed, exuding effortless elegance.

Certificate in hand, he gave her a patronizing once-over. "Don't disappoint me."

Evelyn forced a smile as she accepted it, fingers itching to crumple the paper in his face.

The ceremony ended abruptly. Evelyn bolted from the lecture hall without looking back.

If she moved fast enough, she could avoid whatever Theodore had planned next—probably some awkward dinner introduction.

No thanks.

Right on cue, her phone buzzed with Elizabeth's call as she neared the library. She ignored it.

Hours later, Evelyn finally returned the call. "Sorry, my phone was on silent during study hours."

Elizabeth sighed. "Mr. Winslow wanted you to join dinner with our special guest. Too late now."

Evelyn exhaled. Another bullet dodged.

After hanging up, she left campus and headed to the penthouse.

Nathaniel lounged on the sofa in sweatpants, absorbed in his tablet.

He glanced up. "You're busier than a CEO."

Evelyn tightened her grip on her textbook. "Early bird catches the worm."

Nathaniel's expression darkened. "Stay out of my business."

Evelyn walked away without another word.

As long as Sebastian could handle Eleanor's surgery, she wouldn't let Nathaniel rattle her.

Alone, Nathaniel scrolled through Robert's text: "Still searching for a qualified surgeon."

He rubbed his temples, exhaustion lining his face.

The next morning, campus felt off. Evelyn noticed the sideways glances, the hushed whispers.

Then Sophia sent the forum link: "Scholarship Winner Exposed: Nepotism or Favoritism?"

Evelyn's blood ran cold. The post accused her of buying her award, complete with a photo of her entering a luxury car.

Thankfully, Nathaniel's face wasn't visible.

Evelyn texted Sophia back: "I know exactly who did this."

Yesterday, Cassandra had cornered her, smugly hinting at knowing Evelyn's "secrets."

Typical Cassandra—climbing the social ladder by pushing others down.

Elizabeth called after class. "Mr. Winslow wants this investigated. Draft a statement."

Without hesitation, Evelyn dialed Sebastian. He answered instantly. "Evelyn? What's wrong?"

"Can you trace an IP address for me?"

Sebastian's voice turned serious. "Explain everything first."

Evelyn forwarded the link. "I need to find whoever's spreading these lies."

Sebastian's anger flared. No one slandered his sister and got away with it.

"Give me ten minutes," he growled. "Go get coffee."