Chapter 114

The call disconnected, and within moments, Evelyn's phone chimed with a notification—a Starbucks gift card from Sebastian.

Her lips twisted into a bittersweet smile. Pregnancy meant no more indulging in her favorite caramel macchiatos.

Ten minutes later, the information Sebastian had promised arrived. Just as she suspected, the IP address traced back to Cassandra Ellington.

Sebastian's voice was firm through the phone. "Do you want me to expose her?"

Evelyn's reply was immediate. "No. I'll handle this myself."

The college forum had exploded with gossip, turning her into the center of campus scandal.

With no afternoon classes, Evelyn made her way straight to the studio.

Jonathan stepped out of his office the moment she sat down. "Evelyn, I heard about the forum. Remember—truth always wins in the end."

"I know," she answered calmly.

Now that she knew who was behind it, Evelyn already had a plan forming.

Meanwhile, Cassandra Blake wasted no time forwarding the forum link to Penelope, shooting her a frosty glare.

Penelope, ever the opportunist, immediately showed Beatrice. "Aunt Beatrice, look. Evelyn is causing another scene at college."

Beatrice's lips curled in irritation. "That girl thrives on drama."

Fuming, she stormed into Nathaniel Whitmore's office at Whitmore Enterprises.

"Nathaniel, look at this!" she snapped, shoving her phone toward him. "Evelyn is embroiled in another scandal. There are photos of her with some man. If this spreads, imagine the damage to our family's reputation!"

Nathaniel frowned, scanning the forum headlines. But as his eyes landed on the photo, his expression eased. "Mother, these are just baseless rumors."

Beatrice scoffed. "Baseless? Have you seen that picture?"

Nathaniel's reply was steady. "I have. That's my car."

For a long moment, Beatrice was speechless. Finally, she managed, "Are you serious?"

"Completely," he confirmed.

Straightening her blazer, Beatrice huffed. "Regardless, Evelyn has a talent for stirring trouble at the worst possible times."

She narrowed her eyes. "Speaking of timing—that doctor you hired had an accident. Have you considered speeding up the divorce?"

Nathaniel's voice remained calm. "Mother, I know what I'm doing."

With a frustrated sigh, Beatrice stormed out.

Outside, she snapped at her assistant. "Contact Theodore Winslow. Evelyn's scholarship should be revoked. Someone who causes this much trouble doesn't deserve our family's support."

She couldn't help but wonder—would Nathaniel be so passive if it weren't for Evelyn?

Later that evening, Evelyn's phone rang. It was Elizabeth Hartwell. "Evelyn, due to the ongoing rumors, the college has decided to withdraw your grant."

Evelyn's grip tightened on her phone. "Ms. Hartwell, I'll speak to Theodore Winslow myself tomorrow."

Hanging up, a wave of exhaustion crashed over her.

When she returned home, Nathaniel was conspicuously absent.

Victoria Hawthorne noticed her troubled expression. "Mr. Whitmore called earlier. He’s working late and won’t be home for dinner."

The weight of the scandal pressed down on Evelyn, but she refused to crumble.

The next morning, she marched straight into Theodore Winslow's office.

Placing her evidence on his desk, she said, "Mr. Winslow, I’ve traced the IP address of the person spreading these rumors."

Theodore arched a brow. "And? The damage is done. Can you even disprove their claims?"

His next words were sharp. "Given your family’s financial situation, how do you explain being linked to someone who owns a luxury car?"

Evelyn met his gaze without flinching. "Just because my family isn’t wealthy, does one photo prove I’m involved with a rich man?"

Theodore leaned forward. "Then explain the photo. Whose car is that?"

Evelyn took a deep breath. "That car belongs to my husband."