Chapter 136

"Alright." Evelyn nodded, agreeing to accompany Daniel to the event. It would mark her first attendance at a high-profile charity auction.

The moment he got her confirmation, Daniel immediately texted their family group chat "The Montgomery Clan". "Contacting Alexander for sponsorship. Evelyn agreed to join me at the charity gala."

Within seconds, five separate wire transfers hit his account - all designated as Evelyn's spending money for the auction.

Daniel whistled at the notifications flooding his phone. "Thanks for the support, brothers. You're the best."

Andrew's reply came instantly: "No funny business or you'll be hearing from our legal team."

A tearful emoji was Daniel's only response, genuinely hurt by his brother's lack of trust.

If there existed a list of people Daniel would never scheme against, Evelyn's name would be written in bold at the very top.

That evening, Evelyn found herself walking into the glittering charity auction on Daniel's arm.

The parade of luxury vehicles lining the entrance confirmed her suspicions - this was an exclusive gathering for the elite.

"Evelyn, if anything catches your eye tonight, just bid for it," Daniel whispered as they entered.

She blinked in surprise. "Daniel, aren't we here to purchase items for that actor's charity?"

"It's his foundation's money anyway," Daniel shrugged. "He won't miss a few extra zeros."

"That doesn't seem right." No matter how she looked at it, recklessly spending someone else's funds felt unethical.

Such behavior simply wasn't in her nature.

They continued chatting as they approached the main hall.

Suddenly, Daniel pressed a bidding paddle into her hands. "Nature calls. Find our seats according to this number, will you?"

Evelyn nodded, scanning the room for their designated area when an overpowering floral scent assaulted her senses.

Frowning, she turned to find Penelope standing beside Victoria.

Her hand dropped from her nose in stunned disbelief at this unfortunate encounter.

"Evelyn Carter? What are you doing here?" Penelope marched over, eyeing Evelyn's modest dress with disdain. "Do you even understand what kind of event this is?"

"It's a charity auction," Evelyn replied calmly.

Penelope deliberately flaunted her designer clutch. "Exactly. Every item here starts at six figures."

"Amounts you'll never see in your pathetic bank account even after decades of scrubbing floors. What gives you the right to be here?"

Evelyn remained unfazed. "Certainly not you."

Victoria chimed in with false sweetness, "Now Penelope, even commoners deserve cultural experiences."

"True," Penelope sneered. "This might be the only time trash like her gets to see how the other half lives."

"Evelyn Carter, consider this your warning - Nathaniel and I are getting married this weekend. Make sure that renovation finishes on time."

Victoria's smile dripped with smug satisfaction.

Evelyn's expression remained neutral. "You're addressing the wrong person, ladies. I'm not in charge of that property."

"How dare you speak to us like that!" Penelope bristled at Evelyn's composure.

Just then, Victoria called out excitedly, "Nathaniel!"

Evelyn glanced up to see Nathaniel entering the venue in a light linen suit paired with a slate gray tie - an ensemble she'd personally selected years ago.

Back when they were together, Nathaniel only wore dark colors, so she'd filled his wardrobe with lighter shades.

Yet she'd never seen him wear any of them.

The pale fabric made him look younger, more approachable.

Though to be fair, a man that handsome would look good in anything.

Still, the sight shocked her - she'd long given up hope of ever seeing him in the clothes she'd chosen for him.