Chapter 163

"Outstanding job! You may proceed to the boutique to collect your handbag. I'll personally notify the manager of your arrival."

"Thank you, Ms. Whitmore. Should you require anything else in the future, don't hesitate to call on me. After all, I still have unfinished business with Evelyn."

After ending the call, Cassandra was practically giddy, already envisioning the designer bag she would soon possess.

She confided in Penelope that once Evelyn stepped foot into Oakside Villa, escaping unscathed would be nearly impossible.

Despite Evelyn’s early return, her slightly swollen lips betrayed the passionate encounter she’d had.

Given these developments, Cassandra was more than eager to have Evelyn take over tending to Reginald.

That afternoon, Evelyn found herself distracted. Every sip of water sent a tingling sensation across her lips, involuntarily dragging her thoughts back to the kiss she’d shared with Nathaniel.

She buried her face in her hands, grappling with the unsettling realization that she might be losing her composure.

"No, I need to stay focused," she muttered to herself.

Pouring a glass of ice-cold water, she scoffed at the absurdity of harboring any feelings for Nathaniel.

The next morning, Evelyn headed straight to the studio after her classes.

It wasn’t long before chaos erupted outside, drawing everyone’s attention.

A shrill voice sliced through the air. "Where’s Evelyn? Drag that woman out here right now! I can’t believe someone so young would dare cozy up to my father!"

"My dad is practically knocking on death’s door, and you still have the audacity to seduce him! Do you even care what happens to him?"

Stepping out to investigate, Evelyn was met with the sight of a young woman draped in designer attire, her features striking an uncanny resemblance to Reginald—whom she’d encountered at Oakwood Villa just the day before.

Guilt-ridden, Cassandra quietly slipped into a nearby hiding spot before making her escape from the studio unnoticed.

Having indulged in questionable substances during her time with Reginald, Cassandra hadn’t anticipated being confronted by his children. Laying low seemed like the wisest course of action.

"So, you must be Evelyn," Genevieve sneered, her tone dripping with disdain. "How shameless! Does your family not teach you any decency?"

Despite the venom in her words, Evelyn remained composed. "Miss, if you’re going to make such serious accusations, you’d better have proof."

"You’re the real drama queen here. Must be a family trait!" Genevieve shot back.

Evelyn smirked. "I’m just giving you a taste of your own medicine. Why so angry? If you keep causing a scene, I’ll have no choice but to call the police."

"Call the police? Go ahead! Once we’re there, I’ll make sure you’re arrested! Let’s investigate the drugs you’ve been feeding my father. The doctor warned they could kill him!"

As Evelyn recalled the unsettling events of the previous day, she struggled to reconcile the idea of Reginald being involved in such activities.

Still, it had nothing to do with her. Why should she fear the police?

Just then, Jonathan stepped in. "Excuse me, miss, but there seems to be a misunderstanding. No one in my studio fits that description. Are you certain you have the right place?"

"What misunderstanding? Evelyn, do you deny visiting my father’s villa yesterday?"

Evelyn nodded. "I did go, but purely for work."

Genevieve scoffed. "What kind of work? You obviously went there to seduce him! His mansion doesn’t need renovations—stop lying!"

Jonathan interjected coolly, "We have records of this design order. Ms. Carter visited your father’s villa as part of a standard workflow. If you’re going to slander my colleague, we’ll have no choice but to pursue legal action."

"Legal action? Please, you’re just a bunch of nobodies—what rights do you even have?" Genevieve mocked.

Jonathan’s expression darkened. "We may be employees, but the women in my studio earn their living through skill. They’re not beneath anyone. Now, I suggest you leave before this escalates further."