Chapter 235

The moment Evelyn Carter spotted Walter and Beverly Simmons, she knew escaping wouldn't be easy.

Still, she remained composed. Vista Properties held Margaret Dawson's banking details. No matter how much Walter and Beverly made a scene, the outcome wouldn't change.

Evelyn quickly typed a message to Jonathan Reeves: "Ran into my adoptive parents. Will be delayed."

At the engagement venue, Jonathan's brow creased as he read the text.

He'd always sensed Evelyn's family dynamics were complicated—especially with Walter and Beverly's toxic tendencies.

If Evelyn was going to be in his future, he'd ensure she set firm boundaries with them—and even Margaret. The only relatives worth maintaining ties with were her brothers.

Jonathan had zero interest in dealing with Walter and Beverly.

"Understood. Handle it quickly and get here ASAP. Everyone's waiting," he replied.

Victoria Sinclair had explicitly requested the designer's presence. Jonathan had promised her. If Evelyn didn't show, it would reflect poorly on his studio's professionalism.

Jonathan reviewed the venue details again, determined to impress Victoria. Losing future opportunities wasn't an option—not when this event united the Sinclair and Whitmore heirs.

Soon, Victoria arrived, her gaze sweeping over the romantic décor. It was exactly as she'd envisioned.

As much as Evelyn irritated her, Victoria couldn't deny the brilliance of her designs.

"Where's the designer?" Victoria asked, smirking.

She'd specifically arranged for Evelyn to witness her engagement to Nathaniel Whitmore—to show her what a real power couple looked like.

As the Sinclair heiress, Victoria knew Evelyn—an orphan—could never compare.

Jonathan adopted a placating tone. "Ms. Sinclair, Evelyn is handling an urgent matter. She'll be here shortly."

Victoria's expression darkened. "Is this how your studio operates? She left early yesterday, and now she's late for my engagement?"

Was Evelyn deliberately avoiding this?

Jonathan explained, "Ms. Sinclair, Evelyn's adoptive parents are causing trouble. They're demanding a share of her relocation compensation."

Victoria's eyes narrowed. "She got the compensation?"

Hadn't Penelope Whitmore manipulated Optima Construction to divert funds to Walter and Beverly?

Yet according to Jonathan, Evelyn had secured the money.

"Yes. There were complications. Optima was acquired—by Alexander Montgomery's Vista Properties. After the takeover, Evelyn received her dues."

"Alexander's company bought the original developer?"

"It's common for conglomerates to absorb smaller firms," Jonathan clarified.

Victoria's instincts prickled.

No matter how vast Alexander's empire was, randomly acquiring a small Bern City developer seemed unlikely.

And during the scandal involving Evelyn, the conglomerate that bankrupted Reginald Stewart's company was also Vista Properties.

Once could be coincidence. Twice? Suspicious.

"Regardless," Victoria said coldly, "ensure Evelyn arrives on time. Otherwise, your studio's reputation will suffer."

She added, "And I see no need to feature this event in your portfolio."

Jonathan stiffened. "Understood, Ms. Sinclair. She'll be here."