Chapter 26

Nathaniel watched as Evelyn devoured four pancakes, two slices of toast, and a bowl of cereal.

Did she always eat like this?

After breakfast, Eleanor suddenly handed her an envelope. "Evelyn, I secured you a spot in this competition."

Evelyn examined the invitation—the prestigious Fleur International Design Competition.

Shocked, she turned to Eleanor. "Grandma, when did you arrange this?"

"You sent me some interior design sketches a while ago," Eleanor explained with a smile. "When I heard about this competition, I thought of you. Give it a try. I believe in you."

Evelyn’s fingers tightened around the invitation, a bittersweet ache settling in her chest. Years ago, she had dreamed of entering, but after marrying Nathaniel, she had buried her passions beneath the weight of his world.

Penelope sauntered into the dining room, her voice dripping with condescension. "Evelyn, that competition is for professionals. With your lack of skill, you’ll only embarrass the Whitmore name."

Eleanor’s sharp retort cut through the air. "Penelope, you didn’t even finish college. Stay quiet."

Humiliated, Penelope stormed off, her cheeks burning.

She remembered the competition was organized by the Sinclairs. Pulling out her phone, she dialed Victoria.

"Victoria, aren’t you involved with the Fleur International Design Competition?"

"Yes, I oversee certain aspects. Why?"

"Grandma just handed Evelyn an invitation," Penelope hissed. "She’s playing favorites. You have to stop her from entering."

A cold smirk curled Victoria’s lips. "Easy. Tomorrow is the last registration day. I’ll have them close it early."

Penelope grinned. "Perfect. I’ll be there to watch her face when she realizes she’s too late. It’ll be priceless."

Victoria chuckled. "Do tell me how it goes."

As if someone like Evelyn could ever compete with her for Nathaniel’s heart.

With the invitation in hand, Evelyn left the Whitmore estate.

Behind her, Nathaniel’s footsteps echoed. His voice, laced with surprise, stopped her. "You do interior design?"

Now it made sense—why Eleanor had discreetly asked him to secure a spot days ago. He hadn’t realized it was for Evelyn.

Evelyn kept her gaze lowered. Of course he wouldn’t know. He never cared to learn anything about her.

"Cat got your tongue?" he taunted.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Nope. Just not interested in sharing."

"You’re lying."

"Bingo. And I’m not interested in entertaining you either." She stepped into a waiting cab and left him standing there.

Nathaniel tugged at his tie, irritation flaring.

Robert approached cautiously. "Sir, we’ll be late for the meeting."

Nathaniel stared at the retreating cab. "Do you think she’s provoking me on purpose? Trying to get my attention?"

Robert hesitated. "I think—"

"You agree, don’t you? She’s playing games."

Robert’s expression turned complicated. He didn’t think Evelyn was playing anything.

As they drove off, Robert ventured, "Sir, if we stop the payments for Mrs. Whitmore’s uncle’s treatment, his condition could deteriorate. Are you certain?"

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. "Did I say to actually stop them? Use your head."

He just wanted to teach her a lesson.

Robert sighed. Boss logic.

Meanwhile, Evelyn’s phone rang. The hospital’s number flashed on the screen.

Her stomach dropped as she answered. "Hello? Is my uncle okay?"

The voice on the other end was clinical. "We haven’t received payment for this month’s treatment. Please settle it as soon as possible."

The payments had been cut off?