Chapter 273

The confrontation came sooner than Evelyn had expected.

Victoria Sinclair stood before her, eyes flashing with barely concealed hostility.

Penelope Whitmore smirked, inserting herself between them. "Evelyn, this event is hosted by Vista Properties. Victoria's family empire. She's in charge tonight—and she'll be giving the keynote speech."

Victoria tilted her chin up, her posture dripping with superiority. The humiliation from their last encounter still burned fresh in her memory.

Evelyn arched a brow, her voice cool. "Fascinating."

Penelope's smile turned sharp. "You should be nervous. With Victoria running things, don't even dream about that scholarship."

Evelyn's lips curled. "The scholarship isn't my priority. But Victoria, as the host, aren't you worried about the scandal if people find out you're rigging the results?"

Victoria's laugh was icy. "Who would believe you? I'm a Sinclair. Pulling strings is effortless for me. There won't be a single trace left behind—what can you possibly do?"

Penelope covered her mouth, giggling. "Exactly! But Evelyn, we're not cruel. Kneel and apologize, and maybe we'll reconsider."

"One word from Victoria, and that scholarship could still be yours."

Evelyn remained silent, unshaken.

Sophia Bennett, however, couldn't stay quiet. "You should be ashamed! What if this gets out? Do you really think you'll walk away unscathed?"

Penelope rolled her eyes. "Oh please. Who would take the word of a nobody like you?"

Evelyn's expression darkened. "You'd be surprised."

She pulled out her phone, waving it lightly. "I recorded everything. Imagine the uproar if this went viral. It'd make your little scandal look tame, Penelope."

Victoria's face paled. Penelope lunged for the phone, but Evelyn stepped back, tucking it away.

"Too late. It's already backed up. Destroying my phone won't help you."

Penelope's jaw clenched. "You wouldn't dare."

"Watch me."

Evelyn unlocked her phone, fingers hovering over her social media.

Victoria grabbed her wrist, panic flickering in her eyes. "Stop."

Evelyn smirked. "Why? Feeling nervous?"

Victoria swallowed hard. "What do you want?"

If Alexander saw this, her reputation would be ruined. She couldn't afford another blow—not after nearly losing her place in the company.

Evelyn spun her phone between her fingers. "Simple. Apologize for your threats, and I won't post it."

Penelope scoffed. "Apologize? Are you insane?"

She turned to Victoria. "Don't let her scare you. You're a Sinclair. Your brother would never believe her over you. We can just say the video's fake."