Chapter 29

Daniel sensed this was the perfect opportunity for their family.

He cleared his throat and asked, "Evelyn, do you enjoy interior design?"

"Absolutely," Evelyn replied. "It was my major in college. Back then, I dreamed of designing my own home someday. Plus, it's a lucrative career—that's why I chose it."

Hearing that financial stability had influenced her decision, Daniel felt a pang in his chest. "You don’t have to worry about money anymore. You have us now."

Evelyn shook her head with a small smile. "I can’t depend on you forever. I’ve been independent for too long."

She didn’t linger on the topic. The two of them were already in a cab, heading toward the competition venue.

Daniel discreetly pulled out his phone and typed into the family group chat. Big news. Alexander, Evelyn wants to enter the Fleur International Design Competition your company is hosting.

Alexander’s reply was immediate. Ask her if she prefers to win first place.

He wasn’t joking.

Daniel rolled his eyes.

Within minutes, Alexander had arranged everything behind the scenes.

Just then, Olivia chimed in. Darling, isn’t today the last day to register? I checked with the organizers, and they said registration closed early—yesterday.

If that’s true, Evelyn will be devastated if she can’t sign up today.

Alexander’s expression darkened. Who authorized a last-minute schedule change?

I heard it was Victoria’s doing. Suspicious, isn’t it? Olivia mused.

Without hesitation, Alexander called his assistant. Extend the registration deadline to today. And from now on, no one alters the schedule without my approval.

It didn’t matter if registration had supposedly ended yesterday—or even weeks ago. He would reopen it.

Evelyn would enter this competition.

Meanwhile, Evelyn and Daniel arrived at the venue.

As Evelyn stepped inside, her eyes swept over the promotional posters lining the walls. She paused at one and smiled. "Daniel, I used to dream of working for Montgomery Estates."

Montgomery Estates?

That was Alexander’s company. But Daniel found real estate painfully dull.

"You’d be bored stiff working there," he said smoothly. "Why not join the entertainment industry instead? With your looks, you’d be a superstar in no time."

He was determined to steer her toward his world—and away from Alexander’s influence.

Evelyn laughed. "No thanks. That life isn’t for me."

At the registration desk, Evelyn handed over her documents.

Just then, Penelope sauntered over. "I can’t believe you actually showed up, Evelyn."

Evelyn didn’t flinch. "If you had the nerve to come, why wouldn’t I?"

"Exactly!" Daniel cut in, his voice dripping with disdain. "Shut your mouth, you botched-surgery disaster."

Penelope’s face twisted in outrage. "Who are you calling a disaster? What surgeries?"

Daniel smirked behind his mask. "If the nose fits..."

His sharp tongue was legendary. No one insulted Evelyn without consequences.

Penelope scoffed. "You haven’t heard, have you? Registration closed yesterday. You’re too late."

Evelyn frowned. "That’s impossible. The deadline was clearly today."

"Go ahead and try, then. See what happens."

Penelope’s smirk was vicious. She had spoken to Victoria, who had pulled strings to cut Evelyn off.

With Alexander’s sister influencing the committee, this should have been an easy victory.

Evelyn wouldn’t stand a chance.

But when Evelyn handed her forms to the clerk, the woman barely glanced at them before nodding. "Evelyn Carter?"

"Yes."

Evelyn braced for rejection.

Instead, the clerk smiled. "Everything checks out. Submit your design by the deadline."

"Th-thank you."

Evelyn blinked in surprise.

Penelope’s jaw dropped. "What? Registration closed yesterday! Why did you accept hers?"

The clerk remained unfazed. "No such instructions were given. Ms. Carter meets all requirements."

Penelope stomped her foot, furious.

How had this happened?