Chapter 31

Evelyn Carter walked through the door of her apartment, still buzzing with excitement from registering for the competition. She immediately sat at her drafting table, pencil flying across the paper as ideas poured out.

That evening, her brothers Alexander, Sebastian, and Julian arrived with their wives for dinner. Olivia Montgomery, Alexander's wife, brought a homemade chocolate cake that smelled divine.

"Did you hear?" Julian said between bites. "Our little Evelyn actually entered the Fleur International Design Competition!"

Alexander's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Tell me, little sister, how badly do you want to win first place?"

Evelyn nearly choked on her wine. "Who wouldn't want to win?" She laughed nervously. But competitions were unpredictable - all she could do was give it her best shot.

Olivia kicked Alexander under the table. "What your brother means," she said smoothly, "is that with your talent, first place is practically guaranteed."

Alexander nodded so vigorously his dark curls bounced. If first place didn't exist for his sister, he'd damn well create it. Principles be damned when it came to family.

Lost in thought, Evelyn excused herself early to refine her designs. After three long years, she finally had this second chance.

Three years ago, marriage had been the last thing on her mind - until Benjamin Foster's medical bills forced her hand. Now, this competition represented a fresh start, for herself and the baby growing inside her.

One week later, the notification arrived: Evelyn had advanced to the finals.

Her phone buzzed immediately with a text from Sophia Bennett. "Told you you'd make it! Congrats, superstar! Knew dumping that waste of oxygen would change your luck!"

Evelyn smiled as she typed back, "I can't argue with results. Things have been looking up."

Minutes later, Sophia's Instagram post went live: "BREAKING: Design genius Evelyn Carter makes triumphant return! Just secured spot in Fleur International finals. Prepare for another victory!"

Evelyn took a steadying breath. She needed that prize money more than she cared to admit.

When Olivia heard the news, she cornered Alexander. "Darling, Victoria Sinclair is competing too. This could complicate things for Evelyn."

Alexander merely shrugged. "Then we'll have two first place winners." His sister would take the top spot - no alternatives existed.

Meanwhile at Whitmore Enterprises headquarters, Robert Chambers knocked on Nathaniel Whitmore's office door. "Sir, the Fleur competition finalists have been announced."

Nathaniel didn't look up from his paperwork. "Any notable names?"

"That designer who disappeared three years ago - Victoria Sinclair - she's on the list."

Nathaniel's pen stilled. "Reach out to her. See if she'd consider joining our team."

"Right away, sir."

"Wait." Nathaniel frowned. "Let me see that list."

Robert handed it over cautiously. "Were you... wondering if Mrs. Whitmore made the cut?"

"I couldn't care less," Nathaniel snapped. "I'm evaluating talent, nothing more."

His eyes skimmed the page - and there it was. Evelyn Carter. A flicker of surprise crossed his features. The timid mouse he'd married had actually accomplished something.

Robert maintained perfect professionalism. "Mrs. Whitmore's design concept shows remarkable innovation. Should we extend an offer to her as well?"

Nathaniel's glare could have frozen lava. "Did I ask for suggestions?"

His gaze darkened as he studied the list again. "Inform the judging committee I'll be joining the final panel."

Robert barely suppressed a cough. Wasn't this exactly the "suggestion" he'd just been chastised for?

"Sir, about that person at registration you wanted identified... With the hat and mask, our investigators hit a dead end."

The paper crumpled in Nathaniel's fist, his expression thunderous.