Chapter 332

Evelyn's spine stiffened instantly. Since when had Victoria, that airheaded socialite, become so perceptive?

She couldn't comprehend how Victoria had uncovered her hidden agenda.

As Evelyn turned, Victoria's smug smirk greeted her. "What exactly are you plotting?"

It almost slipped Evelyn's mind—Victoria's brother was a renowned surgeon too. Perhaps she had connections to Julian as well.

During the redevelopment of Evelyn's childhood neighborhood, Victoria had been pulling strings in the shadows.

If Victoria discovered Evelyn's relationship with Julian, what chaos would ensue?

With a victorious glint in her eyes, Victoria taunted, "Evelyn, darling, perhaps it's time to abandon this little fantasy of yours. You're utterly unworthy of Julian. Stop deluding yourself."

Evelyn's brows arched slightly at Victoria's words. There was an eerie familiarity to her tone.

Nathaniel had once voiced similar sentiments—that Evelyn and Julian were mismatched.

Of course they were incompatible—they were siblings! The mere thought of them as a couple was ludicrous.

Clearly, both Victoria and Nathaniel had misinterpreted Evelyn's relationship with Julian, assuming it was romantic.

If that were truly the case, resolving this misunderstanding would be far simpler.

A sly smile curled Evelyn's lips. "Victoria, isn't meddling beneath someone of your stature?"

"Fine then. I'll clarify matters directly with Julian. Then you'll see if I'm truly interfering," Victoria retorted, stepping toward the elevator.

Recognizing the impending disaster, Evelyn seized Victoria's arm and slammed her against the wall, determined to prevent her from reaching Julian.

"Release me this instant!" Victoria demanded, frustration lacing her voice.

"Not a chance!" Evelyn pinned Victoria's shoulders firmly against the wall, rendering her immobile.

Their proximity was uncomfortably intimate.

Evelyn suddenly realized she stood half a head taller than Victoria, whose petite frame was no match for her strength.

A cold voice sliced through the tension. "What's the meaning of this?"

Evelyn glanced over to see Nathaniel and Beatrice approaching, their expressions unreadable.

Nathaniel's face darkened. "Are you planning to release her?"

From a distance, the scene appeared compromising—Evelyn pressing Victoria against the wall in what could be mistaken for an intimate embrace.

Had Evelyn's targets now expanded to include women?

Beatrice rushed forward. "Evelyn, what are you doing to Ms. Sinclair?"

Spotting Beatrice, Victoria instantly adopted a wounded expression. "Mrs. Whitmore, I've no idea what Ms. Carter wants with me. She assaulted me without provocation! Look—she's bruised my wrist!"

Evelyn immediately released her, flashing an innocent smile. "Just playing a harmless prank on Ms. Sinclair, nothing more."

Beatrice frowned. "Is this appropriate behavior toward Ms. Sinclair? Nathaniel, you witnessed this!"

Evelyn studied Nathaniel's stormy expression, unease coiling in her stomach. Why was he so protective of Victoria?

It wasn't as if Evelyn had caused any real harm.

Victoria turned pleading eyes toward Nathaniel. "I can't believe Evelyn just harassed me like this. Thank heavens you arrived when you did—who knows what might have happened?"

She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "After all, I only have eyes for men. My preferences are... traditional."

Evelyn gaped at Victoria in disbelief. "When exactly did your moral compass shatter?"

Since when had Evelyn ever behaved inappropriately?