Chapter 34

Nathaniel's expression turned grave. "I concur. Evelyn shouldn't bear the burden of knowing our true identities."

After a tense silence, Alexander reluctantly agreed. Soon after, Evelyn discovered the competition results had been published online—strangely, without any rankings listed.

Her phone buzzed with an official invitation to next week's awards ceremony. She immediately screenshot the announcement and texted Sophia. "I made it to finals, but they're not showing rankings this year."

Sophia replied within seconds. "You've got to be top three! Though it's bizarre they changed the format last minute."

Evelyn frowned at her screen. The Fleur International Design Competition only occurred every three years—winning meant everything in their industry. Yet this sudden rule change felt... intentional.

Her phone buzzed again. "Evelyn, Whitmore Enterprises increased their offer again. These terms are insane—you'd be crazy not to consider it."

Evelyn's grip tightened on her phone. Sophia knew about her failed marriage, but not that Nathaniel Whitmore was her ex. She typed carefully, "I'm returning to university first. Can't juggle studies and a demanding job right now."

"Your call," Sophia replied. "But promise you'll at least attend the awards gala?"

Evelyn snapped a photo of the embossed invitation and posted it on Instagram with the caption: "Three years later. This time, I finish what I started."

Across town, Nathaniel's assistant Robert rushed into his office. "Sir, Carter made finals but rejected our latest offer."

Nathaniel's jaw tensed as he stared at Evelyn's Instagram post. Three years ago—exactly when she'd vanished from his life. And now this cryptic message...

"Someone's poaching her," Nathaniel muttered. "Find out who."

Robert hesitated. "There's more. Rumor says she disappeared three years ago after some family crisis."

Nathaniel's fingers froze over Evelyn's post. The timing was too precise to be coincidence.

The next morning, Alexander and Olivia arrived at Evelyn's apartment laden with gifts. "Nord City specialties!" Olivia beamed. "For our brilliant finalist!"

Alexander's gaze lingered on Evelyn. "Your post mentioned three years... You competed before?"

Evelyn's smile faltered. "I had to withdraw last round. Family... complications."

Margaret suddenly choked up. "If not for our troubles back then, you'd have—"

"It's history," Evelyn cut in sharply.

Alexander's eyes darkened. "What exactly happened three years ago?"

The air thickened with unspoken secrets as Evelyn turned toward the window, her reflection ghostly against the glass. Outside, storm clouds gathered—mirroring the tempest about to break.