Chapter 411

Evelyn couldn't help but notice the darkening expressions on Victoria and Penelope's faces after her revelation.

Penelope's voice trembled with barely contained fury. "You're telling me you never actually called the police?"

Evelyn shrugged nonchalantly. "That's right. It was just a little bluff to rattle you."

The words sent Penelope flying out of her chair, her face flushed with rage. "Evelyn Carter, I've had it with your games!"

Her manicured nails dug into the table. "Do you have any idea how exhausting it was hauling all those lights upstairs? And now you admit it was all for nothing?"

Evelyn took a graceful step back, her lips curving. "You should be thanking me. If I'd actually called them, you'd be explaining stolen property to officers right now."

She tilted her head. "Given how things turned out today, does it really matter?"

Penelope froze, realization dawning—she'd been played.

Victoria looked equally furious but too drained to continue. Clutching her designer heels, she stood with a wince. "Let's go. My spine feels like it's about to snap."

"Same. These blisters are killing me." Penelope sighed dramatically. "I need a spa day after this nightmare."

Victoria waved a dismissive hand. "Agreed. We're done here."

Before leaving, Penelope shot Evelyn a venomous glare. "This isn't over."

Evelyn's smile turned razor-sharp. "Do come back anytime."

She watched with amusement as the two women hobbled away, their earlier arrogance reduced to pained grimaces. The sight was deeply satisfying.

Would they dare cause more trouble? Evelyn doubted it. Between finalizing hall decorations and preparing for the show, she had zero patience for their antics.

Let them stay gone. But if they returned? She wouldn't hold back.

Later, while scrolling through the event's VIP list in the group chat, one name made her pause—Nathaniel Whitmore.

Her finger hovered over his name. Since when did a busy CEO attend college music shows?

Meanwhile, at Whitmore Enterprises...

Nathaniel strode from the conference room, issuing crisp orders to his team.

Back in his office, Robert approached with an envelope. "Sir, you've received an invitation to Halvard University's music showcase."

Nathaniel's gaze sharpened as he examined it. "This is Christopher Montgomery's department, correct?"

Robert cleared his throat. "Indeed."

Nathaniel studied the invitation. "What's Evelyn's role in this event?"

The memory of Evelyn leaving that hotel with Christopher still burned.

Robert hesitated. "From what I gathered, Ms. Carter is handling venue design this year. Her proposal was approved without revisions."

A muscle twitched in Nathaniel's jaw. He hadn't expected Christopher to be so... persuasive.

A knock interrupted them. A secretary entered. "Mr. Whitmore, a visitor—Andrew Montgomery. He's representing Ms. Carter as legal counsel."

The air turned glacial.

Nathaniel's voice dropped dangerously. "Send him in."

Robert suppressed a shiver. Why did everything escalate at once?

Minutes later, Andrew entered—impeccable in a tailored suit, briefcase in hand. Behind his gold-rimmed glasses, his calm gaze met Nathaniel's like a silent challenge.