Chapter 426

Evelyn ended the call with a renewed determination burning in her chest. Victoria Sinclair wouldn't get away with her schemes this time.

With Beatrice Harrington's support, Evelyn felt an unshakable confidence. Together, they could dismantle Victoria's carefully laid plans.

Across campus, Victoria stepped out of the auditorium, a smug smile playing on her lips. The look on Evelyn's face when she'd torn up those divorce papers had been absolutely priceless.

Nathaniel's unexpected intervention had worked perfectly in Victoria's favor.

Just then, Theodore Winslow approached. "Evelyn, how did your discussion with Mr. Whitmore go? Any feedback on the stage design?"

Evelyn hesitated only a moment before answering. "He confirmed everything was perfect. No changes needed."

She hadn't actually spoken to Nathaniel about it, but she knew him well enough. Such trivial details wouldn't concern him. There was no need to bother him with questions.

A deep voice cut through her thoughts. "When exactly did I say that?"

Evelyn spun around to find Nathaniel standing right behind her. Her breath caught. Hadn't he gone to verify details with Victoria?

The air grew thick with tension.

Theodore cleared his throat nervously. "Mr. Whitmore, do you have any suggestions for improvements?"

Nathaniel stepped closer, his piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn's lowered head. A smirk tugged at his lips. "I believe Evelyn has some thoughts about me she'd like to share."

Evelyn's jaw tightened. Forcing a smile, she said, "I assumed your silence meant approval."

"And if I hadn't spoken up? Would you have asked?"

Evelyn blinked. What game was he playing now?

When she met his eyes, she saw the familiar mischievous glint. He was teasing her. Again.

"Isn't that what I'm doing now?" she countered smoothly.

Nathaniel surveyed the auditorium before focusing on the stage's centerpiece. "That drapery looks excessive. It doesn't fit the theme."

Evelyn's brows knitted together. "It complements the design perfectly."

She moved closer to inspect the fabric. Up close, it looked perfectly acceptable to her.

Theodore shifted uncomfortably. Who would've thought the university's power couple would be arguing over stage decorations?

Elizabeth Hartwell caught Evelyn's eye and gave a subtle nod. Given Nathaniel was the primary investor, a small adjustment to please him wouldn't hurt.

"Why don't you test the mechanism?" Nathaniel suggested, moving beside her.

Evelyn frowned. "The effect is designed for a single use during the actual performance. Each activation costs a hundred thousand dollars."

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. "After my investment, another hundred thousand is nothing."

"You invested?" Evelyn hadn't realized all the equipment came from his company.

Nathaniel remained impassive. "Test it. I'll cover the cost."

Evelyn considered. If Nathaniel was footing the bill, why not? Truthfully, she'd been curious about the full stage effect herself.

Theodore eagerly arranged the demonstration. As music filled the hall, the curtains rose dramatically, bringing Evelyn's vision to life. Her heart raced with excitement watching her creation unfold.

When the demonstration ended, Evelyn paused thoughtfully. "You know... the drapery does seem a bit much. Let's remove it."

As she directed the changes, a sudden wave of nausea overwhelmed her. Evelyn barely made it to a nearby trash can before doubling over.