Chapter 445

+18 BONUS

Something about Victoria's expression unsettled Evelyn, though she couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.

Christopher followed Evelyn's gaze and immediately spotted Victoria. His face darkened. "What are you doing here?"

Evelyn found his hostility odd. Christopher had always been the epitome of a gentleman, especially toward women—one of his defining traits as a wealthy heir.

Yet, his attitude toward Victoria was downright icy. Strange.

Victoria forced a smile. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on Christopher’s rudeness.

"The piece you played was beautiful," she said carefully. "But I think the opening was a different song. Something like a children’s lullaby?"

Before this moment, Victoria had agonized over countless possibilities. Did Evelyn still remember their shared past?

If so, she might recall how Victoria had convinced her to transfer to that other orphanage.

Evelyn paused, thrown by the question. "You're right. I blended it with another composition I love. Is there a problem?"

"N-No. It was just so lovely, I had to ask." Victoria’s back prickled with cold sweat.

She couldn’t bring herself to meet Evelyn’s eyes. Fear coiled inside her—the dread that Evelyn might remember the song’s origins and mention the orphanage.

If Christopher caught wind of it and dug deeper, Evelyn’s true identity would be exposed.

Victoria didn’t dare imagine the fallout.

Meanwhile, Evelyn studied Victoria’s reaction with suspicion. She was certain Victoria had orchestrated today’s "surprise" to humiliate her.

Clearly, Victoria hadn’t expected Evelyn to escape unscathed.

Just as Evelyn was about to speak, she noticed Nathaniel approaching, and her breath hitched.

Why was that bastard heading their way? To mock her performance?

Nathaniel’s gaze locked onto Evelyn, his mind racing. She was an enigma to him. He hadn’t known she could play piano, let alone with such skill.

He pressed his lips together. "Evelyn, come with me. We need to talk."

Shocked, she hadn’t expected that from him.

Before she could respond, Christopher yanked her closer, his expression stormy. "Say it here. Unless it’s something shameful, why the secrecy?"

Tension crackled between the two men, thick enough to ignite.

Evelyn quickly intervened. "I still have things to handle. We’ll talk later." She flashed Christopher a reassuring smile. "I’ll call you when I’m done."

Christopher recognized her attempt to defuse the situation. Making a scene on campus was the last thing he wanted.

Too many eyes were watching.

Once Evelyn left, Christopher turned on Nathaniel, his voice low and dangerous. "I warned you. Stay away from Evelyn, or don’t blame me for what happens next."

Nathaniel rolled up his sleeves, his usual composed demeanor slipping to reveal something darker. "That’s my line. Let me make this clear—Evelyn is my wife."

His next words were a blade. "Tell your family to back off. Or don’t blame me for what comes after."