Chapter 45

Nathaniel's gaze lifted sharply. "A special prize for her?"

The air between them crackled with tension.

"Exactly." Victoria's fingers tightened around her tablet. "Daniel called demanding a re-evaluation. I suspect Nathaniel's influence, but honestly? The results won't change. This special award for Evelyn is merely a compromise."

She studied Nathaniel's reaction through her lashes, bitterness rising in her throat. Why was Alexander insisting on this charade? The Montgomery family's interference always circled back to Nathaniel's obsession with that woman.

At least this would ensure Evelyn stayed out of their lives permanently.

Nathaniel's jaw clenched as he set down the design portfolios. "Which submissions were Evelyn's?"

"The judging was blind, darling." Victoria smoothed her designer dress with practiced calm. "Her work must have been dreadful to get eliminated." She gathered the scattered designs with manicured hands. "Thank you, judges. I'll announce the winners shortly."

Backstage in the temporary office, Victoria's composure shattered. The truth glared at her from the score sheets - Evelyn's designs had topped every category.

With trembling hands, she shredded the offending pages. How had that country mouse outshone professionals? The irony burned - her own insistence on anonymous judging had backfired spectacularly.

No matter. These masterpieces would forever bear Cassandra Blake's name now.

As she exited, the event coordinator intercepted her. "Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Montgomery has reassigned closing ceremonies to me."

Victoria's smile turned brittle. "I was just heading to announce-"

"Not necessary. Enjoy the show." The coordinator's tone brooked no argument.

Had Alexander discovered her sabotage?

Confused, Victoria sought Nathaniel in the judges' section. "Darling, let's take our seats." She ignored how his eyes kept drifting toward Evelyn's seat. Was that country bumpkin really worth his attention?

One judge leaned toward Victoria. "Ms. Sinclair, isn't Cassandra competing? Which designs were hers?"

Victoria's mask slipped for a heartbeat before reassembling. She'd rather die than admit the truth. "Isn't it obvious?" she purred.

"The winning collection, of course!" the judge exclaimed. "Cassandra's aesthetic shines through every stitch. Mr. Whitmore was practically glowing when he reviewed them earlier."

Nathaniel examined the designs anew. The judge wasn't wrong. Yet Cassandra had rejected his offers twice. He texted Robert Chambers: "Approach the winner again."

Across the room, Cassandra basked in admirers' attention, business cards piling up in her hands.

Evelyn watched the spectacle with detached amusement until Nathaniel and Victoria swept past to the front row. Penelope Whitmore chirped, "Victoria, aren't you announcing the winners?"

Victoria's laugh tinkled like broken glass. "Alexander worries about my health. Such a protective brother." The lie slid smoothly off her tongue.

The stage lights dimmed as the real drama began.