Chapter 451

Evelyn had been meaning to ask earlier, but Victoria's sudden arrival interrupted her.

Christopher's expression darkened momentarily. The question caught him off guard. "Victoria can play piano too. She wants to join our symphony."

"So she'll be joining soon?" Evelyn inquired, tilting her head.

"Over my dead body!" Christopher scoffed, his voice dripping with contempt. "She lacks any real talent."

There was absolutely no way he'd allow Victoria into their prestigious ensemble.

Given the Sinclair family's influence, Evelyn thought Victoria could easily secure a spot if she truly wanted.

As they prepared to exit backstage, Theodore approached Evelyn. "The gala was a tremendous success thanks to you, Evelyn. Join us for dinner?"

This took Evelyn completely by surprise. She had no desire to socialize, having only participated for academic credit.

Noticing her discomfort, Christopher stepped forward. "Apologies, but we have prior commitments. Perhaps another time."

Theodore recognized Christopher as the symphony's managing director. Realizing he couldn't risk offending such an influential figure, he forced a smile. "Of course, another time then."

Evelyn exhaled in relief. Thank goodness Christopher had intervened.

As they walked out, Evelyn spotted Nathaniel's luxury sedan parked nearby. She averted her eyes after the briefest glance.

Sliding into Christopher's car, she stole a look in the rearview mirror but couldn't decipher Nathaniel's expression.

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed as he watched Christopher's vehicle depart. A complex emotion flickered across his features. Turning to Robert, he demanded, "Any updates on why Evelyn's connected to the Montgomerys?"

Robert hesitated. "Nothing concrete. But the Montgomerys started showing interest in Mrs. Whitmore right after your divorce proceedings began."

"Highly suspicious. Yet our investigation yields nothing substantial."

"Keep digging!" Nathaniel snapped.

The image of Evelyn leaving with Christopher gnawed at him. Frustrated, he rolled down the window for air - only for Victoria to come running.

"Nathaniel! You're still here!"

The window shot back up instantly. "Drive!" he barked at the chauffeur.

The car peeled away, leaving Victoria fuming on the sidewalk. Nathaniel had been ice-cold toward her ever since her scheme involving Eleanor's surgery was exposed.

Reginald approached cautiously. "Ms. Sinclair, why insist on Nathaniel? Bern City has countless eligible bachelors."

"No! As a Sinclair heiress from Nord City, I deserve the wealthiest match. Nathaniel surpasses them all."

Lowering his voice, Reginald cautioned, "For your own good, miss. You know the real Montgomery heir has surfaced. It's only a matter of time before-"

"I'll marry into wealth before that happens," Victoria cut in sharply. "My lifestyle won't change either way."