Chapter 452

Victoria Sinclair's eyes gleamed with icy determination. "Don't worry. I won't allow this to happen. I won't let the true heiress of the Montgomery family return and steal everything from me!"

She had clawed her way to this position through sheer will, and she wasn't about to let anyone snatch it away.

Not only would she cling to her status as the Montgomery daughter, but she was also determined to become Nathaniel Whitmore's wife.

"Ms. Sinclair, this is too dangerous."

"I got where I am by taking risks." Victoria would do whatever it took to secure her future.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Carter led Christopher Montgomery to a cozy restaurant near her university. With a soft laugh, she said, "The food here has a distinct Bern City flavor. It's just a short walk from campus, and it's always packed."

Christopher parked the car before glancing at the bustling eatery. "Do you come here often?"

Shaking her head, Evelyn replied, "I used to work part-time here. The owner is incredibly kind. I've tried most of their specialties, and I promise you, they're amazing."

A pang of guilt struck Christopher when he heard she had once worked part-time. If he had found her sooner, he would have spared her from such hardships.

They stepped inside and were immediately met with an unexpected sight—Theodore Winslow and several university staff members were already seated on the first floor.

Evelyn froze. Of all the places, why did they have to be here?

Theodore spotted her first and greeted warmly, "Evelyn! What a coincidence. Since we're all here, why don't you join us?"

She suppressed a sigh. Fate really wasn't on her side today. Refusing would be awkward, so she reluctantly accepted.

Christopher didn't object, following them to a private dining room.

Evelyn took her seat, leaving an empty chair beside her. To her surprise, Theodore chose a different spot, keeping a respectful distance.

She barely had time to process his courtesy before the door swung open.

Nathaniel Whitmore strode in, his jacket draped over his arm, dressed in a crisp shirt and tailored vest. He looked effortlessly commanding even in casual attire.

Evelyn mentally kicked herself. Of course he would be here—the event was sponsored by the Whitmore Group.

She had assumed he was too busy to attend, but clearly, she'd been wrong.

Nathaniel took the seat beside her without hesitation.

Theodore immediately brightened. "Mr. Whitmore, we're honored you could join us. Now that everyone's here, let's enjoy the meal. And Evelyn—"

He turned to her with exaggerated praise. "Despite your background, you've remained humble and hardworking. The university is lucky to have you."

Evelyn's smile tightened.

Just then, one of the staff members leaned forward curiously. "Wait—what is Evelyn's background?"

The room fell silent.

Nathaniel's gaze flickered to Evelyn, his expression unreadable.

Theodore hesitated, suddenly realizing he might have said too much.

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her glass.

This was going to be a long dinner.