Chapter 472

The possibility that Evelyn might be the true heiress of the Montgomery family only deepened Victoria’s reluctance.

Something felt off to Julian.

"Ms. Sinclair," he said carefully, "I can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right here."

"In the past, whenever rumors about finding the real heiress surfaced, the family would react immediately—passionately."

"But this time, their response has been strangely muted, don’t you think? Alexander didn’t even ask about it."

Victoria frowned. Now that he mentioned it, it was odd.

Just as doubt crept into her mind, Julian’s call came through.

A faint smirk curled her lips. "Julian’s calling. He’s fishing for information."

"Aside from Sebastian, they all distrust me—especially since I’m the one who ‘found’ the heiress this time. Their caution is understandable."

She answered smoothly. "Julian. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

It was unusual for him to reach out first.

"Victoria, Sebastian arrives in two days. I’d like to meet the girl you found before he gets here."

"Julian, there’s no need to rush. If you visit her alone, she might grow suspicious."

"Let’s wait until everyone is present. We don’t want to scare her off, do we?"

Victoria couldn’t risk him meeting Danielle alone. That would ruin everything.

After a pause, Julian relented. "Fine. We’ll go together the day after tomorrow."

"Make sure she’s safe until then."

"Of course," Victoria purred. "She’s my dearest friend. I couldn’t be happier she’s coming home."

The moment the call ended, Julian scoffed. "That should ease her suspicions."

Andrew nodded. "I never trusted Victoria. But Sebastian insisted on keeping her around for Grandmother’s sake."

Christopher’s expression darkened. "At least now the mastermind won’t escape justice."

Julian agreed. "Once Sebastian arrives, he’ll deal with Victoria directly. She can’t stay here."

When Evelyn returned to Nord City, they’d have to protect her carefully.

Meanwhile, in the library, Evelyn sneezed sharply.

Rubbing her nose, she muttered, "Who’s talking about me?"

As she stepped out to refill her water bottle, she noticed her classmates staring. The moment she turned, they looked away.

Weird.

Her phone buzzed—Sophia.

"Evelyn, are you still on campus?"

"Yeah, in the library."

"Check what I just sent you. Someone’s trying to ruin you."

Evelyn opened the link. The university forum’s headline blared:

"Evelyn Carter: Genius or Gold Digger?"

The post featured a photo of Nathaniel outside the library last night—his tall frame striking, while Evelyn, half-hidden behind others, looked washed out and older.

The tactic felt familiar.

But who was behind it this time?

The scandal had exploded after an anonymous tip reached the student council. The university locked the forum, but the damage was done.

Whispers spread: Evelyn had secured scholarships through connections, relied on men to design the university hall, and—despite her leave of absence—somehow graduated early.

Coincidentally, today was the scholarship announcement.

Evelyn’s name was listed.

But as she approached the board, a group of students surrounded her, their expressions hostile.

"Evelyn," one snapped, "you’ve got some explaining to do."