Chapter 48

A glint of amusement sparkled in Evelyn's eyes. "Certain private affairs consumed me for three years, nothing more."

Three years prior, she'd wed Nathaniel. From his seat in the front row, Nathaniel's brow furrowed. Was she implying he'd been the one holding her back all this time?

He reclined in his chair, irritation simmering as he glared at Evelyn. The audacity! She'd been the gold-digger who married him for his fortune!

Victoria couldn't help but steal a glance at Nathaniel. Seeing his undivided attention fixed on Evelyn, she dug her manicured nails into her palms until crescent marks appeared. Her expression darkened dangerously.

The event coordinator broke the tension. "Would you care to share more, Ms. Carter? Many are curious about Zoe's—or rather, your—journey in this competition."

Evelyn accepted the microphone, flashing Victoria a knowing smile. "First, I must thank Ms. Sinclair for giving me the unique experience of going from elimination to champion."

Victoria's smile turned brittle, though she maintained the facade through sheer willpower.

Evelyn's gaze swept across the audience. "Second, there's someone else who made this victory possible. Without him, I wouldn't be standing here today."

The coordinator leaned forward eagerly. "And who might that be?"

With a mysterious smile, Evelyn descended the stage, trophy in hand, moving with purpose toward a specific section of the auditorium.

Victoria's breath hitched as she tracked Evelyn's path directly toward Nathaniel. What game was this woman playing now?

Nathaniel remained stone-faced as Evelyn approached, though his pulse betrayed him, quickening with each step she took. He straightened imperceptibly, dark eyes analyzing her every move. More of her manipulative tactics?

Evelyn stopped before him. Nathaniel's breath caught; his muscles tensed as he waited, gaze locked onto hers.

The entire room held its breath.

Then—Evelyn walked right past him. The delicate fabric of her champagne-colored gown whispered against his knuckles, carrying her signature jasmine scent.

Nathaniel's jaw clenched. His fingers twitched with the instinct to reach out, but caught only air. He turned just in time to see Evelyn throwing herself into another man's arms two rows behind him. His expression turned glacial.

The crowd erupted—cheers, applause, even wolf whistles filled the air.

Evelyn beamed up at Daniel as she embraced him. "Thank you, Daniel."

Had he not noticed the irregularities in the competition and demanded a re-evaluation of the designs, this victory might have slipped through her fingers.

Daniel ruffled her hair affectionately. "Don't thank me. Your talent speaks for itself."

He'd initially suspected Alexander's interference when Evelyn faced unfair treatment earlier. Discovering she was Zoe had been the night's greatest surprise.

Evelyn ducked her head slightly. "After three years away, I'd lost confidence in my skills."

When she'd first received the elimination notice, despair had nearly consumed her. She'd wondered how different life might be if she hadn't abandoned her career to marry Nathaniel.

Fate, it seemed, had other plans.

Amidst the celebration, Evelyn's gaze flickered toward the front row, curiosity burning—what expression was Nathaniel wearing now?