Chapter 481
Evelyn's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "What kind of gift is this? Can't you give me just a little clue?"
Nathaniel shook his head firmly. "Telling you now would ruin everything. At minimum, before you depart Bern City, we want this chapter of your life to have the perfect ending," he explained.
The Montgomery brothers exchanged knowing glances.
Julian, Christopher, and Andrew's eyes gleamed with shared understanding. Alexander had already questioned Evelyn about her relationship with Nathaniel when he arrived earlier that day - some secrets could no longer stay hidden.
Julian had reluctantly disclosed Evelyn's secret three-year marriage to Nathaniel, but had kept her pregnancy confidential. As her doctor, he took his professional oath seriously.
After lengthy discussion, they'd unanimously decided to reveal Evelyn's true identity as the Montgomery heiress at the upcoming graduation banquet.
Alexander's voice carried steel resolve. "Evelyn, I swear we'll make right every injustice you've suffered." His hands clenched at the thought of Nathaniel's treatment of her.
Evelyn noticed her brothers' odd behavior but couldn't quite decipher its meaning.
As university graduation approached, rumors swirled about special guests attending the banquet and plans for a charity auction.
The next afternoon, Olivia took Evelyn shopping at Bern City's most exclusive boutique.
"Now that your brothers' businesses are flourishing, buy whatever your heart desires," Olivia insisted, pressing a black VIP card into Evelyn's palm. "With this, you'll never need appointments or waitlists here again."
Evelyn gratefully accepted the card, selecting an emerald gown from the rack. "Olivia, this would look divine on you. You must try it!"
Unable to resist, Olivia disappeared into the dressing room with the dress.
Meanwhile, Evelyn slipped into a sapphire cocktail dress, studying her reflection critically. While stunning, the fitted silhouette slightly accentuated her baby bump. These days, she preferred looser cuts.
"Well, well. Evelyn Carter in this store? Can trailer trash even afford the hangers here?" Penelope Whitmore's shrill voice cut through the air as she entered with Beatrice Harrington.
Beatrice's expression turned glacial. "This establishment is for ladies of breeding, Evelyn. Just as our family isn't for common gold-diggers." She sniffed disdainfully. "Even if you temporarily acquire nice things, they'll never truly be yours."
Evelyn crossed her arms defiantly. "Who says I can't afford it?" She handed the black card to the sales associate. "Please wrap this up."
Penelope's jaw dropped. "Is that...a VIP membership card? How did you get that? Did you steal it?"
Beatrice's face purpled with outrage. "She must have! Even I couldn't obtain that card!"
Penelope nodded vigorously. "Exactly! Aunt Beatrice, even you were denied this privilege!"
The barb struck home. Beatrice had coveted the exclusive card for years, but Eleanor Whitmore had vetoed the "extravagance." Yet here was Evelyn, casually wielding one!
Beatrice turned to the sales associate imperiously. "This pauper couldn't possibly own that card legally. You'd better verify her identity before getting implicated in fraud."
Evelyn hadn't realized the card's significance until now.
Penelope tittered maliciously. "Honestly Evelyn, do you even understand what you're holding? This requires annual spending over one million dollars and celebrity references for approval. People who carry this aren't just wealthy - they're elite. You've really stepped in it now!"