Chapter 487
Evelyn stared at Olivia. The entire situation felt surreal, especially when Olivia casually flashed her exclusive platinum membership card to put the other party in their place.
Olivia was absolutely breathtaking.
She cleared her throat with a dry chuckle. "Your brothers' ventures are thriving spectacularly. The companies meant to go public have already done so. I invested my wedding gift funds into their startupsโshouldn't I be reaping the returns now?"
"Is their success really this overwhelming?" Something nagged at Evelyn, but she couldn't pinpoint what.
Olivia hesitated briefly. Just as she was about to speak, Evelyn's phone buzzed.
A text from Nathaniel. Finished shopping?
Her stomach twisted. Beatrice must have tattled to that insufferable man.
"Evelyn, who's messaging you?" Olivia inquired.
"Just a friend," Evelyn replied hastily, slipping her phone away.
The boutique manager approached with a polished smile. "This handbag is from our latest limited collection. It pairs perfectly with your dress. Would you like to see it?"
Olivia's gaze flicked over the bag. "Hmm, this leather is rare. Why wasnโt it presented earlier? Worried I couldnโt cover the cost?"
The manager stiffened. "Not at all. Thereโs a three-day holding policy before we can display this piece."
Evelyn arched a brow. "Then why show it now?"
"Weโd like to compensate for the earlier misunderstandingโฆ Mrs. Whitmore."
"Mrs. Whitmore?" Evelynโs expression darkened. "Did Nathaniel order this?"
Realizing her blunder, the manager paled and pressed a hand to her mouth.
Olivia gripped Evelynโs wrist. "We donโt need his charity. Tell Nathaniel Whitmore we buy our own luxuries. The Montgomery name carries its own weight."
Oddly, Olivia didnโt seem shocked. She hadnโt even flinched when the manager slipped up.
Evelyn studied her. "Oliviaโฆ you knew about Nathaniel and me?"
"Guess the catโs out of the bag." Olivia waved the manager off before sighing. "Sweetheart, why hide it? Did you think weโd let the Whitmores intimidate us?"
Evelyn bit her lip. "Weโre in Bern City now. That chapterโs closedโno need to drag you into it."
"Thatโs where youโre wrong." Oliviaโs eyes flashed. "Nathaniel clearly hasnโt moved on. Gifting you a six-figure bag? Please."
Evelynโs voice dropped. "His grandmotherโs health is fragile. Heโs stalling the divorce to spare her."
Olivia slammed her palm on the sofa. "That coward! Leave it to Andrew. Weโll drain every cent from him."
"I can handle this."
"Handle what?" Olivia cupped Evelynโs face. "Three years of their cruelty, and you suffered alone. Not anymore. Alexander and I will storm Whitmore Estate and demand answers. That venomous Beatrice will regret crossing you."
Panic spiked through Evelyn. "No! I just want to walk away clean."
Oliviaโs embrace tightened. "Then weโll make sure you doโon your terms."
The unspoken truth hung between them: Nathanielโs game was far from over.