Chapter 490

The seed of envy had been festering in Victoria Sinclair's heart for years. She'd spent countless hours perfecting her piano technique, desperate to erase the childhood humiliation she'd endured.

Now that Evelyn Carter stood before her again, the bitter jealousy surged uncontrollably.

"What are you doing here? Where's Danielle?" Victoria demanded, abruptly changing the subject.

"That's my question to you." Evelyn's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "You put her up to filing that anonymous report about me, didn't you?"

A dark shadow crossed Victoria's face. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Danielle's your friend. If she reported you, maybe you should examine your own behavior."

Without warning, Evelyn grabbed a fistful of Victoria's perfectly styled hair and dragged her out of the classroom.

"Evelyn Carter! Have you lost your mind?" Victoria shrieked, her voice cracking with pain and outrage.

Yanking Victoria's head back, Evelyn looked down at her with icy contempt. "Tell me, when a complete stranger assaults you out of nowhere, doesn't that make you reconsider how insufferable you must be?"

The searing pain in her scalp made Victoria's eyes water, but she was powerless against Evelyn's grip. "You'll regret this, Evelyn Carter!" she spat through clenched teeth.

"Death threats? How original." Evelyn's laugh was cold. "Everyone dies eventually."

"My brothers are coming to Bern City! When they find out what you've done-"

"Pity there aren't any security cameras in this hallway." Evelyn clicked her tongue mockingly. "No evidence, no crime."

Evelyn remained unfazed, recalling the legal loopholes Nathaniel Whitmore had taught her. He'd been determined to arm her with every possible defense against bullying.

"I'll hire the best lawyers! You'll rot in prison!" Victoria screamed, her face contorted with rage.

"Looking forward to it." Evelyn shoved her away, then meticulously wiped her hands with a tissue. "Next time you spread lies about me, I'll scalp you like a trophy."

Victoria trembled with fury, pointing a shaking finger. "Don't you dare walk away from me!"

Evelyn turned on her heel without another word.

Victoria started to chase after her, but the sharp pain from her ravaged scalp stopped her in her tracks. She pulled out her phone with shaking hands. "Reginald! Bring me a hat immediately!"

Humiliated beyond measure, Victoria kicked the nearby piano with all her strength. She'd come looking for Danielle with a proposition - to pose as the orphanage girl from Evelyn's past.

But Danielle had vanished when she needed her most.

And now this public humiliation at Evelyn's hands.

If Evelyn ever reunited with the Montgomerys... Victoria couldn't bear to imagine the consequences.

This couldn't be allowed to happen.

Reginald arrived moments later with a wide-brimmed hat. "Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Winslow insists Danielle must be expelled."

"Does he no longer respect my family? Did you mention our donation?"

"I did, but he won't budge."

Victoria felt her blood pressure spike. Without Danielle's cooperation, her plans would collapse.

"There is news," Reginald added cautiously. "The university is hosting a graduation gala this weekend. The Montgomery family will attend. I understand they're funding a new exhibition hall for the Design School."

"Why wasn't I informed?" Victoria's voice was dangerously quiet.