Chapter 50

Victoria's face paled. "Alexander, let me explain. This wasn't my doing—someone else must have made a mistake."

"But you're in charge. The responsibility falls on you."

When Alexander had heard that Evelyn had briefly gone missing after being eliminated—so distraught she had wandered off—his heart had nearly stopped. He had been seconds away from storming the ceremony to defend her. Thankfully, Olivia had held him back.

Luckily, the truth had come out. Evelyn was Zoe, and her victory was undeniable. Her skill had spoken for itself.

Alexander refused to let her suffer any injustice, especially in a competition this significant.

Victoria opened her mouth to argue further, but the line had already gone dead. She knew better than to call back. Alexander's decisions were final, and his patience with her was thin.

To the world, she lived a charmed life within the Montgomery family. But the reality? Far from it. Aside from their eccentric grandmother, no one truly cared for her. Alexander and his brothers treated her with polite detachment—nothing more than obligatory kindness for their late sister's replacement.

That was why she clung so desperately to Nathaniel. He was her only guarantee of a secure future.

Outside the awards venue, the paparazzi had been shoved back by security. Evelyn and Daniel quickly hailed a cab and slipped away.

Inside the car, Evelyn caught sight of Nathaniel exiting the building. His posture was rigid, his strides purposeful. Moments later, Victoria rushed after him, grabbing his arm.

Evelyn turned her gaze away. She didn’t look back as the cab pulled into traffic.

Daniel had noticed too, but he didn’t care. He had never acknowledged Victoria as family. To him, she was just an outsider.

Evelyn glanced at him. "Daniel, do you and Victoria know each other?"

"Nope. Harrison might, but that’s his business. I’m just the body double. Half the time, people think we’re twins." He smirked. "Did you see those reporters? They thought I was him."

"Won’t this cause trouble for you? What if Harrison hears about it and gets upset?"

Daniel chuckled. "Nah, we’re cool."

How could he be upset with himself?

"Good. That’s a relief."

Later, Evelyn celebrated with Margaret, Alexander, and Olivia. Daniel had to leave early—his manager called, likely about the awards ceremony drama.

At home, Evelyn placed the trophy on her nightstand and snapped a photo for Instagram. The caption read: "Finally reclaimed what I lost three years ago."

She took her folic acid, then rested a hand on her stomach. Winning first place meant better opportunities—higher-paying jobs, more stability.

Soon after her post, Sophia called to congratulate her. They talked for a while.

Then, a WhatsApp notification lit up her screen.

Jonathan Reeves: "Congratulations, Evelyn. Had no idea you were Zoe. Heard you’re finishing your degree. Interested in part-time work at my studio?"

Evelyn blinked in surprise. Jonathan had been legendary in their college days. Now he had his own studio?

She typed back: "It’s been three years since I designed anything."

His reply came fast. "Winning that competition proves you’ve still got it. Flexible hours, negotiable pay. Think about it."

Part-time work would be perfect—freedom to focus on her pregnancy while still earning.

"Alright. I’m in."

The next morning, Sophia messaged again. "Okay, be honest—what’s going on with you and—"

Evelyn’s thumb froze mid-scroll. A trending topic glared back at her:

"Award-Winning Actor Harrison Sinclair Spotted with Mystery Woman—New Romance?"

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