Chapter 66

Evelyn Carter placed the design blueprint on the table with unwavering confidence, meeting Victoria Sinclair's challenging gaze. "Yes, that's my work. When is Nathaniel returning?"

Victoria lounged on the couch, flipping through the pages carelessly. "He's working late tonight. No idea when he'll be back. But since I live with him, you might as well discuss everything with me."

The room fell into heavy silence, broken only by the rustling of paper. Evelyn remained standing, the ticking of the antique clock on the wall echoing louder in the stillness.

Victoria finally set the designs aside and smirked. "Ms. Carter, I adore this layout, but some elements need refinement. I want a dedicated wall for our wedding portraits. Where would you suggest we place it?"

Wedding portraits?

Evelyn’s fingers twitched involuntarily. When she and Nathaniel had married, he had outright refused to hang their wedding photos. Eleanor Whitmore had pestered him endlessly before he reluctantly agreed to display a single framed picture in the hallway.

Now, with Victoria, he wanted an entire wall.

The realization stung, but Evelyn kept her professional smile intact. "Anywhere you prefer."

Victoria tilted her head. "But you're the expert. I want your professional opinion."

Evelyn gestured toward the foyer wall. "That space would be ideal. You’ll see it immediately upon entering."

Victoria’s lips curled in satisfaction. "Perfect. Oh, and we need a new mattress too. Something plush—Nathaniel hasn’t been sleeping well lately because the current one is too firm."

Evelyn exhaled slowly. "There are plenty of luxury brands available, though I’m not specialized in bedding. Perhaps a sales consultant could assist—"

Victoria cut her off. "You’re handling the redesign. You’ll help us choose the mattress as well, won’t you?"

Evelyn’s smile didn’t waver. "Of course. I’d be happy to accompany you."

Internally, she seethed.

Victoria beamed. "Excellent. We’ll call you when we’re free. Let’s make sure everything is perfect this time."

Evelyn tapped the blueprint. "Understood. If there’s nothing else, please sign the contract termination."

Victoria hesitated. "Nathaniel filed the original request. Shouldn’t he be the one to sign?"

Evelyn held out her phone, displaying the digital document. "It’s a simple process. And since this is your marital home, you have every right to authorize it—unless you think otherwise?"

Victoria’s eyes narrowed, but she snatched the phone and signed with a flourish.

The moment the signature registered, Evelyn’s shoulders relaxed imperceptibly.

Getting Nathaniel to sign would have been impossible. But Victoria, for all her barbs, was predictable—once appeased, she complied.

As Evelyn turned to leave, Victoria called out, "Ms. Carter, one last question. Who was that man with you at the gala last week?"

Evelyn paused, her voice cool. "That’s private."

Victoria’s smirk turned venomous. "I was relieved when you finally accepted your place. Our worlds were never meant to intersect. But here you are, still clawing your way into circles you don’t belong. You’ll only end up humiliated."

Gold digger, Victoria thought. The moment Nathaniel discarded her, she’d latched onto Daniel Montgomery. Pathetic.

Evelyn arched a brow. "You’re entitled to your opinion. But may I offer one in return?"