Chapter 28

They arrived at the heart of the city.

Sebastian tightened his grip on the steering wheel. "Miss Worthington, shall I drop you at your hotel or the shopping district?"

"Neither." Evelyn applied the final touches to her lipstick before snapping it shut. "I'm meeting a friend for lunch."

Sebastian nodded. "Have you chosen a restaurant? If not, I can arrange reservations anywhere you'd like."

If Blackwood Enterprises was an empire, then Dominic was its sovereign ruler—and Sebastian, his most trusted chancellor. The man answered to no one but Dominic himself.

No wonder Evelyn felt invincible with such power at her disposal.

"We already have reservations." She named an exclusive five-star restaurant.

The car glided smoothly toward its destination.

Ten minutes later, Sebastian pulled over. "We're here, Miss Worthington."

"Thank you." Evelyn grabbed her designer bag and tossed her chestnut waves over one shoulder. Before exiting, she pointed lazily at the backseat. "You. Come with me."

Sebastian's jaw tightened imperceptibly. Her arrogance was becoming intolerable.

Evelyn, however, seemed oblivious—or simply didn't care.

Penelope Worthington was the epitome of a spoiled heiress. She probably felt incomplete without an entourage trailing behind her.

Oddly, she hadn't ordered Abigail to accompany her. Perhaps because Abigail's resting expression resembled a storm cloud.

Evelyn, on the other hand, looked far more... manageable.

Evelyn stepped out onto the pavement.

Sebastian drove off without a backward glance.

"Follow me." Penelope glanced at Evelyn as if she were a stray puppy before strutting ahead without another word.

A hundred meters away stood the glittering hotel where Penelope had booked their lunch.

Evelyn's phone buzzed with a message from Abigail:

"Our job is to monitor her, not worship her. Be civil if she is. If she's not? Don't bend."

Penelope whirled around. "Why are you lagging? Keep up!"

Evelyn slipped her phone into her bag.

The private dining room Penelope had secured was obscenely lavish. Her guest hadn't arrived yet, so Penelope settled in to touch up her makeup.

Evelyn took a seat on a nearby sofa, her posture relaxed.

Then Penelope's phone rang.

She answered with a saccharine voice that instantly turned venomous. "Where the hell are you? Keeping me waiting? You worthless little—"

Evelyn froze. So this was the "friend" Penelope had invited—someone she addressed with such charming endearments.

"Your mother? Ugh, I hate dealing with elders." Penelope sighed dramatically. "Fine. Bring her along."

Twenty minutes later, the door swung open.

Evelyn rose automatically—only to lock eyes with Victoria Montgomery and Sophia Montgomery.

Every drop of blood drained from her face.

Politeness? Unnecessary.

Victoria and Sophia gaped at her in shock.

"Do you... know each other?" Penelope's gaze darted between them, sensing the tension.

Victoria recovered first, beaming at Penelope. "You must be Penelope! Sophia's told me so much about you. My, you're even more stunning in person—that porcelain skin, that figure! I heard you were the campus queen abroad, outshining even the local beauties!"

Penelope preened under the praise, accepting it as her due. She even allowed Victoria to clasp her hands without protest.

Sophia smirked, pleased at how effortlessly her mother had charmed Penelope.

"Mrs. Montgomery, Sophia, join me here," Penelope cooed.

Sophia sauntered over but paused beside Evelyn. "What are you doing here?"

"Enjoy your lunch." Evelyn's voice was ice. "I need the restroom."

She walked out without another word.

"How do you know her, Penelope?" Victoria's voice carried after her.

"Oh, I don't," Penelope said quickly. "I'm in A City to meet my fiancé. She's just some employee from his company—assigned to carry my bags and fetch my drinks."

Evelyn strode down the corridor, their voices fading.

She knew exactly the kind of character assassination Victoria and Sophia would launch. After years of enduring it, their words barely registered anymore.

Anger only fed their delight.

Back in the room, Sophia hesitated before mentioning Evelyn.

Penelope snapped. "Spit it out, Sophia! Don't you dare hide things from me!"

"Tell her!" Victoria urged. "Penelope's too pure-hearted. She needs to be warned!"

Penelope's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Warned about what?"

Sophia feigned reluctance. "Penelope... your fiancé's company employs Evelyn Sinclair, right? I'm just... worried."

"Worried? Why?" Penelope's voice sharpened. "Her last name is Sinclair? I never asked before. Why does she share your surname?"

Sinclair wasn't common. Two Sinclairs who knew each other? Suspicious.

"I won't lie. Evelyn is my stepsister." Sophia glanced at her mother, eyes welling with fake tears. "My mother paid for her education abroad, but she spent it seducing wealthy men. Her reputation is... tarnished. I'm terrified she'll set her sights on your fiancé next."

Penelope slammed her palm on the table. "That bitch dares to target my man?"

"Don't underestimate her." Sophia sipped her tea calmly. "Her birth mother was a homewrecker—stole a married CEO, destroyed his family. Her father warned us to watch her closely. The apple doesn't fall far."

"I'll ruin her now."

Penelope leaned in, whispering, "You know the club scene, right? Get me those... special drugs within thirty minutes. Money's no object. And find me the filthiest, most desperate man you can."

Sophia's eyes gleamed with hidden triumph. "Drugs? Why?"

Penelope's smile was venomous. "I want to set her body ablaze with lust. Film her on her knees, begging. Then broadcast it to the world."