Chapter 276

"Did you learn nothing valuable from this training camp? Is harassing teammates the only skill you've mastered?" Evelyn's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Mr. Lancaster, appropriate disciplinary action must be taken. Otherwise, this behavior will continue unchecked."

The instructor hesitated when Chloe Lawson intervened, then ordered sternly, "All of you - ten laps around the field immediately!" Though Winifred and her clique seethed with resentment, they had no choice but to storm out.

Evelyn followed Chloe into the corridor. "Thank you for stepping in." She recognized Chloe's protective stance and felt genuine gratitude. "Evelyn, don't mention it." Chloe lowered her voice. "By the way, Nathan Goldmann visited yesterday. Did you tell him about accidentally entering the restricted zone?"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "Wasn't it you who informed him?"

Chloe's hands flew up in denial. "Absolutely not! I hadn't even filed my report yet. You're saying you didn't tell him either?" Evelyn shook her head slowly.

'If Chloe didn't report it...' Evelyn's fingers curled into her palms. 'First the rumors about Felix, now this. Someone's watching my every move.'

At Goldmann Group headquarters...

"Mr. Goldmann, The Jade Store confirmed delivery of your jade ring on the 12th. Ms. Summers collected it from reception the following morning—" Oliver Lawson's report was cut short by Nathan's glacial expression, his lips pressed into a razor-thin line.

'Rosalind had the ring before my call.' Nathan's knuckles whitened around his pen. 'She dared visit Zoe with my family heirloom without authorization.' The betrayal cut deep - childhood bonds and his grandfather's favor meant nothing against such presumption.

"Instruct Harrison to revoke Rosalind's training camp access."

Oliver shifted uncomfortably. "But sir... your grandfather specifically ordered Ms. Summers to oversee Ms. Vanderbilt's final assessment."

Nathan's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Did he now?"

One week later...

Evelyn strode into the administration office, her request form crisp between her fingers. The instructor blinked at her early assessment application. "You've only completed half the program."

"I'm ready." Her voice left no room for debate.

After scanning the determined set of Evelyn's shoulders, the instructor slid the waiver across the desk. "Read all terms carefully before signing." Evelyn's pen barely hesitated before etching her signature in bold strokes.

Outside, Felix Boucher materialized from the shadows, making Evelyn jump. "What now?" she demanded, crossing her arms.

Felix adopted a wounded expression. "Still mad, little goddess? I apologized a dozen times for that misunderstanding."

"Keep your distance," Evelyn warned.

"Did Winifred cause trouble?" Felix's playful demeanor vanished. "I've made it clear I'm not interested. If she's harassing you—" He rolled up his sleeves with sudden violence.

Evelyn caught his arm. "Don't be ridiculous. I don't need you fighting my battles." She stepped back, putting professional space between them. "I'm here for one purpose only. In seven days, this ends. There's no reason for further contact."

The steel in her voice left no room for argument. Felix opened his mouth, then closed it with a resigned nod as Evelyn turned on her heel, her ponytail swinging like a metronome counting down their final days in this gilded cage.