Chapter 287

Evelyn wasn't concerned about Felix seeing her true nature. With a confident smile, she strode toward him, her gaze flickering to Winifred cowering behind his back. "This is who I really am," she stated coolly. "I don't show mercy to those who scheme against me."

"Felix, listen—" Winifred clutched his arm with a wounded expression. When Felix finally snapped out of his daze, he shook her off abruptly, his eyes locked on Evelyn. "Little goddess, you... did this because you felt threatened by Winifred, didn't you?"

Evelyn's icy stare remained unflinching. "Do I look threatened to you?" Her voice dripped with disdain. "Winifred targeted me because of you. I've taken what I needed from her. One more misstep, and I'll release the recording."

Felix studied Evelyn as if seeing her for the first time. Perhaps he never truly knew her at all. From that moment onward, he avoided her completely, even when their paths crossed in the dining hall.

Rachel kept hoping for a chance encounter with Felix, but he never approached them again. Curiosity gnawed at her. "Evelyn, what happened with Mr. Boucher? He used to follow you around like a lost puppy."

"Isn't this better?" Evelyn shrugged, loading her tray with food near the window. "There was never anything between us."

Rachel stood motionless, lost in thought.

Suddenly, Harrison appeared in the bustling cafeteria. His sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on Evelyn. Under the watchful gazes of everyone present, he approached her. "Ms. Evelyn Vanderbilt."

Evelyn paused mid-motion, her tray in hand. "Yes?"

Harrison cleared his throat, lowering his voice. "Mr. Goldmann requests your presence in the private dining room upstairs."

As Evelyn prepared to leave with Harrison, Rachel grabbed her arm. "Evelyn, where are you going?"

Evelyn patted her shoulder reassuringly. "I'll catch up with you later."

Watching Evelyn depart with Harrison, Rachel's shoulders slumped. The rumors about Mr. Goldmann seeking out Evelyn had reached her ears.

She remembered when Chloe had been searching for Evelyn—that too had involved Mr. Goldmann. What was their connection?

"Hah," a mocking voice interrupted her thoughts. "Evelyn didn't even invite you along. You consider her your friend, but who knows what she really thinks of you?" Rachel clenched her jaw. "Shut up. I don't believe your lies."

As she turned to leave, Winifred's voice slithered after her. "You don't really know who she is, do you?"

Rachel froze.

Winifred sauntered over, placing a hand on Rachel's shoulder with false sympathy. "Rachel, we never meant to make things difficult for you. We just don't want you getting too close to Evelyn."

"You call her your friend, but do you even know her secrets?" Winifred whispered conspiratorially. "Do you know why Felix is ignoring her now?"

"Why?" Rachel couldn't help asking.

"Because he discovered the truth. She has children—did she ever mention that to you?"

"Why would a mother join this training camp? To seduce powerful men, of course. And why do you think she's being summoned to that private room right now?"