Chapter 292

What an unexpected twist!

Everyone had assumed Winifred was the victim, but the truth painted a very different picture.

Several girls had pitied her when she tearfully claimed a stranger had bullied and assaulted her. Now, they realized she had orchestrated her own downfall.

If she was bold enough to pull such a stunt, fabricating the entire story about an attacker wasn’t beyond her.

Winifred’s face drained of color as she staggered backward. The sympathetic glances had vanished, replaced by accusing fingers and hushed whispers.

"Evelyn!" she shrieked, her voice trembling with hysteria. "How could you do this to me?"

Evelyn’s expression remained icy. "How could I? The question is—how could you? I gave you chance after chance, and this is how you repay me?"

Her voice sharpened. "Didn’t I warn you? Every action has consequences. If you had the audacity to lie, you should have the courage to face the fallout."

She stepped closer, her gaze unyielding. "And who gave you the right to slander me in front of everyone?"

If she let this slide again, the false rumors would never end.

Winifred hadn’t anticipated this. She never imagined Evelyn would expose her publicly.

No one defended her. No one offered sympathy.

Overwhelmed, she crumpled to the ground, sobbing.

Evelyn didn’t spare her another glance. As she walked past Rachel, she paused.

"I thought we could be friends," she said softly. "I told you I couldn’t explain everything, but you chose to believe them anyway."

Without waiting for a response, she walked away.

Rachel’s hands trembled, her eyes reddening.

Felix stood nearby, having witnessed everything. He hadn’t stepped in when Evelyn was under fire—now, he couldn’t bring himself to face her.

His fists clenched, then loosened. Silently, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

At Goldmann Group

Nathan emerged from the conference room, slipping on his jacket. He glanced at Oliver. "Get the car. We’re heading to the training camp."

Oliver hesitated. "You’re still going?"

Nathan arched a brow. "Problem?"

Oliver shook his head quickly. "None at all. I’ll get the car."

Lately, Nathan had been visiting the camp whenever he had a free moment—as if afraid his wife would vanish.

Just as Oliver reached the elevator, Theodore stepped out.

"Where are you off to?" he demanded.

Oliver glanced at Nathan, uncertain how to respond.

Nathan approached leisurely. "What brings you here?"

Theodore huffed. "I heard you’ve been sneaking off to that camp. Not today. You’re staying put."

With that, he strode toward his office.

When Nathan didn’t move, Theodore turned back. "Listen, boy. It’s just an assessment. Stay out of it. Do you want everyone thinking Evelyn’s success is because of you?"

Nathan’s jaw tightened.

Theodore was right. His constant presence would only cast doubt on Evelyn’s achievements.

Grim-faced, Nathan turned and stalked back to his office.

Training Camp

The shooting test was underway.

Candidates stood in groups of five—men and women separated—preparing for the 100-yard challenge.

Earplugs in place, they waited for the signal.