Chapter 158

Evelyn could see Victoria's forced smile peeking from beneath her oversized sunglasses.

She moved with effortless grace, feeling the weight of every gaze in the room fixed upon her.

Back in those days, she hadn't known how to apply makeup or style her hair. Even walking in heels had been a struggle.

She'd been the ugly duckling everyone pitied—someone even street beggars would look down on.

But now? The tables had turned.

A decade had transformed Evelyn Sinclair into someone unrecognizable from her past self.

With practiced ease, Evelyn settled into the empty seat behind Victoria, her posture radiating quiet confidence.

Alexander's piercing gaze never left her. Even now, his eyes remained locked on her figure.

Victoria noticed Alexander's attention drifting toward Evelyn. Her nails dug into her palms as jealousy flared.

Was Alexander really falling for this Evelyn lookalike? Just because she bore some resemblance to that wretched woman?

Evelyn felt Alexander's stare. Once, this was the attention she'd craved most in the world. Now? It meant nothing.

As she sat, whispers swirled around her like autumn leaves.

"Who is she? I've never seen her in our circles before."

"Those sunglasses are from Lady Belle's exclusive collection—only their top-tier clients can access those."

"There's something intriguing about her. I wish we could see her face properly."

"Intriguing? Please! She's probably some gold digger crashing the event. Today belongs to Victoria Lancaster—everyone knows Alexander Blackwood will win this auction for her birthday!"

Evelyn merely smiled behind her shades, letting the gossip wash over her.

The auctioneer arrived, making brief opening remarks before commencing the bidding.

The prize? A prime boutique on Diamond Boulevard with a starting bid of five million dollars.

Though everyone expected Alexander's victory, many still competed—the location promised astronomical returns.

With each bid, Victoria immediately countered, her confidence unshakable.

The price climbed to 8.8 million—an auspicious number. Victoria raised her paddle triumphantly.

Who would dare challenge her with the Blackwood and Montgomery names backing her?

"8.8 million going once," the auctioneer announced.

"8.8 million going twice." The room held its breath.

"8.8 million going—"

"Ten million."

The crisp interruption shattered Victoria's moment of triumph. Her euphoria plummeted into icy fury.

All eyes turned toward Evelyn, who lowered her paddle with elegant nonchalance. "Miss Lancaster, if you truly desire this property, by all means continue."

Victoria's expression darkened. She turned to Alexander with practiced sweetness. "Alexander, I've dreamed of owning this shop—"

"Then bid," Alexander replied coolly, his gaze still fixed on Evelyn.

Victoria's smile returned as she raised her paddle. "Eleven million!" She added the extra million with theatrical flourish.

Evelyn studied Alexander's impassive face. 'After all these years, you still indulge this venomous snake. Blind and heartless—you'll never see her true nature.'

With deliberate slowness, Evelyn parted her rosebud lips. "Fifteen million."