Chapter 48

The truth was crystal clear now. Evelyn Sinclair had landed this position so effortlessly because Victoria Lancaster had pulled strings behind the scenes.

But Evelyn wasn't naive. Since when had Victoria ever shown her kindness?

"Drop the act. You might not feel disgusted, but I certainly do." Evelyn slapped away Victoria's outstretched hand with visible contempt.

Victoria swayed dramatically, playing the fragile victim as she collapsed against Eleanor Kingsley's shoulder.

Eleanor's maternal instincts flared at seeing her precious daughter slighted. She stormed toward Evelyn, shielding Victoria protectively behind her.

"Evelyn Sinclair, recognize the favor being done for you! If not for Victoria's pleading, someone like you would never set foot in Blackwood Enterprises!" Eleanor's voice trembled with outrage.

"Despite not being blood sisters, Victoria never retaliated against your constant bullying. She even secured this opportunity for you. And this is how you repay her kindness?"

That tired phrase again.

Evelyn felt she might need to rewrite the dictionary definition of "kindness."

What benevolence had Victoria ever shown her? Only endless suffering and pain.

Watching Eleanor defend Victoria while chastising her sent fresh stabs of agony through Evelyn's heart.

"It's alright, Mother. I understand Evelyn's situation." Victoria grasped Eleanor's hand with practiced sympathy. "Growing up without parents has warped her perspective. Please don't be angry with her."

Evelyn had exhausted herself with explanations. She rolled her eyes. "How utterly nauseating."

Eleanor's expression darkened, but Victoria intervened again.

"Evelyn, if shouting at me makes you feel better, go ahead. I know those three years in prison were difficult for you." Victoria addressed the cafeteria staff with calculated grace, "Yes, Evelyn made mistakes, but haven't we all? She's served her sentence and atoned. I hope you'll all give her a fair chance."

The performance was masterfully two-faced. Employees immediately praised Victoria's supposed magnanimity while Eleanor beamed with maternal pride.

Someone even complimented Victoria's noble bearing, as befitting high society.

Evelyn nearly gagged.

How many employees actually knew her? Now Victoria had branded her publicly as a convicted criminal.

The whispers began immediately.

"A prison record? Not someone we should associate with."

Disgusted, Evelyn turned on her heel. The entire room seemed blind to Victoria's theatrics.

She gathered her belongings, ready to leave Blackwood Enterprises for good. But at the exit, a voice stopped her.

"Evelyn."

She turned to find Victoria smirking triumphantly.

"Tsk." Victoria clicked her tongue. "Since when did you become so weak? Running away so easily? Do you really think any company will hire you after this?"

The pieces fell into place.

No wonder every job application had been rejected. Victoria's doing.

"It was you."

"Obviously." Victoria twirled a strand of hair. "I made sure every HR department in Willowbrook knows about Evelyn Sinclair - the convicted plagiarist who brings legal trouble to any foolish enough to employ her."

Evelyn's blood boiled, but she remained composed.

"Victoria, karma has a way of balancing scales. Your misdeeds will surface eventually."

Victoria laughed. "Still clinging to fairy tales? If good always prevailed, you wouldn't have been convicted three years ago. All it took was my word against yours."

She admired the diamond on her finger, the stone catching the light with cruel brilliance.