Chapter 965

Evelyn Sinclair didn't expect the daughter of Pacific Crest Enterprises' CEO to notice such a minor detail.

She even appeared genuinely pleased by it.

Richard Crest, the CEO, visibly relaxed when he realized Evelyn had no intention of mingling with his daughter.

The banquet officially commenced.

An elderly man, trembling with emotion, stepped onto the stage, his face alight with joy.

"It's an honor to have you all here tonight," he announced. "I have wonderful news to share."

This gathering had been arranged abruptly. Evelyn had assumed it was just another high-society event.

She never imagined it would be something so significant.

Cassandra Blake stood elegantly to the side.

Her posture was refined, her demeanor graceful. Tonight, she had deliberately foregone her usual bold fashion choices, opting instead for a conservative, sophisticated gown.

The old man gestured toward Cassandra, his voice thick with emotion. Tears welled in his eyes as he spoke.

"Thirty years ago, I lost my youngest daughter. Tonight, I've found her—Cassandra Blake."

The crowd erupted in shock.

Gasps filled the room. Evelyn was no exception—her lips parted slightly as she took in the old man's emotional display and Cassandra's carefully crafted expression of moved gratitude.

Years ago, Evelyn had heard the story—how the man had left his daughter at a client's doorstep while he conducted business inside. When he returned, she was gone. Decades of searching had left him hopeless.

Back then, the old man had been close with William Sterling. He used to dote on young Evelyn, always eager to hold her. Eventually, William grew wary of his friend's deteriorating mental state and distanced himself, forbidding Evelyn from interacting with him.

Evelyn knew the man still had two other children, but his grief for his missing daughter had never faded.

She never imagined that daughter would turn out to be Cassandra Blake.

Suddenly, a voice—young, indignant—spoke up behind her.

"That woman dreamed of climbing to the top. Now she's done it. But she's not the only heir in that family. Her siblings have already divided the fortune behind her back."

Evelyn turned to see Hailey Crest, the pampered young socialite. Her usually bright eyes were dark with disdain.

"You knew about this?" Evelyn asked, her tone flat.

Hailey lifted her chin, arrogance dripping from her every word. "Of course I knew. And I also know she's about to become my stepmother."

Evelyn's eyes flickered with surprise.

If Cassandra had once been desperate enough to become Richard Crest's lover, why would she still want him now that she had a powerful family backing her?

Romantic feelings were out of the question—it was hard to imagine anyone falling for a balding CEO.

"This old man is a hypocrite," Hailey muttered, keeping her voice low. "Using his long-lost daughter as a bargaining chip in a business marriage? How much affection could there really be? And yet he stands there crying like it's some heartfelt reunion."

Evelyn felt a strange mix of amusement and exasperation.

A teenager bad-mouthing someone in front of her was both ridiculous and oddly endearing.

She could read the girl's intentions instantly.

Hailey hated Cassandra. Did she think they were allies now?

Still, it was better than dealing with another woman like Cassandra.

Evelyn, who had no intention of engaging, sighed and explained patiently, "He's not crying out of love. After thirty years apart, what bond could they possibly have? He's crying out of guilt. But now that he sees Ms. Blake living well, that guilt will fade soon enough."

In an ordinary family, losing a child would have shattered everything.

But in a wealthy dynasty like this, children were plentiful—especially the silver-tongued, scheming kind.

The old man had two other heirs. He wasn't lacking in family.

He was just drowning in self-pity over the one he'd lost.