Chapter 966

Hailey gave a quick nod.

As she turned, Evelyn Sinclair was already settling onto a plush sofa, casually pouring herself a glass of sparkling juice.

The shifting dynamics didn't faze Evelyn in the slightest.

Whether Cassandra Blake was truly Camron Dudley's daughter meant nothing to her. There were countless ways to handle that woman.

Harrison Blake sat nearby, his dark eyes occasionally flickering toward Evelyn with unreadable intensity.

Hailey wasted no time claiming the seat beside Evelyn.

"That time you had her committed to the psychiatric facility? She came crawling back to my father sobbing hysterically." Hailey rolled her eyes. "Dad got all sentimental and gifted her a $30 million penthouse. Suddenly her tantrum vanished."

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. Richard Crest wouldn't dare cross her over some mistress - maintaining appearances mattered too much in their circles.

"After that old man acknowledged her, rumors started swirling about her marrying my father to 'strengthen corporate ties.'" Hailey's voice dripped with disgust. "The woman's deranged. My mother's been gone for years, and Dad's never lacked female company, but marriage? Seriously?"

She snatched up a wine glass and drained it in one angry gulp.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. A marriage alliance certainly trumped being a kept woman.

Rather than exposing Cassandra's ulterior motives with Pacific Crest Enterprises, the schemer had crafted herself a tragic love story. Marrying Richard Crest would cement her status, benefit the old man's business interests, and secure his favor - a trifecta of manipulation.

No wonder Cassandra had risen so quickly at Pacific Crest International. The woman's cunning was impressive.

As Evelyn pondered this, Hailey nudged her conspiratorially. "Your boytoy just bolted!"

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up. "Excuse me?"

Hailey grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief. "That washed-up actor with the domestic abuse rumors. Since when did you develop such questionable taste?"

"You're a minor," Evelyn ground out through clenched teeth. "Shouldn't you be focused on algebra?"

The warning sailed right over Hailey's head.

"All my classmates idolize you! You're basically the patron saint of independent women. Any man near you automatically becomes boytoy material."

Evelyn's smile froze. 'Is this really how teenagers see me now?'

She attempted damage control. "Those are just my—"

Hailey cut her off with an exaggerated eye roll. "Your boytoy just left with that witch! They're definitely plotting something. Want to catch them red-handed?"

Evelyn could only stare, speechless.

Hailey was already tugging her up, vibrating with excitement.

"Come on! I'll get photographic evidence!"

Resigned, Evelyn followed, keeping her movements discreet.

Harrison had indeed vanished. Caught up in conversation, Evelyn hadn't noticed his departure.

Hailey guided them through the maze of hallways until they reached a secluded corridor, their footsteps softening.

A breeze stirred the curtains ahead, revealing two shadowy figures - Harrison and Cassandra.

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. 'So much for not knowing her,' she thought acidly. In the car, Harrison had sworn he'd never met Cassandra. Now here they were, whispering like conspirators.

She mentally drafted the contract termination paperwork. The penalty clause would bankrupt him.

Hailey already had her phone raised, camera app open.

Evelyn slipped behind a wine cabinet, close enough to eavesdrop.

"Since Evelyn brought you here, she still trusts you," Cassandra was saying, her voice honeyed. "Mr. Blake, you'll need to accelerate your timeline."