Chapter 239

Though Evelyn didn't know the full story, she could guess why Richard was suddenly being so attentive. It was probably because of the pressure Alexander had put on him.

His voice was soft, almost ingratiating.

"Did you get all the presents I sent? I had no idea you were such a talented cellist."

Last night, Evelyn had stunned everyone at the annual gala with her cello performance.

Richard had watched the livestream, and now the entire internet was buzzing about the mysterious musician.

He had even commissioned an edited clip of her performance and posted it on Instagram with a caption:

[My daughter is a gifted cellist. All the years of dedication from her mother and me have finally borne fruit.]

When Richard woke up this morning, he was shocked to see over 300 likes and comments flooding his post. Reading through the praise made his chest swell with pride.

Even an old classmate—someone he hadn’t spoken to in years—had reached out.

This classmate was a legend in elite circles.

He only performed for the most powerful figures in Cresthaven. His concerts were strictly invitation-only, reserved for heads of state and royalty. Tickets were never sold to the public.

Yet, he had personally contacted Richard, expressing interest in taking Evelyn under his wing as his protégé.

Richard was so thrilled he agreed on the spot.

If he could secure a connection with this man, it would mean gaining entry into the highest echelons of Cresthaven’s elite—a world most people could only dream of.

Richard was just a businessman. This was his golden ticket.

So, he called Evelyn to discuss it.

When he mentioned the gifts, she glanced at the stack of boxes at her feet—delivered by the security guard when she arrived. She hadn’t had time to open them yet.

She hadn’t ordered anything recently and assumed they were from Alexander.

To her surprise, they were from Richard.

Evelyn picked one at random and opened it.

Her breath caught.

Inside was a limited-edition designer bag worth over three million dollars—fresh from the latest collection.

The sleek black box sat on my desk, its designer logo gleaming under the office lights. Richard had clearly splurged this time—this limited edition piece from the luxury brand probably cost a fortune.

I tapped my fingers against the mahogany surface, eyeing the other unopened packages scattered around. "Let me guess," I said into the phone, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "You want to see me? Or is this another attempt to butter up Alexander?"

Silence. Then, a cough.

Richard Hayes, ever the smooth talker, recovered quickly. "Evelyn, darling, you wound me. You’re my precious daughter. Alexander is just your husband—he doesn’t compare."

I smirked, swiveling in my chair. "Oh? That’s interesting. I just recorded that. Should I forward it to him?"

Another pause. I could practically hear him grinding his teeth.

But Richard, ever the actor, sighed dramatically. "Go ahead. My conscience is clear. You’ll always be my priority."

I rolled my eyes and ended the call without another word.

The remaining gifts were just as extravagant—diamond necklaces, platinum bracelets, all from collections that screamed exclusive. A quick mental tally put the total well over thirty million.

Typical Richard.

Years of blatant favoritism, and now? A sudden flood of expensive apologies.

I leaned back, arms crossed.

As if money could fix everything.

Vanessa had been showering her with countless extravagant presents behind the scenes.

She was his biological daughter, yet why did Evelyn receive nothing?

So Evelyn accepted them all without hesitation.

This was merely the compensation she was owed.

Later, Evelyn messaged Richard on WhatsApp.

The moment she abruptly ended the call, she could practically hear his teeth grinding in frustration on the other end.

4/5

When he noticed her message, his irritation instantly melted into delight, and he responded eagerly.

[Evelyn, are you coming home for dinner? Your mother is preparing your favorite filet mignons. We’re all waiting for you.]

Evelyn despised filet mignon—Vanessa was the one who loved it.

But instead of calling him out, she sent him a link.

Richard replied: [What’s this?]

[A cello bow. I’ve been short on funds lately. Don’t you enjoy spoiling me? Buy it.]

Richard clicked the link—and his jaw dropped.