Chapter 57

Evelyn frowned at the pile of dresses. "These won't fit me. I used to wear a size S, but I've lost weight since then. A size M would drown me. And since Margaret bought these for Vanessa, they'll probably hang off me like oversized nightgowns."

Margaret's face twisted in outrage. "Ungrateful brat!" she snapped, snatching the shopping bag and hurling it into the trash with unnecessary force.

Evelyn barely flinched. She settled onto the sofa, picking at a bowl of fresh fruit with deliberate calm. Margaret's tantrums didn't faze her anymore.

Vanessa sighed, shaking her head in exaggerated disappointment. "Evelyn, if you have issues with me, take it up with me directly. No need to upset Mom. Why don’t you stay for lunch? Maybe you two can finally talk things out."

She gestured to the staff, ordering an extra place setting with the practiced ease of someone who considered herself the lady of the house.

Margaret, remembering the real reason they'd summoned Evelyn today, forced a tight smile.

The words came out cold and calculated. "Vanessa and Ethan are getting married next month." Margaret Hayes tapped her manicured nails against the armrest. "The invitations have already been sent. There’s no changing this. Stop embarrassing yourself over Ethan Caldwell."

To her surprise, Evelyn Carter simply nodded. "Fine."

Margaret blinked, caught off guard by the immediate agreement.

A smug satisfaction curled her lips. "Good. We’ll find you another match, of course. It won’t be as prestigious as the Caldwells, but—"

"Don’t bother." Evelyn cut her off.

Let them keep believing I’m single. A secret thrill ran through her. When Alexander and I reveal the truth, it’ll be so much sweeter.

"I’m focusing on my career," Evelyn stated.

Margaret’s expression froze. "Career?"

Originally, the Hayes family had planned for Evelyn to train at Horizon Enterprises after graduation.

But after that incident three years ago, Vanessa had climbed the corporate ladder effortlessly—now on the verge of becoming deputy manager of the project division.

Evelyn had been left behind.

Yet here she was, calm, composed.

Margaret narrowed her eyes. "And where exactly do you plan to work?"

Evelyn met her gaze evenly. "Titan Capital Group."

Silence.

Then, a disbelieving laugh. "You? At Titan?" Margaret scoffed. "Do you even know who runs that company?"

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Oh, I know."

Very, very well.

The sun cast long shadows across the hardwood floor as Evelyn Carter sat at the dining table, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. With no prior work experience, finding a respectable job seemed nearly impossible.

Richard Hayes folded his newspaper and set it aside. "You majored in Business Administration," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Since you're eager to start working, you can join Horizon Enterprises. Vanessa is being promoted soon and will need an assistant. You can support her."

Horizon Enterprises was Richard’s company. Years ago, when Evelyn’s grandfather, William Hayes, passed away, his will had transferred half of his shares to her. Now, Evelyn was one of the three largest shareholders.

Vanessa Hart crossed her legs elegantly as she settled onto the sofa, smoothing her skirt. "In that case, I’ll have HR take down the job posting," she said, her tone light but edged with something sharper. "Originally, I required at least a master’s degree for the position. But since we’re sisters, Evelyn, I won’t hold you to that standard."

Richard sighed, rubbing his temple. "Evelyn does have a double degree in Business and Design, but her undergraduate qualification is… limiting."

Evelyn wiped her fingers with a napkin, her voice steady but quiet. "I’m not joining Horizon Enterprises."

Vanessa’s perfectly arched brows lifted. "Why not?" she asked, feigning surprise. "Horizon is one of the top firms in the industry. People fight tooth and nail just to get an interview. Are you… embarrassed because of your education?"

The air in the room thickened. Evelyn met Vanessa’s gaze evenly. "No," she said. "I have other plans."

Vanessa leaned forward slightly, her smile tight. "Oh? And what would those be?"

Evelyn took a slow sip of her coffee before answering. "I plan to go to Titan Capital Group."

Silence.

Richard frowned. "Titan Capital? That’s—"

"Alexander Whitmore’s company," Vanessa finished, her voice icy.

Evelyn set her cup down with deliberate calm. "Exactly."

Vanessa’s lips pressed into a thin line. Richard exhaled heavily, his expression unreadable.

The tension was palpable.

Evelyn stood, smoothing her blouse. "I’ll handle my own career path. Thank you for the offer."

Without another word, she walked out, leaving them in stunned silence.

Vanessa’s fingers curled into the fabric of the sofa.

This wasn’t over.

The sun cast long shadows across the hardwood floors of Hawthorne Estate as Evelyn Carter stood by the window, her fingers tracing the edge of the admission letter she had received three years ago. A master’s degree—her dream, shattered by one cruel twist of fate.

Vanessa Hart blinked, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against her teacup. "I don’t understand," she murmured, tilting her head. "Why would you refuse Horizon Enterprises? It’s the best opportunity you’ll ever get."

Margaret Hayes let out an exasperated sigh, her sharp gaze cutting through the tension in the room. "Is the assistant position beneath you?" she snapped. "You have no experience, Evelyn. You can’t afford to be this picky."

Vanessa pressed her lips together, then added in a saccharine whisper, "I had a master’s degree when I started at Horizon, and I still had to work my way up. Maybe Evelyn expects to waltz in as CEO."

Richard Hayes’ expression darkened instantly. His voice was ice. "Evelyn, I’m not handing this company over to you. If I did, it would collapse within a week. Stop dreaming beyond your station."

Evelyn didn’t flinch. She lowered her lashes, her voice steady. "I only have a bachelor’s degree. My qualifications aren’t enough for Horizon Enterprises." She paused, then met their stares head-on. "So I’ve decided to join Titan Capital Group instead."

Silence.

Vanessa’s teacup clattered against its saucer. Margaret’s mouth parted in disbelief. Richard’s jaw tightened.

Titan Capital Group—Alexander Whitmore’s empire.

And just like that, the game had changed.