Chapter 649

The crisp evening air filled Evelyn's lungs as she steadied herself beside Claire before stepping out of the luxury sedan.

The reunion venue was a five-star hotel's private floor, an intentional choice to mirror their elite school days.

When the elevator doors slid open, Evelyn's breath caught at the sight of Vanessa Hart surrounded by familiar faces.

Though years had passed, she recognized them instantly - the same girls who'd once drenched her chair with red ink during class.

Evelyn could still feel the cold liquid seeping through her uniform, their cruel laughter echoing in her memory.

These were also the girls who'd locked her in an unheated bathroom during winter break.

Back then, young Evelyn couldn't comprehend such calculated cruelty from classmates.

For years, their bullying had cast long shadows over her school life.

Now, with adult perspective, it was obvious Vanessa had been the mastermind behind it all.

Vanessa and her clique still carried themselves with affected elegance, but their faded designer clothes told a different story.

If Evelyn remembered correctly, their families had lost fortunes in recent market crashes.

Karma had finally balanced the scales.

An uncomfortable silence fell as the women exchanged nervous glances, clearly unsure how to interact with Evelyn now.

Their eyes darted away whenever hers approached, afraid of offending the woman they'd once tormented.

Evelyn offered them a gracious smile, but Vanessa immediately sneered, "What's wrong, Evelyn? Overwhelmed with nostalgia?"

Her voice dripped with false concern before shifting to mock surprise.

"Oh wait! Isn't your husband currently... unavailable? Missing him already?"

The barb was deliberately loud, drawing curious looks from nearby guests.

Unfazed, Evelyn gently rested a hand on Vanessa's shoulder. "Still the same Vanessa, I see. No manners even now. Shouldn't you address me as 'Mrs. Whitmore'?"

Vanessa's face flushed crimson as if physically struck.

Her friends exchanged panicked looks, frozen in awkward silence.

The tension shattered when the elevator chimed, followed by rich masculine laughter.

All heads turned to see Dominic Powell stepping out in a bespoke black suit, one hand casually in his pocket, radiating effortless authority.

The contrast was striking - delicate Evelyn having rendered Vanessa speechless while Dominic observed with amusement.

Vanessa shot Evelyn a venomous glare before storming off in humiliation.

Evelyn frowned at Dominic's unexpected appearance.

His assistant Nathaniel interjected, "The Powell Group owns this property. Mr. Powell is conducting an inspection tonight. Should you require anything, Mrs. Whitmore—"

Dominic cut him off with a glacial stare. "That's enough."

Nathaniel immediately bowed his head as the elevator doors closed on them.

Claire, oblivious to the complexities between Evelyn and Dominic, noticed their familiarity and grinned.

"Spill it! There's definitely something between you two!"

Anyone could see Dominic's timely arrival wasn't coincidence.

Evelyn shook her head. "Don't be ridiculous. We're merely acquaintances."

Claire linked arms with her, undeterred. "Then why's a busy CEO making personal inspections during your reunion? He's clearly interested! When did this happen?"

Her matchmaking instincts were legendary.

Dominic might play the carefree bachelor, but Claire knew men like him became fiercely devoted once committed.

Evelyn protested, "He's Isabella Morgan's fiancé. And I'm married."

"Even better!" Claire's eyes sparkled. "Isabella's trying to steal Alexander, you're catching her fiancé's eye - poetic justice! Worst case, you both get revenge!"

Evelyn tapped Claire's forehead lightly. "How is that good? Isabella wants out of that engagement. Getting involved would just help her!"

Claire laughed. "Relax, I'm joking!"

She knew better than anyone - once Evelyn gave her heart, she never looked back.

Right now, that heart belonged solely to Alexander.

Evelyn checked her phone discreetly.

No new messages.

Her smile faltered momentarily.

It seemed today would pass like any other - Alexander had forgotten their anniversary.

Entering the ballroom, Evelyn was greeted by a hauntingly beautiful melody.

She paused, recognizing the composition instantly.

Having arrived late, most classmates were already mingling in clusters.

The music's enchantment seemed to hush all conversation.

"What is this piece? It's exquisite," someone murmured.

Claire beamed. "The award-winning composition from last month's competition! Don't you recognize the composer standing right here?"

Evelyn's cheeks burned - she wished the floor would swallow her.

True to form, Claire pushed her forward. "My incredibly talented best friend composed this!"

Suddenly, all eyes were on Evelyn.

She felt like a prize vegetable at auction under Claire's proud gaze.

The attention was overwhelming.

"Excuse me, are you...?"

Years had transformed Evelyn beyond recognition - no longer the plain, timid girl in ill-fitting uniforms.

Tonight, with minimal makeup accentuating her delicate features and dressed simply amidst overdressed peers, her natural beauty shone brighter.

Blushing, Evelyn raised her glass. "Laird Borden, isn't it?"

She composed herself with visible effort. "Evelyn Carter-Whitmore."

Laird's jaw dropped in recognition.

Within minutes, word spread - Evelyn had become an acclaimed composer.

The bullied girl now commanded the room's respect.