Chapter 66

Evelyn slipped her phone into her designer handbag with deliberate calm. "Don't flatter yourself," she said coolly. "I'm here for dinner, not to stalk you."

Vanessa's perfectly sculpted brows arched in disbelief. "The minimum spend at this restaurant is six figures. Where would you get that kind of money?" She shook her head, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "We're sisters, Evelyn. If you wanted to join us, you could've just asked. I wouldn't have judged you."

A sharp laugh escaped Evelyn's lips. "Join you? Vanessa, your delusions never cease to amaze me." She took a step closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Every dollar you're spending tonight came from Horizon Enterprises—my inheritance. But don't worry. My lawyers are already preparing the paperwork. You'll be repaying every cent Richard funneled into your account over the last three years."

Vanessa's flawless complexion paled.

Suing me? Has Evelyn lost her mind?

But then, realization dawned.

Vanessa smirked, crossing her arms. "Oh, please. You're just trying to distract from the fact that you followed us here like some pathetic stalker." She tilted her head, feigning sympathy. "If you wanted dinner, Evelyn, all you had to do was ask. I—"

Evelyn cut her off with a raised hand. "Save your theatrics. I have no interest in your company or your lies." She turned on her heel, her tone icy. "Enjoy your meal while you can. The bill is coming due soon."

Vanessa's smile faltered as Evelyn walked away, leaving her standing in the opulent restaurant lobby, the weight of the threat settling uncomfortably in her chest.

"There's no need to escort us," Vanessa said, her tone dripping with false consideration.

She flashed her VIP card for Cresthaven Hotel at the security guard.

Cresthaven Hotel had notoriously high standards—entry was strictly reserved for cardholders.

Rumors claimed its clientele consisted only of the elite—billionaires, aristocrats, and even A-list celebrities. Naturally, security was airtight. Ordinary people couldn't even dream of stepping inside.

The guard's expression shifted instantly upon seeing Vanessa's card. He stepped aside with a deferential bow, granting her passage.

"Evelyn, Ethan and I have an appointment with the wedding planners tonight to finalize our arrangements. If you'd like, you could join us—maybe offer some valuable input," Vanessa said sweetly.

Her invitation was anything but genuine.

It was a thinly veiled taunt, a calculated move to push Evelyn into surrendering any lingering claim on Ethan.

Vanessa was certain Evelyn wouldn’t be able to stomach it. She’d crumble and flee.

Standing there with a saccharine smile, Vanessa pretended there was some deep sisterly bond between them—as if she truly wanted Evelyn’s opinion.

But to her shock, Evelyn didn’t react the way she expected.

Not at all.

Panic flashed across Vanessa's face.

Evelyn reached into her designer handbag and produced a black titanium card embossed with the Cresthaven insignia. She handed it to the security guard with effortless grace.

The guard's eyes widened. He immediately pressed his earpiece, murmuring urgent words.

Within seconds, the grand gates of Cresthaven Hotel swung open. A dozen staff members in crisp uniforms lined the red carpet, bowing in perfect unison.

The general manager himself rushed forward, his polished shoes clicking against the marble. "Ms. Carter!" he exclaimed, beaming. "Your penthouse suite is ready. This way, please."

Ethan and Vanessa stood frozen, their mouths agape.

They watched as Evelyn glided past the welcoming committee, her chin lifted with quiet confidence. The manager hovered at her elbow like an attendant to royalty.

Vanessa's manicured nails dug into her palms.

She had visited Cresthaven countless times—had even hosted charity galas here—yet never received this level of deference.

A poisonous thought slithered into her mind: How?

Had Evelyn somehow ensnared a billionaire?

The possibility made her stomach churn.

Ethan's shocked whisper broke the silence. "What the hell just happened?"

Vanessa had no answers. Only the bitter taste of humiliation.

Inside, the manager was already presenting Evelyn with a crystal flute of vintage champagne. "Compliments of the house, Ms. Carter."

Evelyn accepted it with a small, knowing smile.

The game had changed.

And Vanessa wasn't prepared to lose.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the penthouse balcony.

Vanessa studied Ethan's tense profile, her manicured nails tapping against her champagne flute.

Even Alexander Whitmore hadn't received such preferential treatment.

"Ethan," Vanessa finally broke the silence, tilting her head, "care to explain what's happening?"

Ethan remained motionless, his jaw clenched.

Across the room, Evelyn Carter moved with effortless grace, never once glancing in their direction.

A muscle twitched in Ethan's temple.

There was a time when Evelyn's gaze would seek him out in any crowded room. Now? She acted as if he were invisible.

The realization settled like a lead weight in his chest.

Vanessa noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor. Her grip tightened around her glass.

"Tell me you're not still hung up on her," she whispered sharply.

Ethan's eyes darkened. "Don't be ridiculous."

"Then why pull strings to get her into Titan Capital?" The question burst from Vanessa's lips before she could stop it.

Ethan froze.

Surprise flickered across his features before he schooled them back into indifference.

Vanessa held her breath as she watched his reaction.

The truth was far more complicated than she realized.