Chapter 280

The last of the guests had departed from Whitmore Gardens, leaving only Evelyn Carter and Victoria Sterling amidst the sprawling rose bushes.

Twilight painted the sky in hues of lavender and gold, yet Evelyn's flawless complexion seemed to glow with an ethereal radiance, like moonlight given human form. The sight ignited a familiar, bitter envy in Victoria's chest.

No matter how much she despised Evelyn, she couldn't deny the woman's breathtaking beauty—a diamond among mere glass. What woman wouldn't seethe knowing such perfection had lived under the same roof as Nathan Blackwood for three years, even if their marriage had been a farce?

Victoria tossed her sleek chestnut hair over one shoulder, shedding the demure facade she wore for Nathan. A smug smirk curled her lips as she sauntered toward Evelyn, the self-assured gait of a victor.

"Found yourself a new benefactor already?" Victoria's voice dripped with false sweetness. "How efficient. Though really, you should've done this sooner. No amount of scheming will make Nathan spare you another glance."

Evelyn arched a brow, regarding her like one would a particularly tiresome insect. "Why would I want his attention? I'm not some circus attraction desperate for an audience."

Victoria's smile faltered. Bitch. Time to play her ace.

"Since we're chatting," she purred, "I might as well share my good news. Nathan and I are getting engaged. The ceremony will coincide with my birthday gala."

"How lovely." Evelyn's tone was as flat as stale champagne. "Don't expect a gift from me."

The blatant indifference stung. Victoria's nails bit into her palms. "Still putting on airs? I know you're seething inside. But what can you do? I won Nathan, while you're just Crestview's discarded trash!"

Evelyn sighed theatrically. "Victoria, every conversation with you revolves around Nathan. Is your existence truly that vapid? Beyond clinging to a divorced man, do you have any accomplishments worth mentioning?"

Victoria's face flushed crimson. "How dare—"

"Let me guess," Evelyn continued, stepping closer with feline grace. "You think flaunting this engagement proves you've climbed the social ladder? How pedestrian. The 'treasure' you're so proud of is refuse I wouldn't touch again."

"Refuse?!" Victoria shrieked.

Her complexion mottled with rage. "You're just jealous! These insults prove how much you care! Three wasted years, and Nathan still cast you out like yesterday's news!"

Evelyn's gaze turned arctic. The sudden chill made Victoria's bravado waver.

"Let me enlighten you," Evelyn said softly, advancing until mere inches separated them. "My patience isn't permission for your delusions. Push me again, Adrienne, and your fairytale ending might become a nightmare."

The name struck like lightning. Victoria—no, Adrienne—recoiled as if scalded. Blood drained from her face, leaving her ghastly pale.

"W-what?" Her voice cracked. "I don't know any Adrienne!"

Evelyn's lips curved into a razor-thin smile. "How odd. Isn't that what they called you during your... adventurous years in Silvercrest? Most people don't look like they've seen a ghost when hearing their own name."

Victoria's breath came in shallow gasps. The Adrienne persona—a gold-digging party girl who'd slept her way through elite circles—was the antithesis of the pure, devoted image she'd crafted for Nathan.

Evelyn tilted her head, studying Victoria's panic with detached amusement. "What's wrong? You look ill."

"I—I need to go." Victoria stumbled backward, heels catching on gravel.

But Evelyn closed the distance, trapping her against a marble fountain. One manicured finger tapped Victoria's collarbone. "Run all you want," she murmured. "But remember—I know everything. And unlike you, I don't make empty threats."

The setting sun painted Evelyn in fiery light, her shadow stretching long across the garden path. For the first time, Victoria understood why Nathan had once called his ex-wife the most dangerous woman in Crestview.

And she'd just made herself prey.