Chapter 285

Evelyn stretched lazily, stifling a yawn. "Dominic must despise both me and Victoria after being imprisoned," she mused aloud.

Her lips curled into a knowing smile. "But if I show him kindness when he's at his lowest, he'll be so grateful that his hatred will shift entirely to Victoria." She tapped her fingers lightly against the armrest. "Then, he'll focus all his energy on destroying her."

Theodore chuckled, admiration gleaming in his eyes. "Ms. Evelyn, your brilliance never ceases to amaze me." He leaned forward eagerly. "I can't wait to witness their battle."

A week later.

Evelyn finished her meticulous inspection of the restaurant and strode back to her office, satisfaction humming through her veins. Nearly six months had passed since she took over Monarch Grand Hotels, and under her leadership, profits had soared.

The recent evaluation had not only secured their prestigious star rating but also earned them the coveted title of Most Popular Hotel of the Year.

Yet Evelyn wasn’t content. Her gaze was fixed on the ultimate prize—Best Hotel of the Year, an honor the Blackwood family had monopolized for five consecutive years. With her at the helm, the Kingsleys finally had a real chance to seize the spotlight.

Breaking from her usual discreet demeanor, Evelyn surprised Theodore by granting interviews to three major media outlets. She had a purpose—remaining in the shadows wouldn’t earn her the respect she needed to become Monarch Group’s CEO.

Wyatt had handed her the hotel as a test, a stepping stone. She intended to prove she was more than capable.

Another victory secured, Evelyn reached for her coffee, only to remember Theodore had left to handle urgent business. Rosalind’s birthday banquet was in two days, and he still hadn’t returned.

Evelyn closed her eyes, fingers drumming rhythmically against the desk. Her strategy was flawless. She could afford to wait.

Then, her phone buzzed. The screen displayed the name of her beloved protégé—Rosalind Walker.

She answered with a smile. "Rosalind, what delightful surprise do you have for me today?"

"Master!" Rosalind’s voice was honey-sweet. "I’ve baked pastries and brewed the finest tea. Won’t you visit my atelier for a treat?"

Evelyn saw right through her. "You want me to review your new Rosalind Couture collection again, don’t you?"

Rosalind laughed, feigning offense. "Master, must you expose me so mercilessly?"

Evelyn’s tone softened with pride. "Your talent speaks for itself. You’ve inspired countless designers and carved your name into fashion history. Trust your instincts—my interference would only dilute your vision."

"Thank you, Master. Without you, none of this would be possible." Rosalind’s humility remained unchanged. To her, Evelyn was still the guiding star she revered.

A pause. Then, hesitantly, Rosalind added, "Master… there’s something else. That witch Victoria came by again, demanding clothes." Her voice dripped with disdain. "She fixated on that silver off-shoulder gown in the design room—last season’s design, no less! The fit is atrocious on her, but she insisted on taking it anyway."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Did you let her?"

Rosalind sighed. "That’s why I’m apologizing, Master."

Evelyn chuckled. "No need. Like me, you act with purpose. I trust your judgment."

A cold laugh escaped Rosalind. "I made it clear—each piece is priceless. If she dares alter even a stitch, she’ll pay five times its worth."

Evelyn’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "Won’t that ill-fitting dress cause problems?"

Rosalind shrugged. "If it does, that’s her humiliation to bear. Don’t you agree, Master?"