Chapter 340

Three days later, Evelyn Carter and her team were preparing to arrive in Crestview. However, Theodore Winslow received shocking news from their agent—Isabella Wang had ultimately chosen to attend the wedding banquet hosted by Blackwood Industries.

In the entertainment room of the Monarch Grand Hotel, Theodore delivered this infuriating news to Evelyn. She was leisurely engaged in a game of billiards with Raymond Kingsley, her seventh brother, demonstrating professional-level precision with each shot, effortlessly sinking one ball after another.

"Ms. Carter! Something terrible has happened!" Theodore called out anxiously.

"Hush! It's match point!" Evelyn delicately pressed a slender finger to her lips, signaling him to stay quiet. This shot determined tonight's dinner—she couldn't afford to lose focus.

Theodore was at his wit's end. He wanted to rush her, but he didn't dare. Even if the sky were falling, he wouldn't interrupt Evelyn's moment of fun.

Click! Click!

Evelyn executed the final shot flawlessly, winning in spectacular fashion.

She let out a triumphant scream. "Yes!"

Grinning, she raised her cue in victory. Raymond, perched on the edge of the pool table, smirked at his sister, completely unbothered by his loss.

"Evelyn, your skills are improving," Raymond remarked.

Leaning gracefully against the cue, she playfully stuck out her tongue. "All thanks to your excellent teaching."

Dressed in a red satin spaghetti-strap dress, Evelyn had only taken two shots before one of the straps slipped down, revealing her porcelain-like shoulder—a sight particularly alluring.

Theodore's gaze involuntarily flickered toward her, and he swallowed hard.

Raymond noticed the not-so-innocent look in Theodore's eyes. His expression darkened instantly.

Casually, he stepped closer to Evelyn and adjusted the strap that had nearly slipped off. Clearing his throat, he said, "Even when you're having fun, you should be careful. This is acceptable in front of your brothers, but around other men, you can't be so bold."

His sharp eyes flicked toward Theodore.

As a seasoned detective, Raymond had an eagle-like gaze. Under his scrutiny, Theodore felt a chill run down his spine, as if his thoughts were being laid bare. He quickly averted his burning gaze elsewhere.

"Yes, big brother!" Evelyn's voice dripped with honeyed sweetness. "Theodore isn't a stranger. Besides, I haven't revealed anything. You're such a prude."

Raymond's eyebrow twitched. The way she called him big brother sent a tingling sensation through his chest. He hesitated, unable to bring himself to scold her.

"Theodore, what's the matter?" Evelyn turned, picked up a glass of red wine, and leaned against the pool table, taking a slow sip. Her charming eyes sparkled with carefree amusement.

"Ms. Carter, Isabella Wang has confirmed her attendance at Blackwood Industries' wedding banquet! She stood us up!" Theodore blurted nervously.

"Good." Evelyn took another sip.

"Good?! Nathan Blackwood intercepted our VIP, and you're calling it good?" Theodore's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Let me guess," Evelyn mused, swirling the wine in her glass. "In the next three days, Blackwood Industries will send invitations to every major celebrity in town. They'll publicize the banquet extensively—after all, an international superstar's first stay in Crestview is at their hotel. Free publicity."

Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "This move cements the Blackwood Hotel's supremacy in Crestview—maybe even the entire country. Whether it's the president or a superstar, anyone coming here will only stay there."

"So Isabella Wang chose them. That's a massive loss for us, isn't it?" Theodore frowned.

"Smooth sailing is boring." Evelyn smiled—a smile more intoxicating than the wine in her glass. "I love challenges that bring you to life, turning the tide against the wind. That's what makes it thrilling."

Theodore's heart skipped a beat. His boss's mischievous grin at that moment was breathtaking.

"Evelyn, it seems you already have a plan?" Raymond asked with a knowing smirk.

She nodded. "Theodore, proceed with the banquet preparations as scheduled."

"What? But our VIP isn't coming! What's the point?" Theodore's shoulders slumped. He felt they'd already lost to Nathan.

Evelyn's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Who says it's pointless? The victor hasn't been decided yet. The prize may still fall into our hands."

Outside the Monarch Grand Hotel, Oliver Sinclair hid in a sleek Porsche, assigned to monitor Evelyn's every move. Just as he was dozing off from boredom, Theodore finally emerged, his expression grim.

Oliver smirked. After suffering under Nathan's orders these past few days, seeing Evelyn's loyal secretary equally miserable gave him a twisted sense of satisfaction.

Heh. Victory sure feels good.

Then—

"Madam."

A few seconds later, Evelyn stepped out, followed by Theodore and—

Wait. Who's that other man?!

Oliver snatched his binoculars, rubbing his eyes before scrutinizing the trio again.

Oh, damn. It really is another man!

"Let's go for barbecue!" Raymond casually slung an arm over Evelyn's shoulder.

"I want ribs, brisket, corn, baked beans, and mac and cheese!" Evelyn licked her crimson lips.

"Evelyn, that's enough food for an army."

"Classics! And extra sauce, please!"

"Might as well chug some beer while we're at it!"

The siblings laughed in unison and climbed into the car.

Oliver gulped, hands trembling as he lowered the binoculars.

Oh crap. It's over.

With shaky fingers, he snapped photos and sent a frantic message to his boss.

[Mr. Blackwood! SOS! Ms. Carter has a new love interest!]