Chapter 97

Hidden within the restroom stall, Evelyn Hartley smirked, her arms crossed as she leaned casually against the wall, listening to the venomous words being hurled outside.

Lila Sinclair’s voice, soft yet insistent, cut through the chatter. "Don’t say that—she didn’t mean it. She just—"

"Didn’t mean it?" one of the women scoffed. "Who would believe that? She’s obviously jealous of you, trying to sabotage your happiness!"

"Exactly!" another chimed in. "Lila, you’re accomplished, admired, and adored by everyone. And your sister? A disgrace—an illegitimate daughter hidden away, ugly and despised."

"She must be seething with bitterness!"

Lila sighed. "That’s not true. It’s been three years. Evelyn isn’t the same person she used to be."

A derisive laugh followed. "Oh, please! How much could she possibly change? Just looking at her irritates me."

"Right! No amount of makeovers can fix her kind of ugly. She’s rotten to the core!"

"Lila, now you’ve got me curious," another woman purred. "Why don’t you bring her out sometime? I’d love to see this so-called transformation for myself."

"Let’s see if she’s still the same pathetic eyesore!"

The group erupted into cruel laughter, each adding their own mocking remarks.

A sharp glint flashed in Evelyn’s eyes as she pushed open the stall door and stepped out. The laughter died instantly as the women froze, their expressions shifting from amusement to shock.

Lila’s face paled when she spotted Evelyn. The others, however, recovered quickly, their smirks returning as they eyed her with malicious delight.

"Ms. Hartley," one of them greeted, her tone dripping with false sweetness.

Evelyn recognized her immediately—Felicity Chamberlain, from a minor noble family in Soling and one of Lila’s closest allies.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Oh? You recognize me?"

Felicity offered a simpering smile. "I had the pleasure of attending your debutante party hosted by the Hartley family years ago."

Evelyn gave a slow nod. "I see."

Then, with deliberate amusement, she turned her gaze to Lila, her lips curving into a dangerous smile. "Lila, aren’t you going to introduce me properly to your friends?"

All eyes snapped to Lila, waiting.

Lila’s jaw tightened, her fingers clenching at her sides. "She… She is—"

But the words stuck in her throat.

Evelyn’s smile widened. "Oh? Cat got your tongue?"

The tension thickened, the air crackling with unspoken hostility.