Chapter 16

They couldn't comprehend Evelyn's sudden transformation.

Evelyn had always been the epitome of obedience—quiet, compliant, the perfect pawn. But the woman who stood on that stage, speaking with unshakable confidence, was someone entirely different.

Overnight, she had become unrecognizable.

And she had nearly destroyed DR Holdings in the process.

Dominic's jaw clenched. If she weren't still useful, I would have ended this farce right here. Does she know about Vanessa and me? Is that why she’s changed?

But that made no sense. If Evelyn had discovered their affair, she would have screamed, cried, made a scene. Instead, she was eerily calm.

Too calm.

Vanessa and Dominic seethed in silence, their expressions carefully controlled.

Evelyn found it hilarious.

She had planned to walk away—no contracts bound her to DR Holdings, after all. But then they had the audacity to keep up their charade, pretending nothing had happened.

Did they really think she was that stupid?

Let’s see how long they can keep this up.

Evelyn lowered her head, dragging out her words for effect. "They said..." She hesitated, pacing slowly, as if wrestling with some impossible decision.

Behind her, Dominic and Vanessa exchanged glances. Someone must be manipulating her.

Dominic stepped forward. "What did they say?"

Evelyn sighed, shaking her head. "Well..."

She was enjoying this.

How does it feel to be the one played for once?

Vanessa's patience snapped. Yesterday's disaster still burned in her mind. She should have been basking in the spotlight, accepting her award with grace. Instead, the headlines mocked her—photos of her fainting, accusations of plagiarism.

All because of Evelyn.

But she couldn’t act on her rage. Not yet.

Vanessa forced a concerned expression. "Evelyn, just tell us! Who said what? If they're spreading lies to sabotage us, we need to know!"

Evelyn stopped.

Then she looked up, her hesitation gone.

A slow, knowing smile curved her lips.

"They said..."