Chapter 301

When Evelyn stepped into the reception banquet venue, her breath caught in her throat. This wasn't what she'd expected at all. The lavish setup resembled a high-end wedding more than a professional gathering.

The open-air garden venue sparkled under delicate fairy lights. Waitstaff in crisp uniforms circulated with silver trays while a string quartet played softly in the background. Everywhere she looked, clusters of elegantly dressed guests mingled.

Her stomach tightened at the sea of unfamiliar faces speaking multiple languages. Forcing a polite smile at passing strangers, she turned to Adrienne. "Are all these people really contestants?"

Adrienne adjusted her glasses while scanning the event brochure. "According to this, yes."

Evelyn's temples throbbed. "But I thought this was an exclusive competition? There must be hundreds here!" The sheer number made her palms sweat beneath her clutch.

"Who exactly are we supposed to meet from the organizing committee?" Evelyn already contemplated making a quick exit. Room service at The Chateau Royale sounded infinitely better than navigating this overcrowded maze in heels.

"The chairperson is Serena Whitaker, but I don't see her yet." Adrienne squinted across the crowded terrace.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "You don't see her... or you wouldn't recognize her if you did?"

Adrienne's usually composed face flushed pink. "I've studied photographs of the committee members thoroughly. I'll know her when I see her."

Evelyn pressed her lips together. 'Of course you will,' she thought wryly.

"If you spot her, come get me. I need some air." Evelyn edged toward the perimeter.

Adrienne caught her wrist. "That would be terribly impolite. You should network with other competitors—"

"What exactly would chatting with them accomplish?" Evelyn interrupted, then immediately regretted it. Explaining basic professional etiquette to Adrienne was like talking to a brick wall.

She pressed a hand to her stomach. "I really need the ladies' room."

"Shall I accompany you?" Adrienne offered instantly.

"No! What if the chairperson arrives while we're both gone?" Evelyn forced a smile. "Keep watch here. I'll be quick."

Without waiting for a response, she slipped through the crowd toward a quieter corner. The moment she reached relative solitude, her shoulders dropped two inches. Why had she agreed to this? The moment she'd heard "networking event," she should have declined.

She'd imagined gaining technical insights, not making small talk with strangers. Social obligations were precisely why she'd left DR Holdings operations to Dominic and Vanessa. Their names popping into her head made her shake it sharply.

'Why am I even thinking about them?' As she lifted her gaze, a familiar silhouette moving through the crowd made her breath hitch.