Chapter 314

Evelyn was stunned. She didn’t have many friends, but fate had led her to cross paths with one here in Valmont—and not just any friend, but someone of immense influence.

"Well, this is unexpected, but consider it a stroke of luck," Alexander remarked, his voice laced with relief.

At the very least, with this connection, Harrison Whitaker wouldn’t be too harsh on her.

"What kind of luck is this?" Evelyn muttered, tilting her head back to stare at the ceiling. "I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. Whether I compete or not, it’s going to end badly for me."

"Are you scared?" Alexander swiveled his chair toward the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the glittering cityscape. The night was alive with lights, but he had no desire to return home.

Without her there, he’d rather bury himself in work at the office.

"Scared? I’ve faced worse," Evelyn scoffed. "I can’t control what people say about me. But I can control what I do—and I’ll do what I have to."

Despite her complaints, her mind was already made up. She couldn’t change her circumstances, but she had never backed down from a challenge before.

Why should she withdraw from the competition just because of gossip? She had entered this industry for her love of perfumery, not for approval or fame.

If Evelyn had cared about public opinion, she would’ve crumbled when Dominic Reeves and Vanessa Blake had conspired against her.

Her defiance made Alexander chuckle. "Do whatever you want. I’ve got your back."

Those words were all the reassurance she needed. Knowing someone was standing behind her, no matter what, lifted a weight off her shoulders. She wasn’t fighting alone anymore.

A sharp knock interrupted her thoughts. At first, Evelyn thought it was at her door, but then she realized it was coming from Alexander’s end of the call.

"Sounds like someone’s looking for you. We’ll talk later," she said, hanging up before he could respond.

Alexander frowned as the office door swung open.

"Come in."

"Mr. Kensington, it’s Ms. Winslow," Harrison announced, his expression uneasy.

The woman stormed in before he could finish, her voice sharp with irritation. "Ha! I knew Alex was here. Why did you try to stop me, Harrison? What kind of secretary are you?"

"Ms. Winslow—"

Alexander straightened in his seat and waved a hand, signaling Harrison to leave. The secretary hesitated but finally stepped out, closing the door behind him.

Cassandra Winslow wore Chanel’s latest slim-fit trench coat, the epitome of fall fashion. She shrugged it off, revealing a sleek black dress that clung to her curves like a second skin.

She sauntered forward, a smirk playing on her lips—until she glanced back at the door and scowled. "Honestly, Harrison’s slipping. He can’t even close a door properly."

Just as she reached for the handle, Alexander’s voice cut through the air.

"Leave it open."