Chapter 334

Evelyn walked past Vanessa and headed straight for the exit.

God knows why she stopped me. If she tries to frame me again, it’ll be a nightmare.

As soon as she stepped outside, she spotted Adrienne rushing toward her, her face alight with excitement. The girl was practically vibrating with joy, though she was clearly trying—and failing—to contain it.

"Congratulations, Ms. Carter!"

The results of the first two rounds had been announced immediately after the judges finalized them, but participants were required to remain inside the venue a little longer.

Evelyn found Adrienne’s struggle to keep her composure amusing. She reached out and pinched the younger woman’s cheeks, startling her.

"Let me give you some advice."

"What?"

"Don’t call me Ms. Carter next time."

It was rare for anyone to address her so formally, and it felt oddly stiff. The suggestion made Adrienne freeze for a second.

"What should I call you, then?"

"How about my name?"

Adrienne blinked. "Evelyn?"

"You’re getting there!"

Evelyn patted her head approvingly.

To her, Adrienne was just a colleague with different responsibilities.

Beyond being meticulous and professional, Adrienne had been nothing but kind to her.

In Laurentia, she had handled everything—accommodations, transportation, meals—without a single misstep.

Evelyn could focus entirely on her work, and that was largely thanks to her.

Since everything was going smoothly, she was in a good mood and indulged in a bit of teasing before turning to leave.

Just then, a sleek black car pulled up in front of her.

A man stepped out and approached.

"Ms. Carter?"

"Yes, that’s me." She nodded.

"We’ve been instructed to escort you."

His English was flawless, his tone polite. But his oversized sunglasses obscured most of his face, making it impossible to read his expression.

"Who sent you—?"

She hesitated, though she already had a suspicion.

The only person she knew here with that kind of influence was her.

"Ms. Serena Whitaker."

She was right. But why would Serena want to see her now? The competition had just ended.

She didn’t mention anything about meeting up.

"Ms. Whitaker said she has something urgent to discuss with you, but she couldn’t risk calling directly during such a sensitive time. She thought you’d understand after seeing this."

He extended his hand, revealing a familiar ring—one Serena always wore.

"So she doesn’t want me to call her?" Evelyn asked.

"Ms. Whitaker said she’ll explain everything in person."

He opened the car door. "Time is limited, Ms. Carter. Please, get in."

"Ms. Carter!"

Adrienne hurried after her, still defaulting to the formal address out of habit.

"Where are you going? It’s late."

"Serena needs to see me."

Evelyn glanced back. "I might have to go with them."

"Ms.—"

Adrienne hesitated, eyeing the towering, broad-shouldered man before pulling Evelyn aside.

"The rumors about you and Mr. Whitaker are already spreading. Meeting Ms. Whitaker now would be… unwise. I think you should decline."