Chapter 115

Evelyn's breath caught when she spotted a familiar face in the crowd. Her fingers tightened around her juice glass as Cassandra whispered sharply, "Stay put and don't move. I've got business to attend to. And for heaven's sake, don't break anything - you couldn't possibly afford the damages."

"Understood," Evelyn murmured, her gaze already tracking Cassandra's movements.

With practiced grace, Cassandra selected a crystal flute of champagne and glided toward a distinguished silver-haired gentleman. Their easy familiarity sent warning bells ringing in Evelyn's mind.

'Since when does Cassandra rub elbows with high society?' Evelyn sipped her drink thoughtfully. 'That man must be her ticket into this world. The sudden wealth, the social climbing - it all adds up. But how did she get connected to someone like him?'

Her analysis was interrupted by shrill laughter.

"Would you look at that fashion disaster!"

"Did someone let their maid crash the party?"

"Those braids belong in a preschool classroom!"

A gaggle of glittering socialites descended upon Evelyn like vultures spotting fresh prey.

"Darling, who exactly are you here with?"

"We're regulars at Silver Moon events, but you're certainly not."

Evelyn barely glanced up before turning away. The dismissal stung.

"How rude!" The ringleader grabbed Evelyn's arm. "We asked you a question."

Evelyn's voice remained ice-calm. "Did you?"

"Do you even have an invitation?"

"No."

Gasping dramatically, the girls exchanged looks. "She admitted it!"

"Then how did you get in?" one demanded.

"Through the front door," Evelyn deadpanned, helping herself to a petit four.

"Clearly just here for the free food," someone sneered.

"Security! We have an intruder!"

As the commotion grew, a rich baritone cut through the noise. "Ladies, what seems to be the problem?"

The crowd parted to reveal Nathaniel Grayson, his piercing gaze locking onto Evelyn with unsettling intensity.