Chapter 30

The second floor of Twilight was a sanctuary of soundproofed VIP rooms, a stark contrast to the chaotic bar downstairs. The two levels might as well have existed in separate universes.

Evelyn's call to Sophia went unanswered, leaving her clueless about which room Sophia had entered.

The bar's general manager spotted Evelyn and approached with deference. "Miss Whitmore, are you looking for Mister Monroe?"

Evelyn shook her head. "Did you see which room Sophia Bennett went to?"

The manager hesitated. "I didn't. We haven't had any guests from the Bennetts today."

Sophia must have slipped in unnoticed, likely tailing Nathaniel. Evelyn considered her options. "Which room is Nathaniel in, then?"

"The Snow Room," the manager replied without hesitation.

The Snow Room was Twilight's crown jewel, reserved exclusively for the elite.

Just as Evelyn turned toward the Snow Room, Cassandra's shrill voice cut through the hallway. "I'm here to see someone! Move aside before I make you regret stopping me!"

A flustered host blocked her path. "The Snow Room is for invited guests only. You're not on the list."

Evelyn turned and locked eyes with Cassandra.

Cassandra froze mid-tantrum, her face twisting in disgust. "What are you doing here, Evelyn?" The memory of her impounded car and ill-fitting designer clothes still burned.

Evelyn remained unfazed. "Same as you. Looking for someone."

Cassandra burst into mocking laughter, raking her eyes over Evelyn's outfit. "Who could you possibly know in a place like this? That's the Snow Room up ahead—only the wealthiest get in. Do you really think they'll let someone dressed like a thrift store mannequin waltz in?" She wiped imaginary tears from her eyes. "Pathetic."

Evelyn's clothes were understated but impeccably tailored—luxury without the obnoxious branding.

The manager stepped forward. "Shall we handle this disturbance, miss?"

Cassandra smirked. "Yes, throw this embarrassment out! Twilight is the premier bar in New Capital. You can't let peasants like her drag down your standards!"

The manager ignored her, awaiting Evelyn's cue.

Evelyn waved a dismissive hand. "Follow protocol. I'll check the Snow Room myself."

"Of course." The manager bowed and gestured for her to proceed.

No one stopped Evelyn as she strode down the hall. The door to the Snow Room opened effortlessly beneath her hand.

Cassandra gaped. She tried to follow, but security materialized to block her. "Don't make us escort you out."

Cassandra's jaw dropped. "Why does she get in when I'm turned away? Do you know who I am? I'm Cassandra—star of The Princess Diaries!"

The guard crossed his arms. "Don't care if you're the queen herself. Rules are rules. Leave now or we'll make you."

Defeated, Cassandra hissed, "Who is that woman? Why does your manager kiss her boots?"

"Client confidentiality."

Cassandra seethed, watching Evelyn disappear behind the door. She couldn't fathom how a nobody like Evelyn had this kind of access. Maybe she'd landed a job as some rich man's mistress. Well, Cassandra wasn't leaving until she saw who came out with her.

Her original plan had been to reconnect with her former patron—the one she'd foolishly dumped when she thought she could marry into the Grayson fortune. That decision had cost her career. When her agency refused to renew her contract, she'd learned her ex-benefactor was here tonight. This was her chance to grovel her way back into his good graces.