Chapter 373

Evelyn had plenty more to say. A soft smile played on her lips as she continued, "And one more thing. Celeste isn't a copyrighted name, is it? If it isn't, then why can't I use it? Names that aren't copyrighted are free for anyone to use. You don’t get to dictate what I can or can’t call myself. The alphabet existed long before you or your family."

She tilted her chin up, her gaze unwavering. "Besides, I have no interest in pretending to be associated with the Rivers family. If I wanted a name to flaunt, I’d change mine to Nathaniel. You Rivers should stay far away from me from now on!"

With that sharp retort delivered, Evelyn stretched her arms and looped one through Nathaniel’s, her tone suddenly sweet. "Let’s go! I’ll treat you to dinner. There’s a restaurant upstairs that looks amazing."

Nathaniel blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "You’re treating me?"

Evelyn nodded, entirely unbothered. "Yes. With your money. Got a problem with that?"

A slow, amused smile curved his lips. "Not at all."

They turned, chatting easily as they walked hand in hand toward the escalator. Lucas Sinclair followed at a respectful distance, deliberately hanging back to give them space.

Meanwhile, Samuel Rivers stood frozen, his expression darkening with every word Evelyn had thrown at him. A man known for his composure, he had never been so thoroughly dismantled—least of all by a girl half his age. His jaw clenched, veins standing out on his forehead.

Oliver Kingsley, his secretary, shifted uncomfortably before speaking up. "Sir, don’t you think Mrs. Grayson was unnecessarily harsh? Just because she has Nathaniel’s backing doesn’t give her the right to speak to you like that."

Samuel took a slow, measured breath, forcing his temper under control before turning his sharp gaze toward the real source of this disaster—his reckless younger brother, Benjamin. "Go home," he ordered, his voice icy.

Benjamin flinched, his face burning from the earlier slap. Samuel had always been strict, but he had never struck him before. Swallowing his resentment, Benjamin lowered his head and obeyed without a word.

As the Rivers family dispersed, Zachary Montgomery finally snapped out of his daze and sauntered over to the three girls still lingering nearby. "See what a coward Benjamin is? All bark and no bite. The second his big brother shows up, he folds like a house of cards."

Emily Sinclair, who had been staring longingly after Nathaniel, rolled her eyes at Zachary. "And you think you’re any better? Always scheming and playing dirty. I can’t stand sore losers like you. Ugh!"

Zachary’s face fell. "Hey, that’s not fair—"

But Emily was already turning away, dragging her friends with her.

Fury twisted Zachary’s expression as he watched her go. One of his friends clapped him on the shoulder. "At least Benjamin’s gonna get chewed out when he gets home. Today wasn’t a total loss."

Zachary spat on the ground. "Just wait till school starts. I’ll make him pay."

Meanwhile, Amelia Rivers had arrived at the Whitmore residence and rung the doorbell.

Cassandra Whitmore answered, her eyes narrowing at the sight of the elegant woman standing on her doorstep. "Who are you looking for?"

Amelia offered a polite smile. "Is this Evelyn’s family?"

At the mention of Evelyn’s name, Cassandra’s expression soured further. "Who are you? And why are you asking about her?"

Amelia’s smile didn’t waver. "Actually, I’m not here for Evelyn. I’m here for you. You don’t know about her marriage, do you? I’m here to tell you the truth."

Cassandra’s eyes widened. "Marriage? What marriage? That little witch is married?"