Chapter 38

Evelyn carefully stepped over the shattered glass fragments scattered across the floor as she approached Gregory. "What's the matter, Dad? Why are you so upset?"

Cassandra stood nearby with her arms crossed, smirking as she threw gasoline on the fire. "How dare you even ask? You know exactly what you've done."

Evelyn gave Cassandra a bored glance. "I've done many things. Which particular one are you talking about?"

Gregory's face twisted with displeasure. "You told us you moved out because you got a job. What kind of job is this?" His voice dripped with barely contained fury.

Evelyn hesitated, struggling to find the right words. How exactly does one describe 'pretending to be the wife of a powerful CEO to pacify his family'? Would 'professional actress' or 'temporary spouse' sound more appropriate?

Seeing her hesitation, Gregory's anger flared. "Still keeping secrets from me? A prestigious university student like you, working as a nightclub hostess? Have you no shame, Evelyn? Is this your way of getting back at me?"

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up. "Hostess?"

Gregory slammed a photo onto the table. It showed Evelyn walking out of The Starlight Lounge with Sophia the previous evening. Sophia's newly dyed pink hair and revealing outfit, combined with her unsteady drunken gait, made her look exactly like someone from that profession. Naturally, anyone seeing them together would assume they worked in the same industry.

Evelyn studied the photo, then turned to Cassandra with a knowing look. "You're the one who showed this to Dad, aren't you?"

Cassandra lifted her chin defiantly, her expression screaming 'So what if I did?'

Victoria chose that moment to chime in, her voice dripping with false concern. "Don't blame your sister, Evelyn. She's only trying to help you return to the right path! That kind of work might pay well, but it's degrading! Honestly, how could you—"

Evelyn cut her off with a humorless smile. "Help me? She should worry about herself first."

Cassandra's eyes flashed with irritation. "What's that supposed to mean? I'm not the one working in a nightclub!"

Ignoring her, Evelyn turned back to Gregory. "The girl in the photo is my landlord's niece."

Gregory looked momentarily stunned. "Is that true?"

Evelyn met his gaze steadily. "Yes."

Cassandra scoffed loudly. "Liar! The Starlight Lounge is exclusive to VIP members only. How could you possibly get in unless you worked there? Explain that!"

Evelyn's lips curved into a calm smile. "Simple. My landlord happens to be one of their elite members."

Cassandra's frown deepened as she recalled following Evelyn to that massive estate days earlier. The pieces were starting to fall into place.