Chapter 66

The phone call came unexpectedly. Evelyn hadn't spoken to the university dean in months. After exchanging brief pleasantries, the older man cleared his throat.

"Your graduation ceremony is next Monday, Evelyn. As one of our most distinguished graduates, we'd like you to bring your parents. The faculty hopes they'll join you on stage to share insights about your academic journey."

Evelyn's grip tightened on her phone. "That won't be possible. I don't have parents."

"Don't be ridiculous! Your records clearly list both father and stepmother as living."

Before she could respond, someone called the dean away. "Remember - Monday morning with both parents present!" The line went dead before she could protest.

The irony wasn't lost on her. Technically, Gregory Whitmore was alive - just never present. He'd provided the bare minimum, never attending a single parent-teacher conference. As for Victoria? That woman wouldn't cross the street to spit on Evelyn if she were on fire.

Still, the dean had always championed her. With a sigh, she dialed her father's number. "Are you free next Monday?"

Gregory's cheerful voice carried through the phone, background chatter suggesting a family breakfast. "Monday? That's your sister Cassandra's contract signing! It's being broadcast live! Victoria and I need to look our best to support her career!"

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up. "Cassandra landed another deal? That scandal didn't stick, I see."

"Pure slander!" Gregory boomed. "That video showed some cheap lookalike! Victoria uncovered the truth and got retractions printed in every major outlet! Now Holden Media wants to sign her - biggest entertainment conglomerate in the world!"

Evelyn smirked. Victoria's damage control skills never ceased to amaze.

"You asked about Monday?" Gregory continued. "What did you need?"

"My graduation ceremony." She kept her tone neutral. "The university requested parental attendance."

"Evelyn, your academics have always been impeccable - no need for me to be there. This contract could make Cassandra an international star!" His dismissal was swift, final.

"Understood." The call ended with her usual sarcastic smile.

Her phone immediately buzzed with Cassandra's barrage of texts:

[Begging Daddy to come? Pathetic.]

[Good grades mean nothing when you're just his bastard child.]

[Guess what? Holden Media signing! Soon I'll be global superstar! Daddy bought me limited edition Chanel to celebrate!]

A photo followed - an obscene display of designer handbags.

[Cool story.] Evelyn typed back.

Cassandra fired off one last jab: [You'll always be beneath me, illegitimate trash.]

Evelyn tossed her phone aside, more concerned about explaining the parental no-show to the dean.

The bedroom door swung open. Nathaniel strode in, rummaging through the closet before producing a suit jacket.

"Over here," he commanded.

She didn't budge. "Why should I?"

"Tie." He held out the silk length.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. Only her stupid promise to play the dutiful wife made her comply.

Standing on tiptoes, she looped the tie around his neck. The height difference made the simple task awkward, her fingers fumbling against his crisp collar. Nathaniel remained still, watching her struggle with apparent amusement.