Chapter 68

The graduation ceremony stage was bathed in golden light. Natalia Petrova, the star student of New Capital City University's music department, stood proudly beside her father as she delivered her emotional farewell speech. Tears glistened in both their eyes, overwhelmed by the memories of the past four years.

"Natalia's father is absolutely gorgeous! And he looks so young!"

"No wonder Natalia is the most beautiful girl on campus—she clearly inherited her parents' perfect genes!"

"Did you hear? Her father just donated three grand pianos to the music department! That's insane!"

"I wish I had Natalia's life. Wealthy family, doting parents, beauty, brains—she has it all!"

Natalia descended the stage, basking in the admiration of her peers.

Backstage, she spotted Evelyn Whitmore sitting quietly, waiting for her turn.

According to tradition, the final speaker was always the most distinguished. Natalia hated the arrangement, but she couldn't argue—it had been the dean's decision.

With a calculated smile, Natalia approached Evelyn. "Did you come alone today?"

Evelyn nodded. "Yes."

Natalia sighed dramatically. "I heard from classmates that you're an illegitimate child, abandoned in the countryside and only admitted here because of sheer determination. It must have been so hard, growing up without your parents' love. No wonder you work so relentlessly—you have no one to rely on but yourself. I can't imagine living like that. My parents spoil me rotten—anything I want, they give me."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Is that so? Do you plan to depend on them forever?"

Natalia's expression darkened. "I was just showing concern, Evelyn. No need to be so bitter. My father always says poverty makes people resentful—clearly, he was right."

The emcee announced Evelyn's name. Without another glance, Evelyn walked past her and onto the stage.

She thanked her alma mater, her professors, and reflected on her journey with quiet confidence. Unlike the tearful, rehearsed speeches before hers, Evelyn's words were sharp, witty, and deeply moving. The audience laughed, then cried, completely captivated.

Whispers spread through the crowd.

"That's Evelyn Whitmore for you—her speech was incredible!"

"She might not have Natalia's background, but she's still the real star here."

"Honestly, Evelyn is way prettier than Natalia. And smarter."

"Pretty and smart, sure, but she's still a bastard child. Did you see? No one from her family came today."

"I heard her father had an affair. Like mother, like daughter—who knows what she's really like?"

Natalia, now seated among her peers, tugged at a friend's sleeve with fake sympathy. "Don't be mean! Evelyn's life is tragic. If she ever did anything questionable, it was just to survive."

Her face was pitying, but inside, she was thrilled.

Before university, Natalia had always been the center of attention. Then Evelyn arrived, topping the national entrance exams and stealing her spotlight.

Finally, Natalia had found the one thing Evelyn could never compete in—family.

Evelyn's speech wasn't over when the auditorium suddenly fell silent.

Then, murmurs erupted.

"Who is that man walking on stage? He's breathtaking!"

"Oh my god. I've never seen anyone so handsome in my life!"