Chapter 69

"He's not just gorgeous. There's this dangerous magnetism about him too. Definitely the VIP guest the university invited."

Evelyn was wrapping up her speech when she noticed the audience's attention had shifted. Every eye seemed glued to something behind her.

She turned—and froze. 'What's he doing here?!'

Nathaniel's piercing gaze swept over her as he strode forward. Towering beside her, he adjusted the microphone with effortless grace. His deep, velvety voice filled the auditorium. "Good afternoon. I'm here as Evelyn's family representative. My thanks to New Capital University for nurturing her talents."

He paused, the weight of his presence silencing the room. "I'll be brief. To show our appreciation, I'm donating a state-of-the-art research facility in Evelyn's name."

Evelyn's lips parted in shock. 'Is he out of his mind?'

The announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd. University officials gaped at the unexpected seven-figure gift.

"Damn! When you're that rich, you don't need words—just drop a building!" someone whispered.

"That's the most breathtaking man I've ever seen! Who is he to Evelyn anyway?"

"Family, he said. Brother? They look nothing alike!"

"Too young to be her father, right?"

The dean practically tripped over himself reaching the podium. "Students! Let's thank Miss Whitmore and her family for this extraordinary generosity!" Thunderous applause erupted.

Natalia's face twisted in fury. Once again, Evelyn had stolen her moment. Those three grand pianos her father promised now seemed laughably insignificant.

'Impossible! She's supposed to be some nobody bastard! Who the hell is that billionaire Adonis?'

Meanwhile, during intermission, a breathless classmate burst into Abigail's dorm. "Abby! Your brother just donated an entire building!"

Abigail, still sniffling from Nathaniel's earlier scolding about her grades, brightened instantly. "See? He still loves me! He's making sure professors go easy on me!"

The classmate winced. "Actually...it's not for you."

Abigail scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous. Who else would—"

"It's for a graduating senior named Evelyn Whitmore."

Abigail's smile vanished. "Evelyn goes here?!"

"You didn't know? She's legendary—top national exam scorer, dean's personal recruit. Even Julian Hartwell's been chasing her for three years without success."

Abigail's blood ran cold. Julian—the senior she'd been hopelessly crushing on—was in love with Evelyn?

"Wait," the classmate frowned. "I thought you only had one sister. Is Evelyn your half-sister or something?"

Abigail's nails dug into her palms. "She's no relation to us!"

"Then why would your brother claim her as family? And donate a building in her name?"

Abigail's voice turned venomous. "Because she's—"