Chapter 99

Evelyn let out a mocking laugh. "Fifteen thousand? As your fellow graduate, Natalia, do you really think I'm that gullible?"

Natalia sneered back. "But I thought your family was loaded, Evelyn. If you can donate an entire building to our alma mater, surely you can afford a simple ukulele?"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What if I refuse?"

"Then don't blame me when the police get involved!" Natalia's face turned crimson as she jabbed a finger toward Evelyn. "Your fingerprints are all over this instrument, and dozens of witnesses saw you handling it earlier. You won't wriggle out of this one!"

With an indifferent shrug, Evelyn recognized this for what it was - petty revenge after Natalia's earlier humiliation. The whole charade reeked of desperation.

"Call them then! Let the authorities determine if this so-called antique is worth fifteen thousand. While they're at it, they can decide whether your behavior constitutes extortion."

Natalia's confident facade cracked. Her cheeks flushed with panic at Evelyn's unexpected counter. "You scheming little—"

"Who's the real schemer here?" Evelyn cut in smoothly. "The one demanding outrageous compensation? Or the one being framed?"

"That doesn't matter! You damaged my property!" Natalia's voice turned shrill as she physically blocked Evelyn's path. "You're not leaving until you pay!"

Evelyn could practically see the gears turning in Natalia's mind - if she couldn't humiliate Evelyn publicly, she'd at least extort money from her. The scratches were clearly self-inflicted, though the instrument did appear expensive.

Evelyn's patience wore thin. Her fists clenched as she prepared to teach Natalia a physical lesson about consequences.

"Why so tense, ladies?" A rich baritone voice sliced through the tension.

Natalia whirled around, ready to snap at the interloper, but her angry retort died in her throat.

The man approaching them moved with effortless grace. Towering over both women, his chiseled features belonged on a magazine cover. His tailored suit whispered of wealth and sophistication, yet his demeanor carried a youthful charm.

Natalia's demeanor transformed instantly. Her aggressive stance melted into demure submission, cheeks pinkening. "Forgive the disturbance, sir. I'm simply distraught because she damaged my priceless antique and refuses to compensate me."

"How dreadful," the man murmured with mock concern.

Evelyn watched Dominic Prescott's approach with wary curiosity. She recognized Nathaniel's friend immediately but couldn't fathom why he'd involve himself in this petty dispute.

Dominic turned his full attention to Natalia. "May I examine the damage?"

Fluttering her lashes, Natalia presented the ukulele like a sacred relic. "See these deep scratches, sir? All her doing!" She shot Evelyn a triumphant look, clearly believing this handsome stranger had taken her side.

Dominic tutted sympathetically as he inspected the instrument. "Such a shame for such a fine piece."

Bolstered by his apparent support, Natalia launched into fresh tears. "You must help me, sir! This is a genuine antique, and she refuses to take responsibility!"

The performance was almost impressive in its theatricality. Almost.