Chapter 25

Evelyn's nails dug into her palms as she fought the urge to punch him.

This was the man Dominic wanted her to marry—the heir of the Prescott family, Adrian Prescott.

An arranged marriage alone wouldn't have infuriated her so much.

What truly set her blood boiling were the cruel rumors he'd spread since childhood, mocking her appearance when they were barely five years old.

He'd even publicly sworn he would never marry her.

As if she'd ever consider it!

If not for Reginald Prescott being her father's mentor, she would've taught Adrian a painful lesson already.

Adrian kept rambling, completely oblivious to Evelyn's darkening expression.

He had no idea this was the same Evelyn Carter he'd tormented for years. "Could I get your—"

The handkerchief hit his face before he could finish. By the time he caught it, Evelyn had already stormed off.

Adrian blinked at her retreating figure, utterly confused.

What had he said wrong?

The damp cloth crumpled in his fist as he watched her disappear into the crowd.

Then his lips curled into a predatory smile. "Feisty. I like that."

His phone buzzed to life as he opened his elite group chat.

AceAdrian: "Gentlemen, prepare your congratulations. I've found my future wife."

Gregory: "You're drunk again."

Trevor: "Let me guess—another supermodel with the IQ of a goldfish?"

AceAdrian: "Wrong. She's brilliant, breathtaking, and just put me in my place. It was glorious."

HopelessRomantic: "This is destiny! She's perfect!"

Gregory: "Spare us. You'll forget her name by tomorrow."

HopelessRomantic: "Not this time. I'm turning over a new leaf. One month—that's all I need to make her mine."

Trevor: "I'd sooner believe pigs can fly."

HopelessRomantic: "Care to wager? When I win, I'll send you all our wedding invitation."

Back at Kingsley Manor, Evelyn entered the study where Dominic was working. "The pocket watch you wanted." She placed the velvet box on his desk.

"Appreciated." Dominic barely glanced up from his tablet, setting the box aside without opening it.

"I didn't realize you collected antiques." Her tone held subtle accusation.

Dominic finally met her gaze. "There's much you don't know about me, little sister."

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension as Evelyn studied her brother's impassive face. What game was he playing now?