Chapter 96

Evelyn flashed a bright smile. "That's right, it's me."

"How dare they slander you like this? I'm going down there to set them straight!" Ryan was clearly the most impulsive of the three.

"I'm coming with you!"

"Count me in!"

"There's no need." Evelyn chuckled at their protective instincts. "The truth always surfaces eventually."

She added softly, "What matters is that the people I care about know the real me."

She then shifted the conversation, asking detailed questions about their university enrollment needs and requirements.

With practiced efficiency, she confirmed the living allowance transfers to their accounts and reminded them to be responsible with their finances.

A final warning about keeping her Calico identity secret preceded her arranging their discreet exit through the secured underground parking.

As the security team escorted the students away, her phone buzzed with Adrian's call.

His recent string of business trips—all orchestrated by Evelyn—had left him feeling guilty enough to comply without complaint.

Through the phone, he first unleashed colorful curses at the unethical media, then offered heartfelt reassurances before finally expressing his longing to return home.

Evelyn cleared her throat, amusement coloring her voice as she granted permission.

She instructed him to head straight to Darai after concluding his Mardovia meetings for her grandfather's upcoming birthday celebration.

The call ended with Adrian's cheerful goodbye.

The office door swung open to reveal Dominic's concerned expression softening at the sight of her smile. "There's some boardroom turbulence. I'd planned to stay longer but—"

His sentence hung unfinished as he checked his watch. "I need to leave today."

"Elliot will accompany me back, so Julian can keep you company."

Evelyn propped her chin on her palm, feigning exasperation. "Julian's energy is exhausting."

Dominic's lips quirked. "Exactly why you won't have time to brood."

"Fine. Safe travels to you both."

She suspected the stock fluctuations demanded his attention and didn't press further.

Meanwhile, Nathan worried Evelyn might decline lunch invitations, so he'd arranged for a Michelin chef to prepare a private meal at Kingsley Industries.

Her hearty appetite during the meal eased his concerns.

Dominic's parting instruction to Maxwell had been explicit: monitor Evelyn's mood and ensure her happiness.

That afternoon's video conference with Langley Corporation confirmed the joint venture remained unaffected by recent events.

After finalizing upcoming arrangements, Evelyn decided to wrap up early.

Tight security measures were in place—human barricades at every entrance, preventing any repeat of the morning's chaos.

A crimson Porsche sat at the center of a four-vehicle security convoy when Evelyn departed.

Her graceful exit left the assembled reporters in confused silence.

"This wasn't the script! Sterling was supposed to publicly humiliate her!"

"Since when did he start treating her like royalty?"

"The woman's clearly manipulative."

"Do we wait or leave?"

"We still haven't spotted Calico!"

"Let's stake out those three students then."

The Sterling estate's private mountain perimeter now resembled a military compound, with security so thorough even insects couldn't penetrate undetected.

Julian was waiting with slippers in hand when Evelyn entered, the pop idol kneeling to assist her like an attentive butler.

The amused glint in Evelyn's eyes suggested she'd anticipated Dominic's stern warnings. "Someone's being unusually attentive today."

Julian rolled his eyes. "Dominic's threats were very... persuasive."

Post-dinner found Evelyn sprawled on the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling.

"Julian, I'm dying of boredom!"

"Outings are off-limits, so let's find indoor entertainment."

Evelyn sprang up, eyes alight with mischief. "Gaming marathon!"

"Now you're speaking my language!"

The siblings migrated to the mansion's state-of-the-art gaming suite.

Cutting-edge systems awaited them as they launched into "Legends of Triumph," the global phenomenon boasting 800 million registered users.

Two humiliating defeats later, Evelyn slumped in her ergonomic chair. "We're embarrassingly bad at this."

Julian was already reaching for his phone. "Time to call in reinforcements."