Chapter 177

Three days.

That was all the time left before Isabella Sinclair and her entourage descended upon New York.

But today, Jason received unsettling news from his agent—Isabella had made a last-minute decision to attend the exclusive gala hosted by the Vanderbilt Group!

In the private lounge of The Regal Palace Hotel.

When Jason burst in to deliver the news to Evelyn, she was casually playing pool with Alexander.

They were locked in a fierce match, taking turns sinking balls with the precision of professionals.

"Ms. Evelyn! We're in trouble!" Jason blurted out, breathless.

"Shh, it's game point!"

Evelyn pressed a slender finger to her lips, silencing him instantly.

This game determined who would pay for dinner tonight. There was no room for distractions.

Jason swallowed his panic, knowing better than to interrupt.

Crossing Evelyn during her downtime was a death wish.

With two balls left, Evelyn lined up her shot—perfect angle, perfect force.

The final ball dropped into the pocket with a satisfying clack.

"Victory!" She flashed a triumphant grin, twirling her cue stick.

Alexander leaned against the table, watching her with amusement. "Your skills have improved."

Evelyn smirked. "Only because I had the best teacher."

Today, she wore a crimson satin gown that clung to her curves. As she moved, one delicate strap slipped off her shoulder, revealing flawless skin that glowed under the dim lights.

Jason's breath hitched.

Alexander noticed. His gaze turned icy.

He stepped forward, adjusting the strap with deliberate care. "Be more careful," he murmured. "I don't like other men staring."

His sharp eyes locked onto Jason, who immediately looked away, sweat beading at his temples.

Under that piercing stare, he felt exposed.

"Relax, Alexander. Jason's harmless." Evelyn waved a dismissive hand before picking up her wineglass.

Alexander exhaled but didn't argue.

"Jason, what's the emergency?" Evelyn swirled her wine lazily.

"Ms. Evelyn, Isabella just confirmed she's attending the Vanderbilt gala! She's backing out on us!"

Evelyn took a slow sip. "Interesting."

"Interesting? Nathaniel stole our guest, and you're not worried?"

She smirked. "Let me guess. In the next three days, Vanderbilt will flood the media with invitations. They'll milk this for all it's worth—first international superstar in New York, choosing their hotel. Free publicity. Proves no one can compete with their prestige."

Jason paled. "So this is a massive loss for us."

"Where's the fun in easy victories?" Evelyn's lips curved, red as the wine in her glass. "I live for turning the tables."

Her confidence sent a thrill through Jason.

That look—like a fox circling its prey.

"Evelyn, you already have a plan, don't you?" Alexander asked knowingly.

She nodded. "Jason, proceed with the dinner preparations."

"But—why? Our guest isn't coming!"

Her eyes gleamed. "Who says she won't?"

Outside The Regal Palace.

Gordon hunched in his rented Porsche, tailing Evelyn per Nathaniel's orders.

Just as he was dozing off, Jason stormed out, looking devastated.

Gordon smirked.

Serves them right.

Then Evelyn appeared—followed by a tall, devastatingly handsome man.

Gordon fumbled for his binoculars.

Who the hell was that?

"Come on. I'm taking you for barbecue," the stranger said, slinging an arm around Evelyn's shoulders.

"Extra meat," she demanded, licking her lips.

"Since when did you eat so much?"

"Since forever. And don’t forget the garlic. Barbecue without garlic is a crime."

"Friday night calls for drinks!"

They climbed into a car, shoulders brushing.

Gordon's hands shook as he snapped photos and frantically texted Nathaniel.

[Mr. Vanderbilt! CODE RED! Ms. Sinclair has a new man! And he’s HOT!]

Nathaniel's office.

He was zoning out, scrolling through surveillance photos of Evelyn—her smile, her laugh, the way sunlight caught in her hair.

If he stared hard enough, maybe she'd materialize before him.

Then his phone buzzed.

Once. Twice.

He read the message.

His chair clattered to the floor as he bolted out the door.

At the barbecue joint.

Evelyn and Alexander, reunited after months, were deep in conversation.

After her third drink, Evelyn leaned in. "So, when are you getting married? I need a sister-in-law."

Alexander groaned. "Not you too. Mom's already on my case. My job's dangerous enough—why drag someone else into it?"

She pouted. "All my brothers are single. No nieces or nephews to spoil. It's tragic."

He laughed. "You are the spoiled one. You really want to share us?"