Chapter 565

Anthony Castillo nodded immediately. "Alright."

He reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket, intending to retrieve the photo from the album.

His fingertips had just brushed the album's edge when a cool, clear female voice sounded from behind. "What are you two doing?"

Anthony and Evelyn Ross turned simultaneously.

Nicole Sterling was approaching with measured steps.

Her sharp gaze swept between Evelyn and Anthony, filled with undisguised vigilance.

Anthony's voice was low. "I have a few words to say to Miss Ross."

Nicole let out a derisive snort. "What words could they be that I, his fiancée, am not allowed to hear?"

Anthony's brow furrowed deeply.

Evelyn also pressed her lips together tightly.

The current situation was indeed delicate. Nicole and Anthony were engaged. Yet Evelyn's mission was to disrupt this engagement.

She felt like the villain crashing the party.

But then she thought of the orders issued by the Sterling Family. She recalled Nicole's actions...

The faint trace of guilt in Evelyn's heart instantly evaporated.

To show mercy to an enemy is to be cruel to oneself.

That was a lesson she always remembered.

She spoke directly. "Miss Sterling, this is a private matter."

"Private?" Nicole walked straight to Anthony's side and linked her arm with his. "He is my fiancé now. There is no 'private matter' between him and you. Miss Ross, you are also engaged. Please have some self-respect."

Evelyn frowned. "Your engagement ceremony hasn't taken place yet, has it?"

Nicole gave a cold laugh. "I am still the hostess of today's event. I already had security ask you to leave earlier. It seems you have no intention of cooperating gracefully. Since you don't want to preserve your dignity, don't blame me for using unpleasant methods."

Evelyn's expression darkened. "What do you intend to do?"

Nicole raised her voice. "Naturally, I intend to have you escorted out! I know Miss Ross is quite skilled. But if you start a physical altercation with the Castillo family's security, you will be the one at a disadvantage. I assume you don't wish for things to escalate to that point?"

Her posture was unyielding. Her words made Anthony's face instantly turn stormy. "Nicole, that's enough. Today, all guests are to be treated with respect. How can you behave like this?"

Nicole, however, showed no anger or agitation. She merely looked at him calmly. "What have I done? She and I are natural adversaries. Since I have chosen to marry you for an alliance, and she has no other choice, then today, I am the victor."

She took a step forward, lowering her voice but enunciating each word clearly. "Anthony Castillo, after today, you will be my fiancé. Regardless of your personal stance, you should stand united with me. I hope... you won't disappoint me."

Hearing this, Anthony's frown deepened. "Nicole, that's enough! I don't care what Grandfather promised the Sterling Family. Today is our engagement party. Miss Ross is my guest. You cannot force her to leave."

Nicole sneered. "Are you sure I can't?"

Anthony stiffened his neck. "I'm sure!"

Nicole immediately raised her voice. "Anthony, what is the meaning of this? You're engaged to me, yet you still want to maintain ties with her?"

Guests nearby began to look over.

Anthony was taken aback. "Why are you shouting so loudly?"

Nicole's eyes reddened slightly. Her voice carried a note of grievance. "Evelyn Ross, you already have a fiancé. You clearly know Anthony has feelings for you. Can't you keep your distance from him?"

Her words were pitiful. To an uninformed observer, it would indeed seem Evelyn was the one interfering.

Whispers immediately rose around them. Many gazes fell on Evelyn, pointing and murmuring.

Several Ashcroft brothers walked over. Preston Valentine was among them, with Susan Langley by his side.

Seeing the situation, Susan immediately stepped forward, her tone concerned. "Sister Evelyn, today is Mr. Castillo and Miss Sterling's joyous occasion. Please don't cause trouble here. Let me accompany you outside?"

Evelyn's sharp gaze snapped to her, sharp as a blade.

Susan was Fox's subordinate. Was she now openly starting to help Nicole?

Evelyn gave a cold laugh. "My affairs are none of your concern. Fifth Brother, keep your person in check. Lest she, like last time, says something inappropriate again."

Preston looked embarrassed and immediately tugged at Susan. "Susan, say less. Little Sister has her reasons for acting this way."

Susan, however, lowered her head with a hurt expression. "Brother Preston, I just feel Sister's behavior is truly improper. I'm also thinking of the Sterling Family's reputation... After all, Mr. Castillo is about to be engaged to Miss Sterling. If she didn't want Mr. Castillo to get engaged, it's too late to say anything now, isn't it?"

Preston frowned. "I told you to stop talking!"

Susan bit her lower lip, but her voice became clearer. "Brother Preston, I've held back some words for a long time. Your Sterling Family spoils your sister excessively. All the good things at home are reserved for her. Now, her behavior outside is indiscreet. She doesn't know how to avoid suspicion, pulling and tugging with another woman's fiancé. That is fundamentally her fault."

She lifted her eyes, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "The eldest sister-in-law at home is her close friend. Third Uncle never married, so there's no lady of the house to teach her manners... As her future fifth sister-in-law, I naturally have to worry more and offer more guidance. To prevent Sister from making mistakes. Moreover, Mr. Vance is right here. Miss Sterling is also here. What exactly is Sister trying to do with such behavior?"

She suddenly turned to Alexander Vance. "Mr. Vance, your fiancée is entangled with another man right in front of you. Aren't you going to do something about it?"

Alexander's face was livid. He gave a cold laugh. "Miss Langley, I have a saying for you. What fills your heart is what you see in others. In this public setting, all I see is Evelyn exchanging a few words with Mr. Castillo."

Susan was left speechless.

Alexander was subtly implying her mind was filthy, which was why she saw impropriety in Evelyn's actions!

She forced a strained smile. "Mr. Vance is truly magSterlingimous. However, Miss Sterling does not share your tolerance. Since Miss Sterling minds, Sister, you should just leave. Don't make a scene here. Everyone is watching. If this spreads, what will become of our Sterling Family's reputation?"

Evelyn retorted coldly, "You keep saying 'our Sterling Family.' Who are you in the Sterling Family?"

Susan said angrily, "I am your fifth sister-in-law!"

"Is that so?" Evelyn's tone was flat. "When did my fifth brother get married? I was unaware."

Susan choked. "We are engaged! The wedding is in half a month!"

"Oh, so it's just an engagement." Evelyn's gaze was indifferent. "And you're already this eager to meddle in other people's affairs? Miss Langley, with such excellent Langley family upbringing, were you ever taught to mind your own business?"

This merciless retort made Susan's face turn pale with anger.

She took a deep breath and simply took a step back, looking at Nicole. "Sister, everything I said was for your own good. Since you refuse to appreciate it, I won't say anymore. However... I'm afraid Miss Sterling won't let this go easily."

As her words fell, everyone's eyes shifted to Nicole.

They saw Nicole's eyes were red-rimmed, but she held her spine straight. She raised her voice towards the entrance. "What are the security guards waiting for? Escort this woman out for me!"

At her command, the expressions of the Sterling Family members changed drastically.