Chapter 249

Eavesdropping on Scandalous Thoughts

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn Sinclair’s penthouse, casting golden streaks across the marble floors. She sipped her latte, scrolling absently through her phone, when a familiar voice echoed in her mind—sharp, venomous, and unmistakably Victoria Hayes'.

"If only that insufferable Evelyn would disappear, Nathan would finally see me as more than just his secretary."

Evelyn nearly choked on her coffee. She hadn’t meant to pry, but ever since that bizarre incident at the gala, she’d been catching fragments of people’s unfiltered thoughts—especially those about her. And Victoria’s? They were particularly… illuminating.

"She doesn’t deserve him. All those late nights working together, the way he looks at me when he thinks no one’s watching…"

Evelyn’s grip tightened around her cup. Nathan Blackwood, her fiancé, had always been professional with Victoria. But now, doubts slithered in. Had she missed something?

Her phone buzzed—a message from Lillian Graves, her assistant: "Heads up, Ms. Sinclair. Victoria just scheduled a ‘private meeting’ with Mr. Blackwood. His calendar says ‘urgent project review,’ but… well, you know how she operates."

Evelyn’s lips curled. Oh, she did. And thanks to her newfound… ability, she’d know exactly what Victoria was plotting.

Nathan’s office was all sleek lines and muted tones, the epitome of controlled power. When Evelyn strode in unannounced, Victoria’s saccharine smile faltered.

“Evelyn! What a surprise.” Her thoughts, however, screeched like nails on a chalkboard: "Ugh, of course she’d show up now. Can’t she take a hint?"

Nathan looked up, his storm-gray eyes warming. “Darling, I didn’t expect you.”

“I wanted to discuss the wedding seating chart,” Evelyn lied smoothly, perching on the edge of his desk. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Victoria’s fingers twitch.

"Wedding. As if I’ll let that happen."

Evelyn’s pulse spiked. Oh, this was going to be fun.

That evening, at the Blackwood family dinner, Nathan’s sister Sophia leaned in. “You’re unusually quiet.”

Evelyn swirled her wine. “Just thinking about how… loyal people can surprise you.”

Across the table, Victoria stiffened.

"Does she know? No, she can’t. Unless…"

Evelyn smirked into her glass. The game was on.

Grayson knew all too well about Vivian's lemon allergy. Though it had been years, the memory remained sharp in his mind. Yet today, his thoughts were so clouded that he completely overlooked the citrus garnish in her drink.

The realization hit him like a slap—frustration and embarrassment coiled tight in his chest.

But Vivian had always been this way—unapologetically bold, even after their messy breakup. Grayson still convinced himself she only flirted with other men in front of him to provoke jealousy.

Truthfully, he had no idea this was simply Vivian’s nature abroad. Back home, he’d been her only serious relationship. After their split, she left the country, leaving him no chance to witness her infamous carefree lifestyle firsthand.

To Vivian, breakups meant clean cuts. Lingering awkwardness in the same social circles? Unthinkable.

Her reputation overseas was legendary. At one party, a dozen exes could mingle without a hint of tension.

Yet Grayson, whether out of pride or sheer delusion, refused to see reason. Even now, Vivian wouldn’t bend. Her stubbornness infuriated him. If we ever marry, she’ll have to change.

Not that he was any better. His temper had driven her away in the first place—no pleading, just curses as she boarded her flight.

So, faced with this standoff, Grayson defaulted to his usual tactic: brute force. Who would crack first?

He snapped his fingers at Gwendolyn, who was mid-pour replacing Vivian’s drink. "Leave that. Come here."

Every head turned. Beside him, Lila’s face twisted with barely contained rage—not at Grayson, but at Gwendolyn, her glare promising violence if the woman dared obey.

Evelyn nearly scoffed. Still playing the tyrant? After Gwendolyn’s blatant avoidance and his lies exposed, how could he still command her like some loyal subject? Was this the unshakable arrogance of silver-spooned heirs—living in a bubble where the world bent to their whims?

Pathetic. Lila, practically vibrating with jealousy, stood right there. She’d happily play along with his charade. But no—Grayson had to double down on delusion, convinced Gwendolyn held some lingering softness for him.

Nathan watched his friend’s self-destruction with detached amusement. Some lessons, it seemed, could never be learned.

And Grayson? He was determined to fail spectacularly. Again.

Gwendolyn Brooks nearly rolled her eyes at Grayson Hart's ridiculous demand. This man really thinks he's the stereotypical arrogant CEO from some cheesy romance novel?

Yet, she maintained her professional facade, not wanting to cause a scene at the party. "Sir, I'm currently assigned to Ms. Sinclair's service. If you require assistance, I can call another staff member for you."

Grayson's eyes darkened in disbelief. He hadn’t expected Gwendolyn—of all people—to defy him so blatantly. It was one thing for Vivian Moore to challenge him, but for his former assistant to do the same? Unacceptable.

Is she still upset because she realized I planned to use her to provoke Vivian earlier? His jaw tightened. Well, I don’t care!

"Gwendolyn," he bit out, voice laced with warning, "my patience is wearing thin. Remember your place and come here now."

Gwendolyn forced a polite smile, though her fingers clenched around the tray she carried. "Sir, I'm just a service staff member tonight. Please don’t make this difficult for me."

Unbelievable. She gritted her teeth internally. I left his company months ago, yet he still acts like he owns me. He knows exactly who I am—this isn’t some mistaken identity drama. If he had approached me professionally for a paid performance, fine. But expecting free labor? Even corporate sharks have more shame.

Grayson’s expression twisted in fury. He couldn’t control Vivian, but now Gwendolyn was refusing to obey? The world had truly gone mad.

Nearby, Lila Carter watched with growing irritation. This party was supposed to be her night—hosted by Grayson in her honor. Yet, both Vivian and Gwendolyn had stolen his attention.

If Gwendolyn had complied, Lila might have simmered quietly. But the outright rejection? That was an insult.

I may not be able to compete with Vivian, but I’m certainly above some ex-assistant.

Before anyone could react, Lila snatched the wine glass from Gwendolyn’s tray—and flung its contents directly into her face.

The liquid splashed across Gwendolyn’s blouse, staining the fabric. Lila smirked, satisfied.

Grayson stiffened, instinctively stepping forward—then stopped himself. She brought this on herself. Maybe humiliation will remind her who she really is.

Gwendolyn’s breath hitched, her hands trembling—not from shock, but from the effort to restrain herself.

Lila sneered. "Mr. Hart showed you kindness, and this is how you repay him? Know your place."

Gwendolyn’s nails dug into her palms. Oh, I’ll show you exactly where my place is.

The words dripped with venom as Lila Carter sneered, her manicured fingers tightening around the wine glass. "You should take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Who do you even think you are?" Her voice was sharp enough to cut glass. "In front of us, you're nothing. Less than nothing—just a speck of dust beneath our shoes."

Gwendolyn Brooks flinched, her hands trembling at her sides. She had dealt with difficult people before, but never someone as vicious as Lila.

Lila leaned in, her smirk widening. "Did you really think just because Grayson used to spoil you, you could act like you belong here? Pathetic." She scoffed. "You're still just a servant. Know your place."

Before Gwendolyn could react, Lila tipped her glass, sending red wine cascading down the front of Gwendolyn's blouse. The liquid spread in dark, ugly stains, and Gwendolyn's eyes welled up instantly.

Evelyn Sinclair was on her feet in an instant, shoving a napkin into Gwendolyn's hands.

Vivian Moore, however, moved faster. She stepped between them and shoved Lila back with enough force to make her stumble.

"If you're that desperate for attention, go find it somewhere else," Vivian snapped, her voice icy. "Did Grayson rejecting you really make you this pathetic?"

Lila's face twisted in fury, but before she could retaliate, Evelyn cut in.

"Enough." Her tone was calm but carried an edge that silenced the room. "You’ve made your point. Now leave before you embarrass yourself further."

Lila's lips curled, but she hesitated—Evelyn’s gaze was unreadable, dangerous.

A beat passed.

Then, with a scoff, Lila turned on her heel and stormed off, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.

Gwendolyn wiped at her eyes, her breath shaky. "I-I'm sorry—"

"Don't apologize," Evelyn said firmly. "She's the one who should be ashamed."

Vivian crossed her arms, watching Lila disappear into the crowd. "Some people never learn."

And in that moment, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension—because if Lila thought this was over, she was sorely mistaken.