Chapter 1 Rebirth

Evelyn, a wealthy heiress, was utterly devoted to her husband Damon after their marriage. No matter how cold Damon was to her, she willingly sacrificed everything for love.

However, everyone knew that Damon loved someone else, making Evelyn nothing more than a joke.

Evelyn believed that if she treated Damon well enough, she would eventually win his heart. Little did she know, he was a complete scoundrel. After exploiting her until she was of no use, he ended her life.

Reborn, Evelyn was no longer foolish. She decisively divorced Damon, only to find her former husband, who once loathed her, now passionately pursuing her.

Unmoved, Evelyn turned to embrace Damon’s rival.

------

In an abandoned factory, Evelyn had been tied up for seven days without a single meal. Her eyes were dull, teetering on the edge of death.

The kidnapper repeatedly confirmed with Damon, "I'll ask one last time, are you sure you won't pay the ransom? It's just 200,000. Pay up, and I’ll let her go!"

"She's carrying your child!"

Damon's voice was cold, filled with hatred, "Don't think I don't know this is just a trick to avoid divorce! She was never kidnapped!"

"I wouldn’t pay even twenty bucks! Who knows whose bastard she’s carrying. It’s better if they both die!"

The kidnapper glanced at Evelyn, angered by the wasted effort, his killing intent rising, "Then I'll kill her!"

"Do as you please." Damon was indifferent, his tone cruel and resolute, "If we can’t divorce, then I'll be a widower!"

The phone call abruptly ended. Furious, the kidnapper smashed the phone and shot at her wildly, "Damn it! What kind of billionaire can't pay 200,000 in ransom but can spend millions on fireworks for his mistress! Damn it!"

"Don’t blame me. It’s your husband who left you to die!"

Instinctively, she protected her belly, but no amount of maternal love could shield against bullets.

In excruciating pain, she regretted sacrificing everything for this man. In a daze, she felt herself drifting out of her battered body.

The woman on the ground was frail and emaciated, her belly slightly swollen. Her body was riddled with bullets, lying lifeless in a pool of blood.

For the first time, she felt a sense of relief. She was truly exhausted! Born a pampered princess, she had ruined herself, the Elizabeth Group, and even her unborn child in pursuit of this man.

Dead at twenty-six, if there were another life, she would never fall for him again!

"Madam, the custom dresses are here. Which one do you want to wear to the auction?" Aunt Sophia’s voice brought her back to reality.

She was standing before a full-length mirror, trying on dresses.

In the luxurious newlywed mansion, Evelyn could hardly believe she had been reborn.

Whether during their courtship or after marriage, Damon rarely invited her anywhere, making this auction particularly memorable.

This happened six years ago.

Aunt Sophia helped her choose a dress, "It’s been six months since the wedding, and the master has barely stayed here. This is a rare opportunity, we can’t miss it!"

She hesitated with a white dress, "This one? After all, the master often orders white dresses. The shop owner mentioned it."

Evelyn smiled mockingly, playing with her wedding ring.

Damon's favoritism towards Elin was well-known.

To win back her love, Evelyn often mimicked Elin's style. She originally disliked white dresses, preferring bold and fiery attire.

Now, she realized how foolish she had been to wear cheap clothes just to please a man!

At this auction, though Damon invited her, he didn’t inform her about changing his date, leading to a humiliating encounter with Elin.

High society mocked her for lowering herself to compete with a mistress. This time, she vowed to turn the tables, "No, choose this one."

She picked a burgundy gown. Aunt Sophia sighed, "But the master prefers white..."

"I don’t care what he likes. I’ll wear what I like." Evelyn removed her wedding ring, tossing it out the window, her tone calm but firm, "And throw away those white dresses. Tell the tailor I don’t like white."

Aunt Sophia obediently helped her change.

In the mirror, Evelyn was like a fiery rose, vibrant and sexy, a stark contrast to her dying self.

Clenching her fist, she vowed never to die miserably again! This time, she would take back everything Damon owed her.

At the auction entrance, Evelyn gracefully stepped out of the car.

Her gown, cinched at the waist, accentuated her figure. Her loosely pinned, diamond-studded hair and emerald eyes gave her a noble, sensual allure.

She was like a goddess from a Greek painting, captivating and dignified.

Every man’s heart stirred at her presence, including Brian, who was smoking outside the venue. The night wind ruffled his open shirt, revealing a muscular chest.

He stared, entranced, until the burning cigarette stung his fingers. He cursed, "Damn it! Who is she?"

His friend Eric laughed, "You’re smitten? That’s Evelyn of the Elizabeth family. She’s been married to Damon Hilton for over six months. You don’t stand a chance!"

Brian lit another cigarette, grinning wickedly, "Maybe. I saw Damon walk in with some plain girl, leaving such a beauty behind. He must be a fool."

Eric got excited, "Oh? Let’s go see this plain girl who stole the man from such a beauty! Maybe we’ll see a good show!"

Brian’s playful demeanor vanished as he stubbed out his cigarette, his heart aching at the thought of Evelyn fighting over another man.

From afar, Evelyn saw Damon and Elin, close and laughing. She thought she would explode as before, but this time, she calmly sipped her champagne and greeted them, "Good evening, hope I’m not interrupting."

Damon was taken aback, his harsh words caught in his throat, replaced by a softer tone, "What are you doing here?"

Evelyn didn’t notice his change, her mocking gaze sweeping over Damon and Elin in her white dress, "You invited me but forgot. I should stay away to avoid catching your stupidity."

"You!" Damon was angry, but her bright green eyes softened his fury, "I told my secretary you could come anytime, but it’s a rare opportunity for Elin. I didn’t want you to trouble her."

Evelyn frowned, the secretary wouldn’t disobey Damon, so...

Her gaze shifted to Elin, who shrank back, guilty eyes darting behind Damon, "I didn’t know. Maybe someone jealous of me called you. I’m not worthy of standing beside kind Mr. Hilton. He only left you for me. Don’t blame him."

Tears glistened in Elin's eyes, "I'll give Mr. Hilton back to you. Let’s drop this. They’re only defending you. I can bear the grievance."

Evelyn sneered, "Jealous of what? Jealous you’re a shameless mistress?"

Chapter 2 Two Lunatics

Elin's face turned pale as she bit her lip stubbornly and tugged on Damon's sleeve.

"It seems I should leave. I won't make things difficult for you and...your wife."

She turned to leave, realizing her position. No matter how unwilling, she had to retreat. She straightened her back, her slender shoulders and white dress making her look like a fragile butterfly, evoking pity.

Damon immediately grabbed her hand, interlacing their fingers protectively in front of Evelyn.

"Even if someone has to leave, it's not you. Without you, who would help me bid tonight? You’re important."

He looked at Evelyn with a cold smile. "Not just anyone can stay."

It was almost as if he was outright telling Evelyn to leave.

Evelyn crossed her arms, her fingers glowing softly like pearls against the red dress.

"Oh, I see. I’ll leave. We can each do our own thing without interfering!"

"After all, she’s your prized poor girl."

Damon's gaze fell on Evelyn's fingers, feeling something was missing.

"Wait, where's your wedding ring?"

She glanced mockingly at Damon's hand. "Yours is missing too. How dare you question me? Did your white butterfly give you the nerve?"

Damon's face turned red and white in anger. Even Elin's expression froze, her tears awkwardly hanging, ready to fall.

In high spirits, Evelyn turned and sat in the VIP section on the second floor, knowing Damon wouldn’t save a seat for her.

She was the only daughter of the immensely wealthy Elizabeth family, raised like a noble princess. No auction house would dare not honor her.

At this point, Damon wasn’t entirely devoted to Elin, just somewhat interested.

This auction revealed Elin’s unique taste in jewelry, which later helped Damon cement his position as the leader in the jewelry industry.

If Evelyn wanted, her reborn self could surpass Elin, given she could predict jewelry trends.

But her heart no longer belonged to this cold, unfeeling man. She planned to build her wealth and then kick Damon out, enjoying life with handsome men as she pleased.

At this auction, a set of underestimated antique jewelry would be bought by a small businessman, who later sold it for a huge profit, becoming a billionaire. Evelyn was here for that antique jewelry.

On stage, the host passionately auctioned off some small art pieces before reaching the climax—the emerald stones the size of ping pong balls, starting at ten million.

Damon, still searching for Evelyn, was distracted. Elin, close to him, carefully tugged on his sleeve.

"Mr. Hilton, these emeralds are perfect for our jewelry line. May I bid on them?"

He finally looked back, patting Elin’s hand.

"Your taste is impeccable. Go ahead."

Elin proudly won the emeralds, not realizing the high starting price had already deterred some buyers.

With Hilton Jewelry being famous for emerald pieces, other jewelry companies, respecting Damon, only made token bids.

Elin, under Damon’s protection, indiscriminately bid, enhancing Hilton's emerald jewelry's prestige and value, ensuring Damon always profited.

The post-climax items were mostly uninteresting.

"This set of jewelry, called 'The Light of La Manche,' has a long history. Though its design is ancient, it holds high collection value, starting at eight million!"

"Fifty million."

The crowd gasped, looking at the bidder—Evelyn in the VIP section. She looked like a proud princess, willing to spend lavishly on what she desired.

Is she crazy? Damon first thought. Jealous of Elin's purchases, trying to steal the spotlight?

Frustrated, he texted Evelyn: Pick any of the emeralds, the biggest one, alright?

Evelyn glanced at the text, sneering as she locked her phone screen.

"Fifty million once..."

"Fifty million twice!"

"Seems she's just a pretty vase. I wouldn't take that junk even for free!" Eric scoffed.

"One hundred million!"

Brian's voice wasn't loud but stunned everyone.

Eric’s eyes widened, "Damn! She's crazy, and so are you?!"

Evelyn, sitting across from them, frowned at the bid. When she locked eyes with Brian, he blew her a kiss, teasing her openly.

Evelyn's face heated up. She knew him, a man who made his fortune in arms and shady industries, now interested in the jewelry business?

She steadied her breath.

"Two hundred million."

Her phone buzzed frantically. Damon, downstairs, held up his phone, mouthing: Stop it.

"Three hundred million!" Brian raised an eyebrow, challenging her.

Fine, you want to play, huh?

Evelyn decisively raised her paddle.

"One billion!"

Eric was stunned, "She's insane! One billion for a pile of oxidized junk!?"

Brian laughed at her fearless determination, raising his glass in a distant toast: It’s yours, sweetheart.

"One billion once..."

"One billion twice!"

"One billion three times!! Lot 666 is sold!"

The hammer fell. Evelyn exhaled, blaming Brian for the mess, making her spend more and teasing her—a complete rogue!

She rolled her eyes at his toast, irritated.

Brian, unashamed, laughed heartily, his carefree laughter echoing through the venue.

Damon watched Evelyn intently. Her interaction with Brian didn’t go unnoticed. The Evelyn he once knew wore her heart on her sleeve. Now, she was a mystery.

She didn’t seem to bid just to spite him, yet the jewelry set was worthless. What was she up to?

Instinctively, Damon felt Brian had ulterior motives towards Evelyn. He might not like Evelyn, but that didn’t mean others could covet his wife.

Elin sighed pitifully, "It's alright, Mr. Hilton. I’ll make up for any loss she causes you. With me, you’ll never lose out."

Damon looked away, his tone icy, "She's an adult. She’ll pay for her own actions. I won't interfere."

Chapter 3 Let's Divorce!

The auction continued, but Damon was completely distracted by Evelyn.

Although Elin was displeased, she didn't dare to say anything. She focused on using her knowledge to select potential profitable auction items, hoping to regain Damon's attention.

As soon as the auction ended, Damon couldn't wait to get up. He needed to confront Evelyn!

He cornered Evelyn in the hallway, grabbing her wrist.

"Evelyn, I said I would give you the biggest emerald, what more do you want?!"

Elin, who followed him, felt suffocated for a moment. The gem she painstakingly auctioned was now used by Damon to appease this spoiled lady. Why?!

She softly said, "Even if you're angry that I took your place beside Mr. Damon, he's already apologized to you. You should give him a break."

Evelyn laughed and shook him off harshly. "Did you misunderstand something? I just wanted to buy something I like. Is that worth your outrage?"

Damon raised his voice in frustration, "Spending a billion on a pile of junk, you call that 'something you like'? You're obviously doing this to annoy me!"

Evelyn glanced casually at the exasperated man.

"If I like it, it's a treasure worth any price. If I don't, it's worthless, even if it's right in front of me."

Evelyn's cold and indifferent gaze made Damon shiver. She seemed different from before.

Elin moved to block their entwined gaze. "But you shouldn't waste so much money. A billion is enough for an ordinary person to live comfortably for a lifetime..."

"My monthly allowance exceeds a billion, let alone for Miss Evelyn, the only daughter of Elizabeth!" Eric chimed in, familiar as ever.

Brian asked for a kiss on the hand. "Good day, esteemed lady."

Evelyn ignored him, turning her head indifferently. "It's just a toy. If Miss Elin feels distressed, I'll throw it to you when I'm bored. You seem happy to pick up others' trash."

Elin's face turned red, not only because she felt out of place like a frog at the bottom of a well but also because of Evelyn's insinuation.

Brian, unfazed, withdrew his hand and produced a delicate little box as if by magic.

"Seeing Mr. Damon and his wife getting along so well, I'm envious. Esteemed Miss Evelyn, would you grace me with your company at next week's business banquet?"

He opened the box to reveal a ruby ring the size of a pigeon egg, perfectly cut and shining even in the dim light.

"As my companion."

His friend gritted his teeth beside him. "Get a grip, she's married!"

Brian was stunned, looking at Evelyn in confusion. "But she's not wearing a wedding ring and attended the auction alone. How is that like being married?"

"Is she a widow already? Did her husband die somewhere?"

Evelyn was amused. Damon rarely came home, always claiming to be with Elin writing internship plans or working late, occasionally sleeping at the office.

Isn't that like being widowed? It felt good to hear someone voice her thoughts.

As she was about to respond, she was suddenly pulled close to Damon's side, his arm firmly around her waist.

"This is my wife, Evelyn Hilton," he declared, emphasizing the surname like a territorial claim.

She tried to break free, but Damon held her tightly, not letting her move.

Brian glanced at Elin, who looked like she was about to cry from being ignored, and laughed mockingly.

"So that's it. I thought this young lady was your wife, scolding Miss Evelyn for her spending. My mistake."

"Sorry, sorry, my bad. But Mr. Damon, you should be careful. Surnames aren't welded on. She could change hers to... Elizabeth anytime."

He put away the ring, saluted Evelyn with two fingers, and left with Eric.

Evelyn immediately pushed Damon away.

"Don't touch me without permission!"

Damon was surprised. She used to cling to him, but now she resisted his touch.

Is she playing hard to get?

He frowned. "Don't think your little tricks will work repeatedly. If you want to attract me, at least be as obedient as Elin."

Evelyn's gaze darkened.

In her past life, she had learned to be obedient, only to be mistaken for Elin by a drunken Damon. He possessed her while repeatedly calling out Elin's name, confessing his obsession with her. It felt like a dagger stabbing her heart.

Clenching her fists, her nails dug into her palms. Her eyes were full of mockery.

"Think whatever you like!"

Seeing her about to leave, Damon sneered. "And remember your place. You're my woman, the wife of the Hilton family! Don't flirt with those shady men!"

Evelyn glanced at Elin with amusement.

"Mr. Hilton, you have a white butterfly by your side. What right do you have to control me?"

He retorted confidently, "Elin and I are work-related. She assists me as needed. What's wrong with that?"

Evelyn pointed to the hall's surveillance cameras.

"Do you want to see how you were holding her hand just now? What kind of work relationship requires hand-holding? Like a hostess and a client?"

"Show some respect! I'm not..." he hurried to explain.

Evelyn lost patience and interrupted, "Let's divorce."

Damon froze, his brows furrowing deeply. "You're out of your mind tonight!"

"Even if we don't have feelings, a business marriage can't be dissolved just like that!"

He had intended to talk with her, understand her thoughts, and spend time with her...

Why did it turn out like this? He didn't want a divorce!

Evelyn didn't want to wait until she was worthless and abandoned by him.

She couldn't wait a single day; she wanted to kick him out now!

Evelyn tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "In a business marriage, who needs whose help more? You know better than I do."

"And this isn't a negotiation, it's an announcement. Just like you announced you'd bring Elin to the auction, I have the right to do the same."

After the auction, Evelyn's desire for a divorce and her extravagant spending became a hot topic.

Damon never came home again, and the house felt like a haunted mansion.

Evelyn looked at her account balance and sighed. She only had tens of millions, far from enough to buy the jewelry set.

She had thought the money was enough, but that damned Brian had appeared!

If she asked, the Elizabeth Group could give it to her. The problem was that the jewelry couldn't be immediately profitable, requiring months to appreciate.

And most of the Elizabeth family's liquid assets had been used to support Damon's Hilton Jewelry.

If they divorced, she could reclaim those funds.

Thinking of this, Evelyn felt a headache. She had offered to take only a quarter of the assets and give up her Hilton shares, but Damon refused to divorce!

Before she could figure out how to raise money, the auction house called her.

"Esteemed Miss Evelyn, your auction item has been fully paid for. If you don't have time to collect it, we can deliver it to you?"

Evelyn was stunned. "Who paid?"

"A Mr. Brian. He said he was your friend and bought it to apologize for teasing you."

Hanging up, Evelyn headed straight to Jones Group's meeting room.

Brian sat with his legs on the table, glancing at her like a rogue.

"So... you think your smile isn't worth a billion?"

"Did you come all the way here just to give me a bill? Hmm?"

Chapter 4 Come to My Side?

The atmosphere became a bit tense.

Evelyn didn’t want to mix business with personal feelings, especially with someone as unpredictable as Brian.

Holding the IOU, her heart raced uncontrollably.

“This is different. I don’t see us having that kind of relationship. Please accept my IOU.”

“What kind of relationship?” Brian’s gaze was locked on her as he leaned forward, his body exuding aggression, and pulled out the chair beside him.

“Tell me. If it matches what I think, I’ll accept the IOU, ha.”

Eric covered his forehead.

“Should I leave? Give you two some privacy? Can you consider the single guy here when you’re flirting?”

“No need.”

“No need!”

Compared to Brian’s calmness, Evelyn appeared somewhat flustered and angry.

Ignoring his invitation, she sat across from him.

“Of course, it's... a partnership. Your businesses are in Central America and along the Sicilian coast. You want to transform those gray and black industries but don’t know where to start. You need a few reliable partners, right?”

Eric instinctively looked at Brian. In his impression, the little princess of the Elizabeth family should only know how to indulge and shop, but she actually understood this, which made him see her in a new light.

Brian’s deep eyes darkened as he looked at Evelyn more seriously.

“Esteemed lady, I give you jewelry and support, yet you repay me with slander and... ungratefulness?”

“Exactly! Be careful, or we’ll send you a lawyer’s letter!” Eric chimed in.

She folded her hands, resting her chin on them.

“If I intended to do that, I would’ve told dear Damon all about this. He’d definitely be interested. But I didn’t. Instead, I foolishly brought an IOU to you.”

“You should see my sincerity. I don’t want toys. I want the right to stand by your side, like Mr. Eric.”

Without thinking, Eric stood up excitedly.

“No! I disagree. This isn’t the Elizabeth Group, where you can do whatever you want...”

Brian’s calm, hoarse voice interrupted him, “I agree. But will your dear Damon allow you to come to my side?”

“Brian! We don’t even know what she can bring. How can you just agree?”

He smiled slightly, his tone seductive.

“I only need her presence.”

Evelyn didn’t catch the deeper meaning of his words and hesitated for a moment.

“As you can see, my marriage with him won’t last long. Even if this damned marriage doesn’t end smoothly, I won’t care about his thoughts anymore.”

“Compared to unreliable romantic relationships, I prefer partners bound by mutual interests. And you’re a good choice.”

She pushed the IOU over in a businesslike manner.

Brian chuckled.

“So, I’m not the best or the only choice? That hurts, sweetheart.”

He took out a box, opened it, and placed it on the IOU, pushing it to the center of the table.

“Take this, and I’ll accept your... sincerity.”

It was the ring Brian had wanted to give her at the auction.

The ruby glowed with a seductive light, like the red tongue of the Eden serpent, tempting people to fall.

Evelyn pursed her lips and looked away.

“I hope our relationship is purely professional.”

“Of course! Just accept it. Whether you wear it or be my companion is up to you.” Brian’s tone was sincere, but his smile was playful. “Though I hope it’s not so simple, I’ll respect your choice.”

Evelyn’s breath caught, and her body felt unusually warm due to his words.

Damn respect!

She took the ring and hurriedly left the meeting room.

Seeing her completely gone, Eric relaxed.

“I really don’t understand you. For a woman you’ve only met a few times, you spent twenty billion without doing anything!”

“You Italians are crazy when it comes to love, aren’t you? Moreover, she’s Damon’s wife. Who knows if she’ll team up with that idiot to set you up.”

Brian gently kissed Evelyn’s signature on the IOU.

“No matter, I have plenty of money. Trading it for a chance to get close to her is worth it.”

When Evelyn returned home, she sensed something was off. Aunt Sophia didn’t greet her as usual.

Looking up, she saw Damon sitting on the living room sofa with a grim face.

She was merely curious why he wasn’t with his secretary and had no desire to talk, so she turned to go upstairs.

“Evelyn!” His voice was dark with anger as he stood and walked toward her.

Evelyn stopped.

“Agreed to divorce?”

The no longer always passionate Evelyn felt unfamiliar to Damon. His inexplicable displeasure made him even more impatient.

“Can you stop mentioning that all the time!”

She crossed her arms, leaning against the staircase railing.

“Then I can’t think of anything else to talk about.”

Damon took a few deep breaths.

“The junk you auctioned was delivered by the auction house. It’s on your dressing table.”

She nodded, her attitude cold as she turned to go upstairs.

“Got it.”

But Damon grabbed her wrist. He knew too well about Evelyn’s limited money.

“Where did you get the money to pay? Did you max out your credit card? But it’s okay. If you need money, you can ask me...”

Evelyn shook him off in disgust.

“I don’t need you. I’ve already solved it. If you touch me without my consent again, I’ll sue you for marital rape and apply for a restraining order!”

Damon sneered, leaning on the railing to trap her.

“It was that bastard Brian, wasn’t it?! I knew he had feelings for you! But don’t forget, you’re my wife! No matter who has dirty thoughts about you, it doesn’t change that fact!”

Evelyn mockingly lowered her eyes, avoiding his gaze.

“You’re so anxious. I don’t think it’s because you’re jealous for my sake. You’re just afraid I’ll squander your wealth and implicate you.”

Damon was stunned, his body stiffening.

It seemed she was right. Her tone grew colder.

“Rest assured, I know we’re only in a business marriage. I understand you don’t like me and don’t want to let me go now. So, you don’t need to come home and ‘chat’ with me. Go accompany your white butterfly, and I can have some peace.”

Damon was stunned for a moment. Evelyn easily pushed him away and headed upstairs without looking back.

Previously, he only saw Evelyn as a breathing tool for their alliance. But hearing her self-deprecating words, he realized his excessiveness.

Thanks to Evelyn’s pure and passionate love, Hilton Jewelry reached its current glory. However, now he felt he was losing this love.

He chased after her.

“Wait!”

“Tonight’s banquet, you’ll attend with me.”

Evelyn hesitated for a moment. Wasn’t this the business banquet Brian mentioned?

Damon’s gaze turned cold.

“Don’t you want to?”

“You’re not taking Elin, but me? Are you sure?” It wasn’t that she was picking a fight; Damon’s behavior was just too abnormal today.

He immediately called his secretary, instructing not to bring Elin, and then turned off his phone.

“Happy now?”

Evelyn chuckled, unsure of what he was up to.

“I’ll get ready.”

Her figure disappeared at the staircase, and Damon was still savoring her recent smile. How had he never noticed how sweet her smile was before?

Chapter 5 She is Mrs. Hilton

Elin had changed into her gown and was receiving compliments from her roommates while waiting for Damon's car to pick her up. Suddenly, her phone rang—it was Damon's assistant.

"The boss said he has his wife accompanying him tonight, so there's no need for you to come."

Her heart sank, and she bit her pale lips.

"Alright, please tell him to drink less; it's not good for his health."

Even after hanging up, she couldn't shake off the feeling of emptiness.

Faced with the concerned yet gossipy looks from her roommates, she shook her head helplessly.

"It's not appropriate for me to go to the places he needs to be. Men... business meetings can sometimes be... special, you know."

The gown felt like a constricting cocoon, uncomfortable to wear but hard to take off.

Clutching the hem of her dress, Elin couldn’t understand why Damon suddenly paid special attention to Evelyn, but tonight’s banquet was crucial for her.

Even if she insisted on going, Damon probably wouldn’t be too harsh with her.

Two hours before the banquet started, Evelyn came downstairs wearing the gown Damon had prepared for her and walked toward him.

Even though he had seen her fiery rose-like beauty before, the luxurious and elegant black lace gown now made Evelyn look coldly stunning, like an unattainable ice queen.

The sight of her made his heart skip a beat, and he instinctively took a few steps forward, inviting her to take his arm.

"You look beautiful tonight."

Jack, the assistant holding the car door for her, also exclaimed,

"Compared to that little girl, it’s like the difference between a woman and a goddess."

Evelyn was used to such compliments. She knew she had always been beautiful.

After she got into the car, Damon patted Jack's shoulder.

"Well said. Bonus for you this month!"

During the ride, Damon wanted to chat with Evelyn to improve their relationship, but she kept her eyes closed, resting by the window, not giving him a single chance.

Feeling a sense of loss for the first time with a woman, Damon’s interest in her grew.

Upon arrival, they immediately drew everyone’s attention. Cameras and flashes went off in a frenzy:

"Look! Is that... the Hiltons? My God, they look perfect together!"

"I definitely prefer Mrs. Hilton. She looks so enchanting."

"This is the first time seeing them attend an event together. It's rare. Get a picture!"

Damon wrapped his arm around her waist, gently supporting her up the stairs in high heels.

"Careful."

To his surprise, Evelyn moved swiftly, even faster than him.

Walking in high heels was a basic skill for socialites, unlike Elin, who only wore flat shoes.

Entering the venue, Evelyn saw many familiar faces, notable figures from the business and political worlds, as well as some small entrepreneurs who would become influential in the future.

When they saw her and Damon, they either greeted them or nodded and smiled when their eyes met.

Clearly, Damon's influence was not to be underestimated.

To wrestle with Damon in the future, she needed to network as much as possible—one Brian wasn't enough.

Before the banquet started, the sound of a bottle breaking attracted everyone's attention.

An elderly man in plain clothes had accidentally broken a wine bottle and was being scolded by the venue manager.

"Clumsy old man, get out!"

The old man, covered in spilled wine, bent down to pick up the shards.

Evelyn stopped him.

"Let the staff clean this up. You don’t want to cut yourself."

The rich aroma of the wine mingled with fruity notes. A single whiff was enough to impress her.

Despite having tasted countless fine wines, few could compare.

The manager recognized her and smiled apologetically.

"Good evening, Mrs. Hilton. I apologize for the disturbance. This old man spilled the wine Mr. Smith prepared. I was just about to throw him out!"

"Just clean it up. There are more important events tonight; don't let this upset Mr. Smith." Her voice was gentle but firm.

"Please have this gentleman bring more wine."

The manager's face stiffened, and he quickly arranged for the cleanup, signaling the old man to leave.

Damon handed her a glass of wine.

"I didn’t know you could be so gentle and reasonable."

She took the glass.

"Thank you."

"It depends on the person. I’m only gentle and reasonable to outsiders, especially when it can win Mr. Smith’s favor."

So, to her, he was now an outsider, which was why she treated him so distantly and politely?

Sipping the wine, the slightly sour taste mixed with spice as it went down. Damon's gaze remained glued to Evelyn, unable to look away.

Jack, the assistant, suddenly answered a call and whispered to Damon,

"Miss Elin is here, but she's being blocked outside."

Damon frowned impatiently, annoyed by anyone testing his limits.

Instinctively, he looked at Evelyn, who was elegantly socializing with other ladies, perfectly composed and not needing him at all.

Elin, on the other hand, was probably anxious and teary-eyed, waiting for his rescue.

Though he didn’t know why Elin had come, leaving briefly shouldn’t be an issue and might even provoke Evelyn.

So, when he brought Elin inside, he felt no guilt and even anticipated Evelyn’s reaction.

However, Evelyn didn’t notice his absence, still engrossed in conversation.

This left Damon feeling dejected. Elin gently tugged at his sleeve.

"Sorry, Mr. Damon, I must have troubled you again, right?"

"It’s all my fault. I thought Mrs. Hilton might not understand jewelry after her recent losses and feared she couldn’t handle the guests. That's why I didn’t listen and came."

Elin's soft words only irritated Damon more. He handed her to Jack.

"I’m going to the smoking room. Stay here and don’t wander off."

She obediently agreed but headed straight toward Evelyn as soon as Damon left.

She believed she could outshine Evelyn just by appearing, just as she easily won Damon’s favor.

Unexpectedly, she bumped into an old man, causing the wine he was holding to smash, staining her dress.

Elin was shocked and screamed,

"Are you blind? Watch where you're going!"

Her shrill voice instantly drew everyone's attention, and her rude behavior made everyone disdainful.

Despite the old man apologizing and offering his handkerchief to clean her dress, she remained obnoxious.

"This is a custom dress! You can’t wash out these stains! How am I supposed to wear this again?!"

Chapter 6 Elin Crashes the Party

The room was so silent that a pin drop could be heard. Elin, realizing the awkwardness, covered her mouth, trying to appear dignified.

"But I believe you didn't do it on purpose."

"I should also apologize. I didn’t see you, and that's why I bumped into you."

No matter how she tried to salvage the situation, the first impression she left was unchangeable, only reinforcing her image as fake and pretentious.

Evelyn frowned as she watched. The flustered, panicked figure was unmistakably Elin, but why was she here?

Damon, despite being a scoundrel, wasn't one to go back on his word.

Seeing Evelyn staring at Elin, the noblewomen around her couldn't help but ask,

"Sweetheart, do you know that embarrassing girl?"

"Oh my, she's so rude and ill-mannered! Even my aunt’s Bichon Frise is better behaved."

"I think I’ve seen her before. Wasn't she always following your husband around?"

Evelyn sighed and nodded,

"Yes, that’s my husband’s intern secretary. She's also a poor student he sponsors. They say she has excellent grades and is a key talent at Hilton Company."

Her helpless expression quickly garnered sympathy and pity from the women, who looked at Elin with even more disdain.

When Damon returned, he saw Elin standing helplessly in the hall, her dress wet and clinging awkwardly to her body, surrounded by broken glass.

She looked tearful and apologetic, as if someone had wronged her!

Not knowing what had happened, but assuming Elin was the victim, Damon instinctively saw her as such due to her usual obedience and gentleness.

He immediately took off his coat and draped it over Elin.

"You don’t need to apologize."

He then scolded the old man still picking up the glass.

"And you! How could you be so careless? Is this how the venue manager trains their staff?"

His sleeve was tugged gently as Elin, tearfully, interjected,

"It’s not his fault. It’s all because I was careless. I just saw Miss Evelyn and wanted to say hello, and then…"

The venue manager quickly arrived and, seeing the old man, whispered angrily,

"You again! Who let you in here? If you can't work properly, go home. Why stay here getting in the way?"

Saying this, he pushed the old man, who nearly fell onto the broken glass but was caught by Evelyn.

Supporting the old man, she said,

"Don’t go overboard. This gentleman has already apologized sincerely, and it wasn’t even his fault."

"We all saw it was Miss Elin who wasn’t watching where she was going, causing this mess and wasting so much fine wine!"

Facing Damon’s deep blue eyes, she showed no fear.

"Shouldn’t she be the one to apologize?"

"You’re openly defying me? For a stranger?" Damon smirked coldly.

Evelyn stood her ground.

"I’m standing up for justice. Besides, the venue has surveillance. Checking the footage will clarify everything."

"But then your Elin will only be more humiliated."

She glanced at Elin, whose face had turned pale, clinging tightly to Damon.

"Let’s just leave it, the lady is right. It’s all my fault. The banquet is about to start; let’s not let a trivial matter upset Mr. Smith."

Damon, seeing reason in her words, calmed down, and the venue returned to peace.

Elin felt as if everyone around was watching and discussing her, though they quieted when she looked. The feeling of isolation was unbearable, while Evelyn, surrounded like a proud princess, shone brightly. Even though they wore the same dress, Evelyn's looked like a high-end original, and Elin’s seemed like a cheap imitation.

She pouted,

"Wow, the lady is so popular, she gets along with everyone. Unlike me, clumsy and awkward, with only Mr. Damon not minding. I really shouldn’t have come."

Damon, feeling uncomfortable seeing Evelyn socializing warmly with others but cold toward him, replied,

"No, it’s fine that you came. Networking can help you integrate better into Hilton’s upper management."

Relieved by his lack of reproach, Elin smiled sweetly again.

"But I don’t want to leave your side. I don’t know anyone here, and I’m afraid I’ll cause trouble."

"Just now, the lady saw I was in trouble but ignored it. Mr. Damon, I can only rely on you."

This reminded him of Evelyn’s old behavior, making him feel better.

"Alright."

Jack, the assistant, looked worriedly at Evelyn.

"But sir, what about the lady…"

"Does she look like she needs me? Just keep an eye on her and make sure she behaves." Damon remembered how Evelyn had previously stolen the spotlight.

Jack conveyed the message to Evelyn, mimicking Damon’s tone perfectly.

She nodded calmly,

"Understood."

With Damon leading, Elin quickly mingled with the influential figures, appearing to converse freely but actually only benefiting from Damon’s presence.

Despite her good grades, they meant little at this level. Professional experience, highest education, and family background were crucial, making Elin seem like a child eager to join adult conversations, flaunting her achievements, only to be patronized.

Evelyn watched, finding it ironic. In the past, their roles were reversed; she was the one who insisted on attending the banquet despite Damon’s rejection, losing her composure and dignity in front of Elin.

Trying too hard to please Damon and blend in with the elites, she had made many blunders.

Seeing Elin now, Evelyn realized how pathetic she had once been.

Elin hit a wall with a couple who had witnessed everything and disliked her. They intentionally spoke in Spanish, which she didn’t understand. They were important clients Damon was about to partner with, and he was trying to smooth things over when Evelyn gracefully approached.

Speaking fluent Spanish, she quickly made them laugh, shook hands with her, and patted Damon’s shoulder.

"Your wife is amazing! Looking forward to our cooperation!"

Elin clenched her fists, speaking respectfully but cautiously,

"The lady is truly impressive, even speaking such a difficult language, helping Mr. Damon."

Evelyn didn’t respond. She was just thirsty and conveniently grabbed a glass of champagne nearby.

A champagne glass was handed to her by Damon, who was surprised,

"You know Spanish. I underestimated you. What did you say to make them so happy?"

"I told them their batch of raw stones would sell well." She sipped the champagne, seeing a strange fire in Damon’s eyes through the glass.

He stared at her intensely, making her uncomfortable.

"What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?"

"Who told you they had raw stones? And that they would sell well?" Damon leaned closer, his breath almost touching her face.