Chapter 5

Graham forced Evelyn to attend the gala.

Mara followed close behind him.

Everyone in their social circle understood what it meant that Mara had risen to executive assistant within a year and now followed Graham openly.

The guests crowded around Graham and Mara with flattering smiles, gradually pushing Evelyn to the edge of the group.

"Evelyn, are you all right?"

Lucas Bennett, who had previously worked with Fitzgerald Holdings, noticed her pallor and asked out of genuine concern.

Evelyn didn't want to burden anyone, so she shook her head. "I'm fine."

"By the way, why is Fitzgerald Holdings moving so much of its business to New Albion? Are you..."

"What about New Albion?"

Graham stepped between Evelyn and Lucas with visible displeasure, separating them.

Evelyn panicked for a moment and answered quickly. "We were discussing several companies that have recently expanded there."

Graham nodded, though his expression remained sour.

Only after Lucas left did he instruct Mara, "Stay here with Evie."

Mara's reluctance flashed across her face before she hid it. "Of course, Graham. I'll take good care of Ms. Fitzgerald."

The moment Graham walked away, Mara's expression changed. She raised her chin arrogantly.

"How does it feel to watch someone steal every piece of affection that used to belong to you?"

The pain in Evelyn's abdomen sharpened. She endured it long enough to answer, "How does it feel to steal something that belongs in the trash?"

Then her vision went black, and she curled on the floor in agony.

Mara smiled with delight. She even kicked Evelyn before bending down to whisper in her ear.

"Ms. Fitzgerald, you really are in pain.

"I know you ended the pregnancy. I also made sure you ate the crab.

"But tell me, which one of us do you think Graham will believe?"

Then Mara cried out in exaggerated shock. "Ms. Fitzgerald, what happened?"

Graham rushed over at once. The moment he saw Evelyn on the floor, panic overtook him, and he bent to lift her.

"I didn't touch her. Ms. Fitzgerald threatened me, then threw herself onto the floor."

Graham steadied himself and ordered someone to retrieve the security footage.

The recording showed that Mara hadn't touched Evelyn before she collapsed.

Graham sighed. "Evie, is this entertaining to you?"

Evelyn was in too much pain to speak. She could only watch him leave with Mara.

"Evie, I came to pick you up after class!"

"Evie, let me drive you home!"

"Evie, will you be my girlfriend?"

"Evie, marry me!"

The memories of Graham running toward her overlapped with the sight of him walking away beside another woman.

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she whispered, "Graham, I don't want to marry you anymore..."