Chapter 176

Sophia Lowell clenched the program sheet, her knuckles turning white. She suppressed her resentment, forcing a concerned expression as she whispered with classmates about the recent mishap.

After emergency repairs, the stage was finally restored. The centennial gala at Harvard University resumed only after thorough safety checks by the crew.

Despite the accident, the dance team's performance dazzled the audience. Though the two injured girls moved stiffly—one limping slightly, the other nursing scrapes on her arm.

As the final note faded, thunderous applause erupted.

Countless admiring gazes fixed on Evelyn Laurent and Lillian Rothschild. Especially Evelyn—this girl from the countryside stunned everyone with her extraordinary grace.

Sophia listened to the unending applause, her nails digging into her palms. She never expected Evelyn to escape unscathed.

Backstage, Lillian urged the injured dancers to visit the infirmary. She turned to Evelyn with concern. "Are you really alright?"

"I'm fine." Evelyn smiled faintly, but a sharp glint flashed in her eyes.

Too convenient. The exact spot where she stood had malfunctioned. Had she not reacted swiftly, she would've been the first to fall.

Evelyn discreetly examined the broken plank. Clear saw marks lined the edges, and the nails were loose. This was no accident.

She changed calmly and returned to her seat, sensing several intense stares. Meeting Victoria Langley's worried gaze, she offered a reassuring smile.

Her phone lit up with unread messages—her parents, brothers, and Ethan Sullivan all inquiring about her condition.

She replied to each before settling back to watch the remaining performances.

In the audience, Victoria and the others visibly relaxed. Ethan, however, typed rapidly on his phone, his expression icy.

He wasn't texting Evelyn. He was mobilizing his team to review the stage surveillance footage. That broken plank reeked of sabotage.

Whoever dared tamper with Harvard's centennial gala had nerves of steel. What unsettled Ethan more was how the scheme seemed targeted at Evelyn.

The thought darkened his eyes, a dangerous aura radiating from him.