Chapter 54

A shadowy figure emerged from the rustling trees. A girl lurked halfway behind the trunk, clutching her phone with icy eyes fixed on the departing luxury car.

Her fingers flew across the screen. Several covert photos were instantly transmitted.

Evelyn Laurent remained oblivious. She leaned back in the car seat, eyelids heavy with exhaustion. Ethan Sullivan hesitated, then silently started the engine.

Inside The Grand Hyatt's private dining room, Victoria Langley and Richard Langley frantically refreshed Harvard University's forum. Every supportive comment they posted for their daughter was instantly drowned in a flood of vitriol.

Dominic Langley's expression darkened as he meticulously recorded each malicious username in a notebook.

The door hinges creaked.

All three froze, hastily pocketing their phones as they turned toward the entrance.

"Evelyn!" Victoria rushed forward, enveloping her daughter in a fierce embrace. Her eyes glistened as fingertips traced Evelyn's gaunt cheeks. "You've lost so much weight."

"I'm fine, Mom." Evelyn forced a weak smile.

They seated her at the head of the table, her father and brothers immediately showering her with concern. The family carefully avoided mentioning the forum scandal, maintaining their cheerful facade.

Victoria discreetly studied her daughter's expression. Seeing no awareness of the rumors, she exhaled slightly in relief.

When Ethan returned from his phone call, the room was filled with laughter.

Meanwhile, Harvard's forum exploded.

The hashtag #EvelynLaurentSugarDaddyProof trended at the top. The limited-edition BMW in the photos drew venomous comments.

"Gold diggers don't belong at Harvard."

"That wrapped-up sugar daddy must be some decrepit old man."

"Expel her immediately!"

The digital lynching intensified.

Back at The Grand Hyatt, Victoria kept Evelyn entertained with anecdotes. Seeing the faint smile on her daughter's lips, the three men exchanged relieved glances.

Unbeknownst to them, the university president's office remained brightly lit. Harrison Whitmore stared at his computer screen, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"This requires immediate action," he said gravely into the phone. "Things are escalating dangerously."

Outside, the night thickened like ink. A greater storm was gathering.