Chapter 4 - Shadows of the Past
Evelyn spent the next three days in a haze of preparation, but the reality of her life outside the library refused to leave her alone.
She lived in a modest, one-bedroom apartment on the edge of Oakridge, far away from her stepfather’s sprawling estate in the suburbs. Ever since her mother had passed away seven years ago, Richard Marlow had effectively erased Evelyn from his life, lavishing all his wealth and affection on his second wife, Eleanor, and her daughter, Julianna.
On Thursday evening, as Evelyn was leaving the library after locking up the main entrance, a sleek silver sports car pulled up to the curb.
The window rolled down, revealing Julianna Marlow.
Julianna looked like a magazine cover—flawless blonde hair, designer sunglasses resting on her head despite the dusk, and a predatory smile.
"Evelyn," Julianna purred, stepping out of the car in sky-high red heels. "I heard the most hilarious rumor today at the country club."
Evelyn kept walking toward her old sedan, her key ring clutched tightly in her hand. "I'm busy, Julianna."
"They say you went to the Wexler estate," Julianna said, stepping into Evelyn's path. "They say you made an absolute fool of yourself in front of Beatrice Wexler and her guests. Did you really think you could beg for money from people like that?"
Evelyn stopped, keeping her voice calm. "I went to advocate for the library. Something that benefits hundreds of families."
"It's embarrassing, Evelyn!" Julianna snapped, dropping her sweet facade. "Dad is trying to close a major land deal with the city, and you're running around looking like a charity case, making our family look poor! Do you know how hard it was for Mom to explain to her friends why my stepsister looks like a servant?"
Evelyn looked at Julianna—really looked at her. For years, Julianna's sharp words had cut her to the bone. But after standing face-to-face with Adrian Wexler, Julianna’s malice seemed pathetically small.
"Your mother told everyone I was a charity case long before I stepped foot near the library, Julianna," Evelyn said quietly. "And as for the land deal... tell Richard he should look for another block."
Julianna laughed, a cold, shrill sound. "Dad already has the zoning committee in his pocket! That run-down library will be rubble by the end of the month. And as for Adrian Wexler? Don't get any pathetic ideas just because he gave you two minutes of pity. He's attending the winter gala with Clara Vance. Everyone knows they're as good as engaged."
Evelyn felt a small, sharp pang in her chest at the mention of Clara Vance, but she kept her expression perfectly blank.
"Goodnight, Julianna," Evelyn said, sliding into her car and locking the door.
As she drove away, watching Julianna glare at her in the rearview mirror, her phone chimed on the passenger seat.
It was a text message from an unknown number:
May you like
A car will pick you up at 2:00 PM on Saturday. We have a fitting with Madame Laurent for the gala. - A.W.
Evelyn stared at the screen, her heart skipping a beat. The storm was coming, but for the first time in her life, she wasn't running away from it.
