Chapter 225 I Don't Need You to Be Good to Me
The guests shuffled into another hall, getting ready for the auction.
Evelyn slipped away from the media, dodging the spotlight, and found some quiet in the corridor.
"Evelyn!" William rushed over, looking all worried. "You okay?"
"Just some annoying reporters, no biggie." Evelyn's eyes were calm, with a slight frown. "You shouldn't be here with me. You should be in the hall, making sure everything's running smoothly."
"But I'm worried about you." William's voice was rough with urgency. "Those reporters are here just to mess with you! They keep bringing up our mistakes to embarrass you!"
"Isn't that the usual? Just 'cause you're hosting a charity event doesn't mean the reporters are gonna be all nice." Evelyn's face was indifferent. "Besides, they weren't wrong. I did mess up, giving some flashy peacocks a chance to peck at me. Can't blame others for that."
When she mentioned flashy peacocks, William immediately thought of Tiffany and Debra.
"But there's one thing you got wrong. Those reporters were sent by someone, but not to ruin me—to help me." Evelyn leaned against the wall, tapping her arm lightly. "Let Debra have her moment. Let her make a scene. What I'm best at is making my opponent fall hard when they think they've got it all. It's kinda fun."
William shivered at the dark look in Evelyn's eyes, so much like Landon when he was ruthless.
This rose was beautiful, but it had thorns and was poisonous!
The hall still needed William to organize things, so he hurried back.
Evelyn had been busy with the event all day, having only had a simple breakfast, no lunch or dinner, and not a sip of water.
She was starving, collapsing weakly onto the sofa and kicking off her high heels.
She curled up pitifully, her stomach cramping with hunger.
"So hungry, so very hungry..." Evelyn murmured weakly, slowly closing her eyes.
Suddenly, she caught a faint whiff of rich chocolate, tantalizing her nostrils.
She thought she was hallucinating from hunger, her little nose twitching like a cute puppy sniffing around.
"Just smelling? Not eating?" a deep, magnetic voice sounded, low and cold, like it was wrapped in ice.
Evelyn's heart skipped a beat, and she opened her eyes abruptly, her startled eyes meeting Edward's deep, starry gaze.
It had to be said, no matter the time or place, those stunning eyes had an inexplicable charm for her.
At this moment, Evelyn lay on the sofa, looking at Edward kneeling on one knee before her, with a chocolate cupcake in his hands.
Her hands, clutching her empty stomach, tightened involuntarily.
'We've been married for three years, and Edward has never once bent down or lowered his head for me. During the time I loved him, like a moth to a flame, I have always been the one crying, feeling wronged, and being humble.' As her thoughts swirled, her eyes reddened, and her breathing became erratic.
Edward remained kneeling, frowning slightly as she didn't respond and asking, "Didn't you say you were hungry? Why aren't you eating? This is your favorite, chocolate flavor. Don't worry, it's not poisoned."
"I don't want it." Evelyn's throat was choked with inexplicable emotions, feeling both sad and aggrieved.
"I heard from May that you've been having stomach issues. Prolonged fasting can be quite harmful to your stomach," he said.
"I said, I don't want it!" Evelyn's eyes reddened as she suddenly swatted her hand, sending the cupcake flying from Edward's hand!
"Evelyn! You!"
The cupcake landed far away, smashed to pieces.
A surge of anger shot through Edward's mind, the disappointment like a bucket of ice water poured over him, chilling him to the bone.
It wasn't just the cupcake that was smashed, but his heart as well.
"Evelyn, what's wrong with you?" Edward said angrily.
Evelyn slowly sat up, no longer feeling hungry, her mind filled with chaotic emotions and resentment, and she said, "I hate you, and I hate you even more when you act all considerate towards me. Edward, do you know that the way you are now feels like an insult to me?"
"What are you talking about?" Edward's brows furrowed, finding her incomprehensible.
"I said, stay away from me. I don't need your kindness, not even a bit." Evelyn stood up, fighting through the stomach pain, her face pale as she continued, "Is it because Nicole left you that you have nowhere to dump your misplaced affections? I'm not a garbage bin, so don't settle for me. You may want to degrade yourself, but I don't want to lower my worth!"
Edward clenched his fists tightly, his eyes reddening with immense grievance and shame.
'I just saw her suffering from hunger and wanted to give her a piece of cake to ease it. How can she say such things to me, cutting into my heart like a knife?' he thought.
Evelyn put on her high heels and straightened her back, walking forward with determination.
Edward picked up the cake again, struggling to catch his breath while watching her back.
The Evelyn of today would never smile at him like a blooming flower.
Their failed marriage was a painful shadow in her heart.
It had left her like a soldier with PTSD, having survived countless battles. Any kindness from him now only made her more resistant and suspicious.
Edward's thin lips trembled as he endured the sharp pain in his heart, crushing the cake in his hand.
It seemed he had ruined her and the original good relationship.
---
The venue.
There was still some time before the auction, and Eiss and Ada, as the two big names in the fashion and entertainment circles tonight, naturally attracted everyone's attention, with the media constantly surrounding them for interviews.
Tiffany was chatting and networking with other socialites, while Debra and Jessica each had their own plans.
Debra planned to take a photo with Ada and then accept another round of interviews. After all, she had secured the collaboration, wanting to publicize it to showcase her abilities.
Jessica, on the other hand, wanted to get a photo with Eiss to boost her fashion credibility, which would be beneficial for her future in the fashion industry.
"Ms. Smith! I didn't expect you to wear that necklace to the event tonight. It seems you really like it!"
Debra saw Ada wearing the necklace she had given her, using it as an excuse to strike up a conversation.
The reporters surrounded them, and the flashlights kept going off.
"Of course, I like it. After all, it's an Alexa piece." Ada said.
'Although I don't like Debra's flashy and shallow personality, she has given me the necklace, and the Wellington Group is hosting my wedding, so I can't be cold to her.' Ada thought as she graciously posed for a photo with Debra.
Seeing Ada's attitude soften, Debra was overjoyed!
"Ms. Smith! For tonight's charity auction, are you planning to bid on an item to contribute to the charity, or are you planning to donate an item to enhance the event?" a reporter asked.
"Tonight, I plan to donate a piece of jewelry to support the charity event," Ada replied with a smile.
"What kind of jewelry? Can you give us a hint?" the reporter asked.
"I'll keep it a surprise for now. You'll find out soon enough." Ada said.
Meanwhile, Jessica was looking for an opportunity to approach Eiss.
Finally, after Eiss finished her interview, Jessica gathered her courage to approach and said hurriedly, "Eiss! Excuse me!"
Eiss stopped at the call, her cold eyes behind her sunglasses looking at the smiling Jessica.
Eiss didn't recognize Jessica. Observing her evening gown, though it was this season's haute couture, it didn't complement her complexion and the style didn't suit her either. She concluded that this woman had mediocre taste, buying expensive things without regard for appropriateness, and thus was even less inclined to engage with her.
"I grew up reading your edited issues of MINT magazine. I am an ardent fan of MINT!" Jessica's round, youthful face flushed with a shy blush as she flattered Eiss.
"Grew up? Am I that old?" Eiss responded with a perfunctory smile.
"No, not at all! " Jessica, sweating with embarrassment, hurriedly explained, "I mean, I really admire you! I really like you! Can I take a photo with you..."
However, before she could finish, Eiss moved past her quickly, not even glancing at her!
"Eiss!" Jessica said as she lifted her skirt and turned around, and the next second, her pupils shrank, and her face turned ashen.
"Ms. Taylor, I've been waiting for you!" Eiss's lips curved up as she eagerly walked towards Evelyn, as if they were old friends for years!
