Chapter 4 — The Recording

Morning sunlight poured through the tall windows of the Carter mansion, but Evelyn Carter felt no warmth at all.

She stood in front of the mirror while fastening the pearl buttons of her blouse, her thoughts still trapped in last night’s conversation.

A partnership with Damien Blackwood.

Even now, it sounded insane.

In her previous life, Damien had been the person who destroyed her completely.

But he was also the only person who seemed to know how deep the conspiracy truly went.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

“Miss Carter,” the maid said nervously, “Miss Hayes is here to see you.”

Evelyn’s expression turned cold instantly.

Sophia Hayes.

Right on time.

“Let her in.”

A few seconds later, Sophia entered the bedroom carrying two cups of coffee and her usual bright smile.

“You left the party so suddenly last night,” Sophia said playfully. “I was worried about you.”

Liar.

Evelyn accepted the coffee calmly while hiding the disgust in her eyes.

“Just tired,” she replied.

Sophia sat beside her casually.

“You and Damien looked very serious on the balcony.” Her voice sounded light, but her eyes watched Evelyn carefully. “Did something happen?”

Evelyn nearly smiled.

There it was.

Sophia fishing for information already.

In the past, Evelyn would have trusted her completely.

This time, she saw every hidden movement clearly.

“Nothing important,” Evelyn answered smoothly. “Why?”

Sophia shrugged innocently.

“You know how people talk. Some guests said you two looked like you were arguing.”

Evelyn lowered her gaze toward the coffee cup.

“Even if we were,” she said softly, “that’s between my fiancé and me.”

For the briefest moment, Sophia’s smile stiffened.

Jealousy flashed through her eyes before disappearing again.

Interesting.

Evelyn remembered now.

Sophia had always wanted Damien.

Even before the betrayal.

Suddenly, Sophia reached for her phone.

“Oh right,” she said casually. “I almost forgot—I recorded part of the engagement party for memories.”

Evelyn’s heartbeat slowed dangerously.

Recorded?

Sophia turned the phone screen toward her with a sweet smile.

And there it was.

A blurry video of Evelyn and Damien talking alone on the balcony.

Not the full conversation. Just enough to create suspicion.

Sophia sighed dramatically.

“You know how rumors spread online these days,” she murmured. “If people misunderstand your relationship before the wedding, it could damage both the Carter and Blackwood families.”

A threat.

Hidden beneath concern.

Evelyn finally understood.

Sophia wasn’t only manipulative.

She was patient.

Careful.

Dangerous.

“What do you want?” Evelyn asked calmly.

Sophia blinked innocently.

“What?”

“You rarely do anything without a reason.”

For several seconds, silence filled the room.

Then Sophia smiled softly.

“I’m only trying to protect you.”

Evelyn almost laughed.

Protect?

Just like she “protected” her in their previous life?

Before Evelyn could respond, her phone suddenly vibrated on the table.

A message from Damien.

Meet me at Blackwood Hotel. Urgent.

Sophia noticed the message immediately.

Her expression darkened slightly.

“You’re meeting Damien already?” she asked carefully.

Evelyn locked the screen calmly.

“Yes.”

Sophia forced another smile.

“You two really are inseparable lately.”

But her fingers tightened visibly around her phone.

Evelyn noticed everything.

The jealousy. The nervousness. The fear.

Good.

For the first time, the balance between them had started to shift.

Evelyn stood slowly and picked up her handbag.

“You should rest, Sophia,” she said sweetly. “You look stressed.”

Sophia’s smile almost cracked.

As Evelyn walked toward the door, Sophia suddenly spoke again.

“Evelyn.”

She paused.

Sophia’s voice became softer.

“Be careful who you trust this time.”

The words sent a cold chill down Evelyn’s spine.

This time?

Slowly, Evelyn turned around.

But Sophia only smiled sweetly again, as if nothing strange had happened.

And suddenly—

Evelyn realized something terrifying.

What if Sophia remembered the previous life too?

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