The Billionaire's Rental Wife Is A Hot Shot

Both Zevian and Evelyn looked in the direction Avery pointed, their eyes wide with surprise. When they saw no one resembling Mr. Igor, they turned back to Avery, who burst out laughing.

"I was joking," Avery mumbled. Zevian’s grip on Evelyn loosened as he stepped toward Avery, his eyes blazing with anger. Avery instinctively stepped back, sensing the brewing storm. Before they could continue their argument, Sophia and Annabelle walked toward them.

"Ah, they have the nerve to show up!" Avery muttered under her breath, her lips curling in disdain at Sophia’s saccharine smile.

"Your father is sick and couldn’t make it to the party, Evelyn. But he has sent his blessings for both of you," Sophia said, masking her husband’s absence. William’s hatred for Evelyn had only grown after Annabelle’s confession online, and that was all that mattered to Sophia.

When there was silence, she spoke again, "I know there’s been a lot of feud between you and Annabelle, and you might think I’m involved. But we should end it all and start anew, Evelyn." Turning to Zevian, she continued with a smile, "After all, your mistakes led you to such an amazing husband."

Evelyn clenched her jaw, the familiar façade of Sophia’s innocence gnawing at her patience. Before she could say something, Zevian placed a hand on her waist, gently pulling her closer.

"You are right, Mrs. Wright," Zevian started, smiling at Sophia before turning to Evelyn. His gaze instantly softened, something even the guests noticed. "If not for your daughter’s mistake of spiking her drinks, I would never have had the chance to meet Evelyn."

"So, thank you, Annabelle, for helping me meet my soulmate," he finished, his gaze falling on Annabelle, whose cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

Clearly, Zevian had declared Evelyn innocent, and many knew he wasn’t someone to trust blindly, not even his own family when it came to matters of righteousness. They had seen it in the past, and it made everyone rethink the spiking drinks scandal.

Sophia instantly took Annabelle’s side, trying to paste her lie as the truth. "It was Evelyn who spiked the drinks by joining hands with Nicholas, Mr. Reign."

Zevian raised an eyebrow, a sarcastic chuckle escaping his mouth. "If that helps you save your broken image in front of your shareholders, then fine. Let’s stick with that, Mrs. Wright."

Sophia’s smile faded at his words, not expecting someone better at turning tables and twisting facts. Before she could reply, Zevian suddenly turned to Evelyn, surprising everyone with his actions.

"Thank you for spiking your drink and meeting me, Evelyn," he stated in a mocking tone before leaning in to place a small peck on her cheek.

Evelyn’s eyes widened in surprise, a blush creeping exactly where his lips had touched her cheek. Composing herself, she played along, "My pleasure, honey." Turning to Annabelle, she added, "I’m so glad I spiked my drinks and not hers that day."

The people around them couldn’t hold their laughter as the couple started roasting the mother-daughter duo with no remorse. Avery enjoyed it the most, watching closely as different shades of gray spread across Sophia’s face.

"Alright, if you’re done exchanging greetings, let’s go greet some important guests," Avery said, pressing on the word "important," causing Sophia to glare at her. Evelyn and Zevian nodded before walking away, leaving Annabelle to face Sophia’s wrath.

"You know what to do, right?" Sophia asked, staring at Evelyn’s back. When Annabelle didn’t reply, she glared at her and warned, "I swear, if you mess up this time, I will be the one revealing your true colors to the world." With that, she quickly entered her sweet phase again and went to chat with the ladies around.

"Go ahead and try! I’m also eager to reveal your true lover," Annabelle hissed as her mother walked away. Since Vincent or any of his family weren’t here, she didn’t need to sprint and walk around, catching up with the new friends she had made after becoming the Wright heiress.

The party went smoothly with formal greetings and informal gossip. Many could only admire how much the Reign family adored Evelyn, making them envy her luck. She must have done some good deed in her past life, they thought observing her every move.

Zevian got busy talking with his investors, and Evelyn decided to head to the food court. Her eyes searched for Kiana and Elias, who had been away for quite a while now. A smile formed on her face when she saw them playing around. But before she could walk over, someone suddenly grabbed her hand and dragged her to a secluded table.

"Let go of me!" Evelyn snapped, wrenching her arm free from Annabelle’s grip. Evelyn glared at her and tried to step away, only for her sweet sister to block her way. "What do you want now?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"Please forgive me, Evelyn," Annabelle began, tears forming in her eyes. "I was forced to lie by Aunt Felicia. She warned me to withdraw from Dad’s new project if I didn’t lie on the live broadcast. I am sorry." Tears naturally trickled down her face, drawing attention.

"Are you done?" Evelyn asked nonchalantly. When Annabelle didn’t reply, Evelyn sighed and turned to leave, knowing this wouldn’t end well for her.

But suddenly, Annabelle blocked her path again, her hand deftly reaching for the wine glass on the table. Before Evelyn could react, Annabelle smiled and said, "Let’s start fresh with some wine, Evelyn. Please accept it."

Evelyn didn’t even get the chance to reply before Annabelle suddenly poured the liquid on her dress, drenching her golden gown completely. She shoved the empty glass into Evelyn’s hand, attracting the attention of onlookers.

"Look! Evelyn splashed wine on her sister!" gasped a nearby lady, drawing a curious crowd in seconds. Pictures were snapped of Annabelle sobbing while Evelyn stood dazed, staring at the glass in her hand.

Sophia, who heard the commotion, quickly rushed over and reached Annabelle, checking if she was okay. "What happened?" she asked, taking out a few tissues to clean her dress.

"I just wanted to start fresh with her," Annabelle mumbled between sobs, earning pity from the crowd.

"Why do you always have to be so cruel to her, Evelyn?" Sophia mumbled, her voice shaking with disappointment. Evelyn couldn’t help but hate herself for falling into this trap again.

"The Reign family must be blind to believe she is innocent," guests started to whisper among themselves, framing Evelyn as the evil, shameful member of the humble Wright family.

"Right? How can they not see through her facade?"

"Seems like she has wrapped Mr. Reign around her finger. If not, why would they even care to take her side?"

Many started to criticize, jumping to conclusions without even hearing Evelyn’s side, as always. The commotion also attracted the Reign and Cartwell families, with everyone worriedly rushing toward Evelyn, except for Jonathan.

"What happened?" Avery asked Evelyn, her eyes moving from the glass to Annabelle, who was crying in front of them.

"Can’t you see, Miss Cartwell? Your dear friend has insulted poor Annabelle yet again," someone from the crowd mumbled, and Zevian glared at the person, making sure to silence them.

"No, it’s not Evelyn’s fault. Don’t blame her!" Annabelle mumbled, her little sobs garnering more sympathy. Wiping her tears, she added, "It was my fault. I should have been careful."

"Oh, stop protecting her, Anna!" Elaine had jumped to take her friend’s side and avenge the little accident a few days ago. Glaring at Evelyn, she continued, "This prostitute doesn’t deserve even an ounce of your kindness."

"No, Elaine. It’s my fault! Please don’t blame Evelyn," Annabelle added, her words only fueling the crowd’s scrutiny of Evelyn.

"Then let’s find out if it’s really your fault, Mrs. Wright," Zevian said, stepping right beside Evelyn. He didn’t even care to question Evelyn, proving he blindly trusted her.

Annabelle’s expression changed, but she nodded, confident in her performance. She had made sure to choose a place away from photographers and the cameras, so even if searched, it would seem like Evelyn had thrown the wine from afar.

Zevian looked at the staff, who quickly nodded and walked to the table beside Annabelle. Taking out the flowers from the vase, they revealed a hidden camera that shocked everyone, especially Annabelle. Her face paled as her eyes met Zevian’s intimidating stare, a shiver running down her spine. She was doomed for real now!