Remember to Vote + Comment = Voment! Song and singer for this chapter are as follows. Let me know what you'll think about this chapter in the comments section below!

Song Name The Kill (Bury Me)
Singer Name: 30 Seconds To Mars
Cover By: First To Eleven

Without further ado here is another chapter of LOVE WILL CONQUER!

💜HAPPY READING💜
⚜️⚜️⚜️

Chapter No.26

Evelyn's POV:

I know what I did was utterly horrible but my hands are really tied. And I need to do whatever it takes to protect the ones I love. Now is not the time to fall in love when everyone around me is in utter danger. By doing this I know I've now officially lost the trust and love of the Theodores but it's worth it.

The next day only Ly and Mark come to visit with Ron. They all told me that for some reason no one was willing to visit but it was completely understandable. But on the plus side, Mommy's recovering and in better shape than before.

Sitting on the bench in the garden 4 days later I decide to do what I should've done some time back, Mark comes and sits beside me, "What's on your mind, little bro?"

I chuckle at his even now ridiculous nickname, "Mark I have decided to re-open the case that was buried all those years ago. I've had enough."

He looks shocked, "Eve... You do know the effect it'll have on our business don't you?"

"I do... That's why I need all of you with me more now than ever before."

"I had a feeling you'll say this. Don't worry. I've talked to Uncle Bernard and Aunt Celia they'll back you. You have my family's support as well. But many investors are starting to withdraw their investment. So you'll have to be prepared for the backlash... We can't guarantee that the Theodores or the Anderson and James will support us... There's a high chance that their board will ask for immediate withdrawal as well." He explains.

I nod, "It's understandable, Mark. But I won't be trapped in my past, not anymore. It almost took my mother from me, Mark. I've had enough."

He pats me on the shoulder and hugs me, I return it as well, "Hey! Don't leave me out on a hug!" Ly says coming in our direction and we both laugh.

**********

It's now officially 1 year and 6 months since the case was reopened and justice was delivered. They never expected me to have such powerful backing. The Stans' and Alonso's' are a force to be feared. As expected we lost all investment on Dream Palace and quite literally had to start from the bottom. But the upside to it is that our customers didn't abandon us and even though many sought to destroy us but utterly failed.

Completing high school wasn't the easiest... The kids started bullying me and since Mark and Ly had to return to take hold of our branches it wasn't the easiest dealing with them. But I kept it up. Yeah if you're wondering about the others. They weren't so friendly since my complete rejection but I knew what was coming so didn't bother apologizing.

The funny thing is that a few days later Archer started dating Xia all over again. If I still had a little hope in my heart that maybe I could make amends it was totally crushed. But now at least Dream Palace is back on its feet and in better condition than ever.

Right now I'm wondering why the hell I allowed myself on agreeing on letting Ly do my hair and make-up. I really wanna die right now. Its 3 hours and I want to sleep!

"LYRA! Please tell me you're done!" I finally speak utterly exhausted.

She giggles, "Perfect timing, Evie, I'm done. So Auntie what do you think?" She asks Mommy.

Mommy looks at me and smiles, "Absolutely beautiful! You're going to kill them today, sweetie pie."

I giggle at her words. The dress and shoes were specially designed by the Stans. They wanted everything to be perfect for today. And for the first time in forever I couldn't agree more. My hair was in soft curls and I think she made a rose out of my hair at the back.

My make-up thankfully was kept simple. Light pink lip gloss with gold eye makeup but very light. Lyra was wearing black mermaid style gold and black gown which accentuated her curves. Gold being the embroidery.

"Thank God you girls are ready. I thought I'd have to wait all night." Mark says in an exaggerated tone.

We both giggle. Mommy is gonna come later but me, Ly, Mark, and Ron are going together in the limo. Fancy, I know but it was their idea not mine.

Reaching the building we're immediately surrounded by the Paparazzi! It's literally a nightmare. Avoiding them we somehow make it in. I enter last and the moment I do everyone stops talking as pin drop silence takes place. It feels like the first time all over again. Only this time it doesn't matter and I'm no longer all nerves.

I walk with my head held high. My smile halts when I spot the entire Theodore and Anderson family in attendance. Oh, shoot! This was a really big scandal a year back. Mark comes to my side and holds my hand, an act of comfort. Which I heartily accept. To make matters worse Charlotte is also here.

"Ah! Finally the main star of the night shows up, my dear niece you take your sweet time... Day by day you're turning into my daughter." Uncle says causing all of us to laugh.

"Dad! Not true! If anything Evie tried to escape me 3 times! And that's saying something." Ly huffs.

"Alright, dear time to hold the official briefing," Uncle says.

I nod and go to the stage, "Good evening, everyone. I thank all who are attending today's event. This day 1 year and 6 months ago, I lost everything. I know I should be discussing my company's accomplishments but I'd rather let people see the true and barren face of Dream Palace's Owner." I say looking at the Theodores, Andersons, Blythes, and Kings.

I know they're trying to be uninterested but that's far from the truth, "This day I lost the reason for my smiles, the people who placed their trust in me and above all hurt a person who started to make a place in my heart. It wasn't the easiest from then onwards. Day-in and out I had to go to the court for the hearing of Ashton Colton, my father's murder case. People thought that they could break me but they couldn't be more wrong. I left you all then because I didn't want to involve you in my world not anymore. The people who were involved in the case were anything but normal. On the final hearing day my brother was kidnapped and they threatened me to take the case back or else. I didn't listen and almost lost him. In efforts of saving I'll forever bear the mark. But I'll wear it proudly because I was able to save him. To me my brother and mother are my life."

It's true, the old house was set on fire, and I was able to save Ron but in return my shoulder was burned. Even now it pains from time to time but it's far better and because of it, I developed a heart condition in which most probably I have about 6 months and then I'll have to have heart surgery. But still I'm able to live to my best because now I don't hide behind the shadow I created for myself.

"Dream Palace's name comes from all of us. It is a palace of dreams and hopes for each of us. We named it together since this is what we see when we look at each other. Passion for what we believe in. Dreams waiting to be conquered and of course, the thirst to prove ourselves. Thank you. I will now hand over the stage to my best friends Mark Stan and Lyra Alonso."

With that I step off the stage and I hear a lot of claps. In between their speeches many people come and congratulate me on getting justice for the past. Also, they show interest in investing with us but this time we won't take risks. Not again.

Mommy arrived at the end of my speech and told me I did a great job. I was really happy. Right now talking with Mark and his father Paolo Stan, "Evelyn, sweetheart you really do shine in my wife's designs. She would've never started designing if not for you! You literally are her muse!" Uncle chuckles at the end.

I giggle along with him I was going to reply when I notice both father and son turn stern, turning around I find out the reason, Austin Theodore accompanied by his wife Amalie and children Archer, Christian and Anabella Theodore. Along with them it's the Anderson, Blythe, and Kings families.

"I wanted to congratulate Dream Palace on its revival," Austin says, no malice just formal.

Mark steps up and wraps his arm around my shoulder, "Thank you, Mr. Theodore. Coming from you means a lot to us. Also thank you for accepting our invitation on attending." Mark says back.

I really didn't want interaction with them at least not now. I have mixed feelings, "Evelyn, how are you now?" Amalie asks her voice gentle as it used to be.

I look up at her with mixed emotions but manage to smile, "I'm good, Mrs. Theodore. At least I can rest easy that the threat that lingered around my mother and brother has been completely taken care of."