Chapter 14

"Another time. I have plans today."

Evelyn Langley declined Dylan Lowell's invitation with a practiced smile.

Dylan noticed the exquisite jewelry box in her hand and realized she genuinely had business to attend to.

He opened his mouth to say more, but Evelyn had already brushed past Nathan Evans without so much as a glance.

The air froze instantly.

Dylan stole a glance at Nathan's stormy expression and forced a conciliatory tone. "Nate, maybe she really didn't see you—"

Nathan's face darkened further.

Dylan wisely shut his mouth.

Internally, he marveled: Evelyn was playing hardball this time.

"Sir, would you like to continue browsing?"

Nathan's icy gaze lifted. "Of course. Bring out your most expensive pieces."

If she didn't want them, plenty of others would.

......

The standalone villa on Lakeview Drive blazed with light when Evelyn arrived, most guests already present.

Recognizing her, several attendees exchanged meaningful looks.

For six years, she'd attended countless such events as Nathan's plus-one.

To these people, she wasn't "Evelyn Langley"—just "Nathan Evans' woman."

A sparrow who'd flown too high.

Recent rumors of their breakup, compounded by her solo appearance tonight, seemed to confirm the gossip.

Curious eyes glittered with schadenfreude.

Had the ambitious sparrow finally fallen back to earth?

Six wasted years, ending in abandonment.

What delicious drama.

Ignoring the stares, Evelyn located Sophia Laurent and handed her the jewelry.

"Stay for a while? The chef's Michelin three-star."

"No. Drink less and get home safe."

Sophia didn't press—she knew these vultures too well. "I'll have my assistant drive you."

"Thanks." Evelyn turned to leave.

Whispers trailed her:

"Did you see? The audacity to show up!"

"Six years with Nathan Evans—she must've gotten something."

"That dress? My housekeeper wouldn't wear it."

"Heard she did his laundry and cooking—a glorified maid—"

"Miss Langley..." The assistant glanced at Evelyn worriedly.

Even he winced at the cruelty, yet she remained impassive.

"Let's go."

She'd anticipated this.

Leaving Nathan meant weathering these storms.

The assistant nodded. "Wait here. I'll bring the car."

Alone in the courtyard, Evelyn watched the sunset.

A breeze carried away the evening's stifling heat.

"Evelyn Langley?"

A tipsy male voice startled her.

She turned to meet deep-set eyes. "Long time no see."

Sebastian Sherwood swirled his wine glass, surprise flickering across his face. "Since graduation, actually. Nathan had me thrown out before I could give you flowers."

Evelyn stiffened.

Back then, Sebastian and Nathan's rivalry over her had bordered on obsession.

"I should go—"

Sebastian blocked her path. "He's kept you under lock and key for years. Seeing you was impossible."

Her smile cooled. "What do you want?"

"You chose him because he persisted. But did you ever consider his persistence was just about winning?"

The words struck like a blade.

Had the love she cherished been merely a game?

Noticing her pallor, Sebastian's expression softened.

He reached for her face. Evelyn stepped back.

"Boundaries, please."

He advanced. "Stop pretending. I know you two broke up."

"And?" She met his gaze.

"Be with me. I'll treat you better. Name anything—"

Six years later, she still took his breath away.

Evelyn laughed. "Jump from one cage to another? Mr. Sherwood, it was nice seeing you, but let's go our separate ways."

She walked away without looking back.

Nathan or Sebastian—she wanted neither.

And they'd do well to stay away.

Sebastian watched her retreating figure, eyes darkening.

"Evelyn," he murmured, "the wind never stops for the tree that seeks stillness. Do you really think you can escape?"

Nearby, someone observed the entire exchange.

Julian Roscente admired the photo he'd just taken, smirking.

Ethan Winston emerged for air and caught the expression.

"What's so amusing?"

Julian waved his phone triumphantly.

Ethan recognized the woman instantly. "Evelyn Langley?"

"With Sebastian Sherwood," Julian added. "Already sent to Nate."

They remembered the two men's past rivalry—Nathan's possessiveness had been terrifying.

Ethan studied the image. "Sebastian reappearing right after the breakup... And her reaction—"

He paused. "This time, she seems serious."

Julian scoffed. "She'll crawl back. Watch."

"Then why send the photo?"

"For fun. Drama's entertaining."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Don't play with fire."

"It's just a photo. How invested could Nate be in an ex?" Julian admired the composition. "Perfect framing—"

Ethan observed the woman's elegant profile. "You're right. An ex getting attention is normal..."