Chapter 10

The grand ballroom glittered with crystal chandeliers, every inch dripping with opulence. New York's elite mingled beneath the golden light, champagne flutes clinking in celebration.

Evelyn Sinclair had steeled herself for this moment. Seeing Nathan Blackwood again didn't so much as make her pulse stutter. That chapter of her life was firmly closed.

Though society knew Nathan had an ex-wife, he'd never paraded Evelyn at events like this trophy wife. Their divorce had been tabloid fodder, but she remained just a name to most.

Her lips curved when she spotted Vanessa Holloway clinging to Nathan's arm. "Already took my place?" she murmured to herself.

Alexander Sterling caught her subtle shift and gave her forearm a reassuring squeeze. "I've got you."

Evelyn's smile deepened. "It's not me who should be worried."

She straightened her spine. "I've got nothing left to lose. That makes me dangerous."

Alexander approached Nathan with the effortless grace of equals. Both men commanded rooms without trying.

"Mr. Blackwood. Your reputation precedes you."

"Mr. Sterling. Likewise."

Their handshake lasted precisely three seconds. Nathan's gaze burned into the woman beside Alexander.

Evelyn stood radiant in her custom emerald gown, the color making her porcelain skin glow. The transformation from the woman Nathan remembered was staggering. He couldn't look away.

This version of Evelyn was intoxicating - confident, untouchable. Something primal stirred in Nathan's chest.

Had she run straight to Alexander Sterling after leaving him? The thought made his jaw clench.

Vanessa's shrill voice cut through his thoughts. "Evelyn! What are you doing here?" Her tone implied Evelyn didn't belong. "These events have standards."

Nathan frowned, but Alexander spoke first, his voice dripping with disdain. "And you are...?"

Vanessa flushed. "You should know Evelyn just divorced—"

"Is there a ban on divorcees?" Alexander arched a brow. "Mr. Blackwood seems welcome enough."

Vanessa tucked hair behind her ear, shooting Nathan a pleading look. He remained silent, watching Evelyn with unreadable intensity.

Evelyn gave a soft, mocking laugh. "Since when do I answer to you, Vanessa? Last I checked, you weren't the morality police."

The tension crackled. Everyone knew about Nathan and Vanessa's affair, though the Blackwoods had tried to bury it.

Alexander's gaze swept over Vanessa like she was something unpleasant on his shoe. "The event organizers should be more selective with their guest list. Mr. Blackwood, your taste in companions has... deteriorated."

With that, he guided Evelyn away, leaving Vanessa seething.

Nathan watched them go, his expression stormy. That woman - his wife - was thriving without him? Flirting with another man in front of everyone?

Business associates approached, giving Nathan an excuse to ditch Vanessa. He needed space to think.

Near the floor-to-ceiling windows, Evelyn stood alone by the illuminated pool, moonlight dancing across the water's surface. The red wine in her glass matched her smirk.

Vanessa's nails dug into her palms. How dare that discarded wife show her face here?