Chapter 107

Evelyn Sinclair fought desperately against the tidal wave of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She drew a shuddering breath, forcing back the stinging tears that blurred her vision.

The situation had escalated beyond reconciliation. There was no middle ground left - only one path forward remained.

Nathan Blackwood wanted Evelyn to surrender the emerald pipe to his grandfather as a peace offering. This would distract the old man while Nathan regained control of the media narrative. His plan was to uncover the truth and clear Evelyn's name before the scandal caused irreparable damage.

"Let's discuss the remaining details later," Nathan said with forced patience. "The priority now is resolving this immediate crisis."

Evelyn's bitter laugh crackled through the phone. "Save your breath. I'm accustomed to public scorn by now." Her voice turned icy. "Nathan Blackwood, know this - my greatest regret was being foolish enough to fall for a man like you! Thank heaven it only lasted three years. Consider this marriage my darkest nightmare!"

She drew a shaky breath before delivering her final blow. "And tell your grandfather I'll ensure this pipe finds a worthy home - far from Blackwood hands."

The call ended with a decisive click. Hot tears spilled down Evelyn's cheeks as the weight of her words settled between them.

In those first agonizing days after their divorce, Evelyn had often wondered if Nathan had ever truly cared for her. But she'd never dared ask - the question itself would have been surrender. Nathan Blackwood had never acknowledged her as his wife, and she refused to debase herself further.

Now, the answer didn't matter. The entire question seemed laughable in hindsight.

"What a joke," Evelyn whispered to the empty room. "Three years of marriage reduced to nothing but self-delusion."

Across town, Tristan Whitmore watched Nathan stare at the disconnected call with thunderous intensity. The tension in the penthouse was palpable.

"That woman has no sense of self-preservation," Tristan muttered nervously. "Just let the scandal blow over, Nate. She's not worth the trouble." He'd never seen anyone dare speak to Nathan Blackwood with such brazen disrespect - let alone hang up on him.

"Remarkable," Nathan said through clenched teeth. "Absolutely remarkable."

Tristan cleared his throat. "By the way, I received an invitation to Sterling Corporation's anniversary gala. They've invited every major media outlet - domestic and international. Rumor has it Alexander Sterling plans to address the Evelyn situation publicly. So really, you needn't worry about-"

"I'm not worried," Nathan cut in, his voice glacial. "If she refuses help, that's her choice."

Nathan couldn't fathom Evelyn's stubbornness. With the scandal reaching critical levels, why wouldn't she accept his assistance? Did she truly believe Sterling Corporation would protect her? That Alexander Sterling would marry her under these circumstances?

Anyone associating with her now risked professional ruin.

The woman was being utterly reckless.