Chapter 11

Vanessa Holloway's expression darkened as she approached Evelyn Sinclair with deliberate steps.

Evelyn didn't need to turn around to know who was coming. Only one person would seek her out with such hostility.

With a casual glance, she took in Vanessa's carefully crafted pitiful expression.

The mask of innocence had already fallen away, revealing the cold smirk beneath.

"Did you crash this party just to get close to Nathan?" Vanessa's voice dripped with venom. "You're divorced. Stop clinging to him like some pathetic stray. If I were you, I'd disappear."

Evelyn met her gaze with icy amusement.

"Vanessa Holloway, the whole world knows you're the homewrecker in our marriage. Enjoying your fifteen minutes of fame?"

After the scandal broke, internet sleuths had exposed Vanessa's frequent appearances with Nathan Blackwood.

Though Nathan's team had scrubbed the evidence, the damage was done. Vanessa had become social media's favorite villain, losing sleep over the backlash.

"Titles mean nothing compared to real feelings," Vanessa sneered. "Nathan and I have something you'll never understand." Her jealous eyes raked over Evelyn's ensemble. "Did you sell another pint of blood to afford that dress? Or is all this rented?" She inched closer to the pool's edge, fingers twitching.

Evelyn recognized the dangerous glint in her eyes. History was about to repeat itself.

Three years ago at their wedding reception, Vanessa had pulled this exact stunt.

"You'll never be happy," Vanessa had whispered before throwing herself into the fountain. Nathan had dived in after her without hesitation, proving where his loyalties lay.

Now, the familiar splash echoed through the garden. A dark figure rushed past - Nathan, of course - plunging in to rescue his damsel in distress.

"Don't blame Evelyn!" Vanessa coughed dramatically as Nathan lifted her from the water. "I came to apologize, but she's still bitter. I'm sure she didn't mean to push me!"

The gathered crowd murmured disapprovingly, their judgmental stares burning into Evelyn.

Alexander Sterling started forward, but Evelyn caught his arm. After a whispered exchange, he reluctantly withdrew.

Nathan wrapped his jacket around Vanessa's trembling shoulders before turning his furious gaze on Evelyn.

Their eyes locked in silent battle, Evelyn's lips curling in contempt.

"Really? The same tired act?" She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I suppose I should play along, but honestly? It's beneath me."

As Evelyn turned to leave, Vanessa lunged forward, grasping her wrist.

"I know you hate me," Vanessa sobbed loudly for their audience. "But Nathan paid you for every blood donation. What more do you want? Why can't you let him go?"

The performance was flawless. The crowd leaned in, hungry for drama. Evelyn felt dozens of eyes weighing her response.

She could almost hear the social media posts being drafted in real time.