Chapter 110

Outside the restroom stall, Margaret and Sophia Blackwood stood frozen in shock.

"How did you get in here?" Sophia gasped, her mind racing. Hadn't Evelyn been banished from Sterling Corporation?

Margaret recovered quicker, masking her surprise with a practiced smile. "She must be here to beg. Evelyn, you should know when to quit."

"Not every wealthy family will accept damaged goods," Sophia sneered, emboldened. "Especially secondhand trash like you."

She continued taunting, "Are you here to cause trouble? Too bad no one will help you now. The Sterlings have disowned you - your precious backers are gone."

Evelyn's lips curved slightly as she glanced sideways at them. Without uttering a word, she turned to leave.

Sophia blocked the doorway, refusing to move aside.

With effortless grace, Evelyn shoved past her. Sophia stumbled sideways, crashing into the wall with a pained yelp. As she opened her mouth to curse, she caught Evelyn's icy dark gaze.

The words died in her throat.

Only when Evelyn's silhouette disappeared did Sophia dare rub her bruised shoulder. "That worthless outcast!" she hissed. "Just wait - I'll make her pay for this!"

In the grand ballroom's center, the Sterling men mingled effortlessly with guests. Though retired, William Sterling maintained the vigor of a man twenty years younger through disciplined exercise. Standing beside his son Alexander, they could have passed for brothers.

"Chairman Sterling! What an honor." Old Master Blackwood extended his hand warmly.

William's grip was polite but cool. "Chairman Blackwood."

Nathan offered a slight bow. "Uncle William."

"Just 'Chairman Sterling' will suffice," William corrected brusquely, ignoring Nathan's greeting.

Nathan masked his surprise smoothly. Despite their business dealings, William's frosty demeanor drew an unmistakable line between their families that puzzled him.

Oblivious to the tension, Old Master Blackwood continued chatting amiably. Meanwhile, Alexander's sharp gaze landed on Vanessa Holloway beside Nathan.

Raising his champagne flute, Alexander remarked, "No wonder you were so ruthless with your ex-wife, Mr. Blackwood. Preparing to announce new marital plans? I wonder which fortunate lady has captured your devotion?"

Even the dimmest person would recognize the barb in Alexander's words. Nathan's brow furrowed slightly, his expression turning stormy. He despised personal inquiries, especially from a man entangled with Evelyn. Was this some twisted form of vengeance?

Vanessa seized the opportunity for introduction. "I grew up overseas. My uncle chairs FQ Enterprises."

Alexander nodded politely. "How... unremarkable. Mr. Sterling, do you know my uncle?" Vanessa pressed hopefully.

"I can't say the name rings any bells," Alexander replied with glacial courtesy. Vanessa's smile faltered at the thinly veiled contempt.

Still, she consoled herself - at least she wasn't that pathetic Evelyn with no connections or status.

"You do make a striking couple," Alexander added drily. Vanessa preened while Nathan's expression darkened further.

"Mr. Sterling," Nathan said coldly, "since when do you take such interest in my personal affairs?"

Alexander's lips quirked. "Perhaps since they became public entertainment."

Before he could continue, Sophia came rushing over, nearly tripping on her gown. "Nathan!" she gasped.

"Where are your manners?" Nathan snapped.

Sophia straightened immediately, whispering urgently to Vanessa. The two women hurried off without proper farewells.

Nathan's eyes narrowed in disapproval while Alexander remained indifferent. Observing the exchange, William commented, "Miss Blackwood is certainly... spirited. Your household must be quite lively."

Old Master Blackwood chuckled. "Forgive her - we've spoiled her rotten."

William sighed wistfully. "My son works constantly - I see him less now than during my busiest years. A daughter would have been nice."

"If you'd had one," Old Master Blackwood joked, "we might have been in-laws by now."