Chapter 111

William Sterling arched an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Nathan Blackwood before shaking his head. "How could I possibly consider doing business with you? My daughter certainly doesn't deserve to be associated with someone like Mr. Blackwood."

Old Master Blackwood paused, then chuckled and smoothly changed the subject. "Speaking of which, Sterling Corporation took quite a hit from that woman's scandalous background, didn't it? The stock market has been reacting rather strongly."

Vanessa Holloway tugged Sophia Blackwood's arm and whispered, "Are you absolutely certain? Why would Evelyn be here at this time?"

"How could I mistake her? My mother saw her too," Sophia insisted.

Vanessa's eyes narrowed with calculation. She followed Sophia to the second-floor balcony overlooking the crowded ballroom below. The sea of designer gowns and tuxedos made identifying anyone nearly impossible.

"This is hopeless," Sophia groaned, running fingers through her hair. "But knowing Evelyn, she wouldn't come just to leave empty-handed. She's probably here to force Alexander Sterling's hand in marriage!"

With her back against the wall, Evelyn had no choice but to make her move tonight.

Vanessa barely contained her excitement. "Look! There she is!" She pointed toward the grand entrance where a familiar figure stood.

Evelyn wore a simple but elegant dress, engaged in conversation near the doorway. The tall, handsome man facing her handed over a bouquet of white roses.

"Aren't you supposed to be in Paris?" Evelyn asked, accepting the flowers.

Sebastian Hart looked dashing in his tailored suit, his smile dangerously charming under the soft chandelier light. "I wouldn't miss your big night for the world. I'll fly back right after this."

Evelyn's hands trembled slightly at his radiant smile.

"Shouldn't you greet your father first? I saw him earlier," she suggested.

Sebastian shook his head with a helpless shrug. "He'd either kill me or die from shock. Too risky. The overseas project is nearly complete anyway, and with my brother's anniversary coming up... he won't have reason to keep me away much longer."

Evelyn laughed lightly. "Perfect. We'll throw you a proper welcome home party then."

"Deal!" Sebastian took advantage of her momentary distraction to pull her into a warm embrace. "My little Evelyn is finally coming home. I'm so happy for you!"

Just as Evelyn raised her hands to push him away, Sebastian released her abruptly. "Go get changed. I need to find somewhere to hide before Dad spots me."

She nodded and turned—only to freeze when she saw Nathan Blackwood standing mere feet away, his stormy gaze locked on her, his expression thunderous.

"What a coincidence, Mr. Blackwood." Evelyn arched an eyebrow, her smile sharp. "Didn't get enough of my sharp tongue last time?"

Nathan's piercing stare burned into her. "What are you doing here?" His voice was ice. "And embracing another man so publicly?"

The sight of Evelyn in Sebastian's arms had ignited an uncontrollable fury in his chest, driving him forward against his better judgment.

Evelyn glanced around pointedly. "Fortunately, no one else seems to have noticed. And since when do I need permission to attend events? Is there a sign saying 'Evelyn Sinclair forbidden' at the door?"

"Do you even understand what kind of occasion this is?" Nathan hissed. "Is your reputation not tarnished enough already?"

The audacity of this woman—involved with Alexander Sterling one moment, wrapped around Sebastian Hart the next. She was playing with fire.

"I owe my current reputation largely to you, don't I?" Evelyn countered coolly.

The nerve of him to criticize her! Nathan Blackwood was truly unbelievable.

To Nathan, Evelyn looked like nothing more than a stubborn fool. The mocking curve of her lips could have been directed at him or herself—he couldn't tell.

Everyone, Nathan included, believed Evelyn had no place at this elite gathering. That she was out of her depth, unworthy of their privileged world.

"Evelyn," Nathan growled, stepping closer. "What game are you playing?"