Chapter 112

Nathan Blackwood couldn't comprehend the restless irritation gnawing at him.

Why would Evelyn Sinclair dare to show up here today?

Did she still harbor some foolish hope regarding Alexander Sterling?

Couldn't she see how everyone treated her like discarded trash, avoiding her like the plague?

And those damn flowers in her hands—they made his chest tighten painfully.

His expression darkened as he glared at her.

"You shouldn't have come today," he said through gritted teeth. "Whatever scheme you're plotting, drop it. Everyone's watching. If you cause a scene, even I won't be able to shield you."

If she acted out, it wouldn't just be the Blackwoods turning against her—the entire Sterling family would join in.

Evelyn laughed, but her eyes remained icy.

"Shield me?" Her voice dripped with venom. "When have you ever protected me, Nathan? Or are you just terrified I'll drag your precious family name through the mud?"

'The humiliation I've endured—all of it traces back to the Blackwoods. And now he has the audacity to play the hero? Does he think I'm an idiot?'

Nathan's chest constricted at her words. His jaw clenched. He knew she despised him, despised his family—but how could he possibly explain?

Vanessa Holloway hurried over, positioning herself beside Nathan with practiced grace.

"This is my fault," she murmured, her voice soft and regretful. "I know you hate me, Evelyn, and I don't blame you. But please... don't make a scene here. It'll only make things worse for everyone."

Evelyn's gaze sliced through Vanessa like a blade.

"Blame you?" She smirked. "Spare me the act. You're not worth my hatred."

Vanessa's eyes flickered toward Nathan, seeking reassurance, but his expression remained unreadable.

Swallowing her frustration, Vanessa pressed on, feigning magnanimity.

"You've already divorced Nathan. Must you cling to the past forever?"

Evelyn scoffed.

"Forever? You flatter yourself."

Vanessa's lips trembled. "Nathan and I just want you to move on. Today is Sterling Corp's anniversary gala. If you cause trouble, you'll only humiliate yourself further. Think of the bigger picture!"

Nathan's frown deepened. Something about Vanessa's words unsettled him.

Evelyn stared at the two of them—the cheating bastard and his scheming mistress—and nearly laughed at the absurdity.

'Bigger picture? My leaving benefits who? You two?'

"Save the theatrics," she sneered. "Your existence is the real joke here."

Done wasting breath, she spotted Isabella Montgomery waving at her across the room. Without another glance at Nathan or Vanessa, she turned and walked away.

Vanessa seethed, waiting for Nathan to defend her.

But at the mention of "affair," his expression had turned stormy.

He watched Evelyn leave, then abruptly walked off without a word.

"Nathan?" Vanessa called after him, forcing tears into her eyes. "Did I say something wrong? Evelyn clearly despises us. Maybe... maybe I should go. People will talk if we're seen together."

She knew he wouldn't let her leave. It would be rude to the Sterlings. And without a date, rumors would swirl.

She just needed him to realize how understanding she was compared to Evelyn's outbursts.

Nathan checked his watch.

"Fine. I'll have Harrison take you home."

Then he left.

Vanessa stood frozen, her face paling.

He... he actually agreed?

"Vanessa! Over here!" Sophia Blackwood beckoned. "Mother's looking for you!"

Relieved, Vanessa rushed to Sophia's side. With Margaret and Sophia present, surely Nathan wouldn't send her away now.

"What happened?" Sophia asked, eyeing Vanessa's distress. "What did my brother say?"

"Nothing," Vanessa lied, forcing a smile.

But inside, panic clawed at her.

Since returning from abroad, nothing had gone as planned.

Nathan, who once doted on her, now seemed... distant.

Why?