Chapter 118

Vanessa Holloway's expression froze.

She hadn't anticipated Evelyn Sinclair to be so blunt.

Her gaze flickered toward Nathan Blackwood, hoping for his intervention, but his attention never wavered from Evelyn.

He had been eerily silent this entire time.

Vanessa clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms as she lowered her head.

Even Old Master Blackwood made no move to defend her.

His face was stormy as he addressed William Sterling.

"Mr. Sterling, even if mistakes were made, what's done is done. They're divorced now. Must we really dredge up the past?"

William's jaw tightened.

He was barely containing his fury, wondering how his daughter had endured these people for three long years.

With a sharp gesture, he summoned two nearby waiters.

"Escort this young lady out," he ordered, pointing at Vanessa.

Her face paled.

Panic flashed in her eyes as she looked around for support.

William's voice was ice. "My daughter doesn't need trash in her presence. Remove her."

"Nathan—" Vanessa's plea was desperate.

Nathan's gaze flicked to her, his expression unreadable.

"The car is waiting," he said coolly. "Go home."

Evelyn arched a brow.

She hadn’t expected him to dismiss Vanessa so easily.

Men truly were unpredictable.

Margaret and Sophia Blackwood, who had brought Vanessa here against better judgment, shrank back.

They hid behind Old Master Blackwood, not daring to speak.

William’s demeanor shifted instantly, his polite smile back in place.

"Mr. Blackwood," he said smoothly, "we can overlook the past grievances, but what about the recent rumors circulating online? Don’t you think your family owes the public an explanation?"

Evelyn’s true identity had already cleared her name, but forcing the Blackwoods to publicly apologize was the final nail in their coffin.

Old Master Blackwood scoffed. "Is that necessary?"

William’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.

"If you refuse to show sincerity, Sterling Corporation will sever all ties with Blackwood Enterprises—stocks, funds, investments. Every last one."

His tone was lethal. "Unless, of course, you can match our financial pull."

Old Master Blackwood’s face darkened.

Blackwood Enterprises wasn’t poor, but Sterling Corporation was in another league.

A sudden withdrawal would leave them scrambling to cover massive losses.

"I’ll consider it," he gritted out before turning on his heel.

Evelyn smirked.

"Oh, and Mr. Blackwood," she called sweetly, "don’t forget to visit the National Museum more often!"

The jab hit its mark.

Old Master Blackwood staggered, nearly losing his balance before Sophia steadied him.

He stormed off without another word.

William chuckled, shaking his head at his daughter.

"You little devil."

Evelyn grinned, looping her arm through his as they turned to leave—only to find Nathan still standing there.

"Mr. Blackwood," she said lightly, "aren’t you leaving with them?"

Nathan’s silence was heavy.

Then, slowly, he spoke her name like a revelation.

"Evelyn Sterling."

Her lips curved.

Nathan turned to William.

"Mr. Sterling, may I speak with her alone?"

He finally understood why William had rejected being called "Uncle" earlier.

William had wanted to sever any personal connection between them.

William glanced at Evelyn, who gave a careless shrug.

"Fine," she said.

William knew his daughter wouldn’t let that man hurt her again.

Not after everything.

"Don’t take too long," he told her. "I still have people to introduce you to."

With a final warning look at Nathan, he walked away.

Evelyn plucked a glass of red wine from a passing tray, swirling the rich liquid absently.

"What did you want to talk about, Mr. Blackwood?"

Nathan’s gaze burned into her.

His voice was low, rough with something unspoken.

"Why did you hide your identity to marry me?"