Chapter 120

"I'm not sure." Nathan's voice was icy as he avoided Tristan's outstretched hand.

This had been weighing on Nathan's mind. He vaguely recalled that fateful day when Vanessa Holloway was in that terrible car accident, bleeding profusely. The Rh-null blood supply at San Francisco General had been dangerously low.

That's when Evelyn Sinclair appeared. She offered to donate her blood - with one condition: he had to marry her.

With time running out, Nathan agreed without hesitation.

Everything that followed seemed inevitable.

Though Nathan felt no affection for Evelyn, he honored their marriage vows and treated her with respect.

Suddenly, loud commotion erupted outside their VIP lounge.

Tristan peeked out and immediately recoiled. "Holy hell! It's Evelyn!"

The bass-heavy music thundered through the Velvet Lounge, vibrating the floorboards. The dance floor pulsed with bodies moving in sync with the rhythm.

At the center stood Evelyn, her toned legs moving with effortless grace. The dim lighting caught the sparkle in her eyes as she swayed, instantly commanding attention.

She was breathtaking. Every subtle movement, every coy smile was mesmerizing. Evelyn danced with a handsome stranger, their bodies moving provocatively close. The crowd cheered wildly, completely enthralled.

Even Tristan found himself caught up in the moment, shouting encouragement from the balcony. Evelyn heard his familiar voice and glanced up, her smile vanishing the instant she spotted Nathan standing in the shadows.

Her expression turned cold as she abruptly walked away, as if she'd seen something repulsive.

Nathan's chiseled features darkened. He'd never seen her dance like this before - never realized how radiant she could be. During their three-year marriage, she'd been brave entering it and decisive leaving it.

The realization hit him like a physical blow, his chest tightening uncomfortably.

Perhaps he'd been too close to Vanessa, causing Evelyn to misunderstand their relationship.

Irritation prickled at him as he reconsidered his interactions with Vanessa. Had he crossed lines without realizing?

Seeing Evelyn's dismissive glare, Tristan froze mid-cheer under the neon lights. Lowering his arms, he turned to Nathan. "Blackwood, you sure she won't come after us? Maybe we should apologize?"

One of their companions kicked Tristan's backside. "Man up! She's just a woman. Don't embarrass yourself groveling."

Tristan muttered, "Easy for you to say - she doesn't have your nudes!"

Ignoring them, Nathan downed his whiskey, grabbed his coat, and headed for the exit.

"You just got here! Where are you going?" Tristan called after him.

Inside VIP Room 9...

Evelyn slung her designer purse over her shoulder. "I'm done for tonight. You girls have fun!" she told Natalie and Isabella, who showed no signs of stopping their drinking anytime soon.

As Evelyn stepped into the hallway, she spotted Tristan lurking at the far end with that infuriating grin.

"What's this idiot waiting for?" she thought.

"Get lost," she said coldly, not in the mood for his nonsense.

Tristan persisted. "I will, but hear me out first!"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Make it quick."

Seeing her icy demeanor, Tristan hesitated before blurting, "Evelyn, I want to apologize for everything."

Better to swallow his pride than risk his private photos circulating online.

Evelyn studied him sideways, a smirk playing on her lips. "Okay."

Tristan blinked. "You forgive me?"

"Hardly," Evelyn replied airily. "After everything you all put me through, you think a simple 'sorry' erases it? Have you no shame, Mr. Whitmore? I didn't realize you were this shameless."