Chapter 13

Nathan Blackwood, this is what you've paid me throughout the three years—for my blood. Now that I've returned it all, we're even.

Evelyn Sinclair's voice was icy, her words cutting through the air like a blade.

Nathan's dark eyes burned with an unreadable emotion, his jaw clenched tight. The tension between them was palpable.

The crowd had witnessed everything. Moments ago, Vanessa Holloway had accused Evelyn of being a gold-digger, clinging to Nathan for his wealth. But in an instant, Evelyn had silenced her by returning every penny Nathan had ever given her. Vanessa's reputation lay in ruins.

Without another word, Evelyn turned and walked away, her steps steady and deliberate. Vanessa stood frozen, teeth chattering—whether from the cold or humiliation, no one could tell.

That woman will be the death of me, Vanessa seethed inwardly.

"Nathan, Evelyn must hate me now. Let's just go," she pleaded, her voice trembling.

But Nathan wasn't about to let this misunderstanding fester. "Wait for me at the entrance," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

He strode inside, his gaze locking onto Evelyn, who was seated on a lounge chair. Beside her, Alexander Sterling—her eldest brother—knelt, gently massaging her sore ankles, his expression tender. The sight made Nathan's stomach twist.

Both looked up as he approached. Alexander smirked, casually draping an arm around Evelyn in a protective gesture. "Mr. Blackwood, shouldn't you be comforting your companion? Or do you have more accusations to throw at my sister?"

Nathan's glare was glacial, his voice sharp. "Evelyn, if I've wronged you, take it up with me. But you owe Vanessa an apology."

Evelyn tilted her head, her lips curling into a mocking smile. "And if I refuse? Will you push me into the water too?"

Her defiance grated on him. Seeing her so comfortable with another man—especially her brother—only fueled his frustration. "Since we were once married, let me offer you some advice. Kindness goes a long way."

Evelyn's laugh was cold. "You clearly don’t know me at all, Nathan. Kindness was never my strong suit."

Nathan exhaled sharply, his patience snapping. "Fine." He turned on his heel and stormed off, his original purpose—to explain his relationship with Vanessa—forgotten in his anger.

Evelyn's smile faded as she watched him leave. Alexander squeezed her shoulder gently. "Lil E, do you still have feelings for him?"

"Not a chance," she scoffed. She wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

Inside Nathan's car, Vanessa huddled under his coat, shivering. She opened her mouth to explain, to salvage the situation—but the driver suddenly gasped.

"Isn't that Ms. Holloway?"

The car slowed as the driver pointed to the massive digital billboard towering over The Regal Grand. The prime advertising space—worth millions per minute—was replaying the earlier scene by the pool.

Though their faces were blurred, everyone at the gala would recognize them.

Nathan's eyes locked onto the screen. The silent footage was damning—it showed Evelyn never laid a hand on Vanessa. Vanessa had taken a deliberate step back, then dramatically fallen into the water.

The air in the car turned suffocating.

Nathan's expression darkened, his fury simmering beneath the surface. Just minutes ago, he had demanded Evelyn apologize—based on a lie.

This was her response.

Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.

Vanessa's face drained of color. She had never imagined someone would broadcast the surveillance footage for the entire city to see.

The car door slammed shut.

Nathan stood outside, his voice like ice. "You're leaving for Paris first thing tomorrow."