Chapter 134

Tristan was at a loss for words, rubbing his temples in frustration.

He rose from his seat, giving Nathan's shoulder a firm pat before exhaling heavily. "I'm not switching sides, but Evelyn is genuinely innocent this time."

Evelyn's disdain was solely directed at Nathan, yet Vanessa had somehow twisted it into some imagined rivalry. Since when had the proud Vanessa Holloway become so paranoid? She was creating drama where none existed. With another weary sigh, Tristan walked away.

Sophia, meanwhile, couldn't stop hurling insults at Evelyn—though her hatred ran deeper than just Vanessa’s influence.

She despised Evelyn, seething with jealousy over how effortlessly Evelyn had become the Sterling heiress overnight. Overnight, Evelyn’s status had skyrocketed among the elite.

And what about men? Sophia thought bitterly.

Their positions had completely reversed. Now, Sophia was the one looked down upon. Her family had turned against her, cutting off her allowance—all because of that damned emerald Evelyn had taken.

"Evelyn ruined my life!" Sophia muttered under her breath.

"Enough!" Nathan’s icy voice cut through the room.

Sophia recoiled, tears streaming as she stormed out, wailing, "You're all against me!"

Nathan remained by the door, his expression dark and unreadable. Inside the hospital room, Vanessa sat quietly, her face unnaturally pale.

Harrison returned with an update. "Mr. Blackwood, the hospital has sufficient Rh-null blood in stock. Ms. Holloway’s injuries are minor—just superficial abrasions."

Nathan’s mind flashed back to Evelyn’s mocking words: "Mr. Blackwood, are you really this dense? Does Vanessa have nine lives? She miraculously survives every time you’re around."

Vanessa’s eyes brightened the moment Nathan stepped inside. "Nathan… if only I had died, I wouldn’t be such a burden. Did Evelyn give you trouble? She’s gone too far this time!"

Nathan’s gaze was frigid, his voice detached. "Too far? She donated blood to save you, and this is how you repay her? Not even a word of thanks?"

Vanessa’s face drained of color.

She stammered, "N-no, that’s not what I meant! Of course, I’m grateful, but she lied about her identity—"

Nathan’s expression remained stone-cold. "And what does that have to do with you?"

Aside from William Sterling ejecting Vanessa from the anniversary gala—where she had been an uninvited guest—Evelyn had done nothing to her.

Nathan stood rigid, an unshakable irritation simmering in his chest. His tone was final. "Once Theodore Hart’s memorial is over, you’re returning to France. The medical care there is better suited for your recovery. After three months, I’m cutting off your allowance. You’re not disabled—find a way to support yourself."

Vanessa’s eyes widened in panic. "Nathan, please—!"

Tristan cleared his throat from the doorway. "Come on, it’s just money. Why be so harsh?"

Nathan didn’t give them a chance to argue. He grabbed his jacket and strode out.

"If it’s nothing to you, then you take over."

Tristan froze, his lips twitching. "I—I can’t. My funds are tied up."

Vanessa felt like discarded trash, humiliation burning through her. Her fingers clenched the fabric of her gown, trembling with rage.