Chapter 135

Before dawn broke, another scandal erupted.

Paparazzi shots of Nathan Blackwood entering and exiting the hospital went viral across social media.

The headline screamed: Blackwood's Mystery Woman Hospitalized - Secret Affair Exposed!

Accompanying the article was a damning photo of Vanessa Holloway lying in a hospital bed while Nathan stood by the doorway, gazing at her with unmistakable tenderness.

[That's definitely love! How shameless of that homewrecker to think she could replace Evelyn!]

[Rich men have no morals. Though you've got to admit, she's got skills!]

[Queen Evelyn should focus on her empire. Who needs a man when you're that powerful?]

[My ship has officially sunk. No reconciliation now, but stay strong Evelyn! We still adore you!]

[Is there a waiting list to date CEO Sinclair? Asking for a friend...]

Evelyn woke to her phone buzzing before she could share her exciting news with Donovan about finding him a new lab space.

Isabella's calls were more reliable than any alarm clock. "Evie! Have you seen the trending news? Nathan Blackwood is making headlines again!"

Evelyn groaned, rubbing sleep from her eyes. "Gossip or actual scandal?"

"Full-blown scandal!" Isabella declared. "The internet's going wild over it."

With a sigh, Evelyn grabbed her tablet and opened the trending tab. Sure enough, Nathan's name dominated the feed - alongside hers. Her lips twisted in irritation. "Why am I dragged into this again?"

"Don't worry, you're not the main character this time," Isabella reassured. Whenever Evelyn's name appeared with Nathan's, it never spelled anything good.

Evelyn made a dismissive sound. "Not discussing him. I'm going for my morning run." If Vanessa had actually perished in that accident, Evelyn might have popped champagne. But since the woman persisted in making her existence everyone's problem...

The crisp morning air carried the fresh scent of rain, invigorating her senses.

After texting Donovan the new lab address, Evelyn headed out with just her phone.

The moment she stepped beyond her gated community, a swarm of cameras and microphones assaulted her.

"Ms. Sinclair! Is it true about Mr. Blackwood and Ms. Holloway?"

"Did you order the hit on Vanessa's car?"

"Will Sterling Corp continue partnering with Blackwood Enterprises?"

Before Evelyn could respond, someone jostled her, sending her phone clattering to the pavement. She couldn't even bend to retrieve it amidst the chaos. Why were these vultures camped at her home? If they wanted dirt on Nathan and Vanessa, why not harass them instead?

Evelyn stumbled backward, panic rising.

Just as she teetered off balance, a strong arm encircled her waist. Lucas's chiseled profile came into view, his usually charming features dark with fury.

Evelyn's eyes inexplicably stung.

Lucas shielded her against his chest, glaring daggers at the reporters. "Which outlets do you represent?" His voice could have frozen hell.

The crowd hesitated but didn't lower their devices.

While Lucas's unexpected appearance was newsworthy, seasoned journalists knew better than to cross him. Rumors spoke of an entertainment magazine that once tried exposing his private life - only to mysteriously go bankrupt within weeks.

A rookie reporter, unaware of this unspoken rule, pressed forward. "Ms. Sinclair, what's your relationship with Lucas Sterling? Care to comment on Nathan Blackwood and Vanessa Holloway? Did you have any involvement in the accident?"