Chapter 141

Sophia Blackwood never anticipated her impulsive act would wreak such havoc on Blackwood Enterprises while Evelyn Sinclair, her intended target, remained unscathed.

Returning to Highland Estates, Old Master Blackwood berated Sophia relentlessly for hours. Not a single soul dared to intervene. Like Nathan, the patriarch believed Sophia owed Evelyn an apology.

As punishment, Sophia was confined to the estate's memorial hall, forced to kneel throughout the night.

The following day marked Theodore Hart's death anniversary.

Evelyn never expected to encounter Vanessa Holloway and Nathan Blackwood at Theodore's gravesite. Sebastian Hart spotted them too, his expression darkening as he pulled Evelyn back protectively.

"Don't worry about me, Theodore," Vanessa murmured to the headstone, casting a demure glance at Nathan. "Nathan's been taking excellent care of me." Her voice softened further. "I know you're troubled about Evelyn, Nathan. I'll depart for Paris immediately so she won't target you anymore. It's better I withdraw gracefully than cause more complications."

Nathan's brow furrowed slightly. Before he could respond, a derisive snort echoed behind them.

The sound dripped with contempt.

Turning, they found Evelyn smirking, her arched brows framing icy eyes. She wore a simple black knee-length dress, yet radiated striking elegance.

"Ms. Holloway, if you're so reluctant to part with Mr. Blackwood, perhaps you should stay," Evelyn taunted. Did Vanessa truly believe she could escape so easily? Their reckoning was far from over.

Vanessa's demeanor shifted instantly. "Why are you here?" she demanded, her shock morphing into venomous glare.

Sebastian stepped forward, his voice laced with accusation. "That's our question! What business do you have at my brother's grave?"

Though Nathan had long known Sebastian was Theodore's younger brother, their paths seldom crossed. Sebastian had studied abroad during the years Theodore served with Nathan in the military.

Vanessa paled. If Evelyn discovered her relationship with Nathan stemmed solely from being Theodore's ex-girlfriend—not the passionate affair she'd led everyone to believe—she'd become an even greater laughingstock.

Her panicked gaze darted to Nathan, who'd already formulated a response upon seeing Evelyn.

Addressing Sebastian with measured calm, Nathan explained, "I served with Theodore. Vanessa was his girlfriend. Before he died, he entrusted her care to me." Though speaking to Sebastian, his words were meant for Evelyn.

This was the truth behind his protection of Vanessa—no infidelity, no hidden affections. In all his life, only Evelyn had ever been his wife.

Yet Evelyn's indifferent reaction stunned him. She showed neither interest in their relationship nor reaction to his explanation. Nathan's jaw tightened as he maintained eye contact.

Vanessa squirmed under the awkward silence.

So this was the secret, Evelyn realized. She'd always wondered what mediocre qualities made Vanessa special enough to captivate Nathan. Among his admirers, Vanessa's pedigree, education, and looks ranked lowest. Beyond her vile nature, she offered nothing remarkable.

How absurd that Evelyn had lost to such a woman.

The tense quiet stretched until Sebastian's incredulous outburst shattered it. "My brother would never fancy someone like her! She's just a gold-digging opportunist, isn't she?"