Chapter 149

Evelyn Sinclair smirked from the sidelines, thinking what an absolutely spectacular show this had turned out to be.

Though truth be told, she'd had enough of this ridiculous performance.

Every additional second spent watching these fools was a complete waste of her precious time.

She turned to Isabella with a dismissive wave. "Let's get out of here. Being around these insufferable idiots is ruining my evening."

The only person she wanted to avoid more than anyone else was Nathan Blackwood.

Isabella immediately understood Evelyn's unspoken thoughts. She'd been regretting bringing Evelyn here in the first place, so she nodded eagerly in agreement.

Evelyn grabbed her designer clutch, pivoted sharply on her stilettos, and strode confidently toward the exit without a backward glance.

She couldn't care less about the dozens of curious eyes following her dramatic departure.

Let them keep watching Nathan's pathetic little show, she thought bitterly.

While Isabella went to retrieve the car, Evelyn waited by the entrance, absently studying her manicure as the cool night breeze brushed against her skin.

Then came the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps approaching - ones she'd recognize anywhere - but she refused to turn around.

"Evelyn." That deep, velvety voice she knew all too well. "Vanessa Holloway has been dealt with. I was wondering if... perhaps we could start over?"

Nathan moved to stand beside her, his gaze complicated as he studied her profile.

This marked the first time in Nathan Blackwood's life he'd ever initiated friendship with a woman - a fact that would shock high society if it ever got out.

Guilt and remorse weighed heavily on him, and he desperately wanted Evelyn to give him just one chance to make things right.

With Vanessa out of the picture and their misunderstandings cleared, Nathan felt even more ashamed of how he'd treated Evelyn now that he saw Vanessa's true colors.

Evelyn finally lifted her eyes to give him a sideways glance, one perfectly sculpted eyebrow arching in derision. "I have exceptionally high standards when it comes to friendships, Mr. Blackwood. You don't even come close to meeting them, so let's not waste each other's time."

Nathan's entire body went rigid.

The rejection in her words couldn't have been clearer.

Friendship? Evelyn wouldn't even acknowledge him if they passed on the street.

"Don't tell me you actually believe my hatred for you stems solely from Vanessa Holloway?" Evelyn's lips curled into a mocking smile. "That without her in the picture, I'd suddenly forgive and forget everything?"

Nathan's expression hardened, his face growing increasingly stormy as he struggled to contain the uncomfortable tightness in his chest.

"What exactly do you mean by that?" His voice came out icy and strained.

Wasn't that the case? He'd already explained he had nothing to do with Vanessa. Why was he still worthless in Evelyn's eyes? Was there truly no chance for reconciliation between them?

Evelyn's eyebrow arched higher, her smile turning positively glacial.

How utterly ironic.

"To be perfectly honest, I find you utterly repulsive. While we were married, you didn't hesitate to sacrifice your own wife's happiness for some other woman's benefit. How does someone even do that? Was it just to prove your moral superiority?" Her voice dripped with disdain. "Don't insult me by talking about friendship. Why should I care? I was the one who donated blood. I was the one slandered and humiliated. I was the one who wasted three years of my life! Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Doesn't that disgust you? This was never about Vanessa Holloway - it's always been about you, Nathan Blackwood!"

By the time she finished speaking, all traces of amusement had vanished from Evelyn's face, replaced by an arctic chill in her piercing gaze.

Nathan Blackwood had single-handedly destroyed every ounce of affection she'd ever felt for him.

Did he really expect her to feel grateful and come running back just because he claimed innocence regarding Vanessa? In his dreams!

Without so much as another glance in his direction, Evelyn turned and walked away, her heels clicking decisively against the pavement.

Nathan stood frozen in place, the bone-deep coldness radiating from Evelyn seeping into his very soul.

Am I truly so unworthy to even speak to her? The thought cut deeper than he cared to admit.

For the first time, Nathan realized Evelyn had completely slipped from his control - perhaps even beyond his reach entirely.

This unsettling realization sent an unexpected pang of panic through him.

Isabella's luxury sedan idled nearby, waiting for Evelyn.

As she slid into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt with mechanical precision, her face remained an impassive mask.

Isabella spotted Nathan still standing there and snorted derisively. "What does he want now?"

Evelyn's lips twisted wryly. "He wants to be friends."

A harsh laugh escaped Isabella. "Is he delusional? After everything?"

"Obviously." Evelyn's tone dripped with sarcasm as she watched Nathan's retreating figure grow smaller in the side mirror, suddenly feeling the entire encounter had been utterly pointless.

The moment Evelyn arrived home, she immediately called Bennett.

Her voice held an uncharacteristic edge as she issued her command: "There's some spoiled trust fund brat named Anson. I don't care what his family business is, but I want to wake up tomorrow to news of their complete financial ruin and disappearance from high society."

Bennett had no idea what had transpired earlier that evening, but this marked the first time Evelyn had ever used Sterling Corporation's influence to deliberately destroy another company.

"Understood, President Sinclair."

Bennett sighed internally. Looks like another all-nighter for me...