Chapter 15

Sophia Blackwood had been gambling away her fortune in Germany, completely unaware that the scandal of her stealing family jewels had exploded across social media back in San Francisco.

Her reputation was in tatters.

When she finally returned to the States, the elite women who once admired her now looked at her with open disdain.

And the one who had orchestrated it all?

Evelyn Sinclair—the very woman they had cast out of the Blackwood family.

Now, seeing Evelyn in this upscale restaurant, Sophia's blood boiled.

In the past, she had looked down on Evelyn's unknown origins, treating her like dirt.

The moment she recognized her, Sophia immediately summoned the restaurant manager.

The manager rushed over, sweating. Every guest here was a VIP, carefully vetted—people they couldn't afford to offend.

"Ms. Blackwood, my sincerest apologies—"

Sophia's glare burned into Evelyn, her fingers itching to slap that composed face.

"She's ruining my appetite," Sophia snapped. "Get her out of here. We're your most valued patrons!"

The manager turned—and froze.

Alexander Sterling stood there, his handsome face darkening with displeasure.

Beside him, Evelyn remained perfectly poised, her long waves cascading down her back, her expression unreadable.

She looked every inch the untouchable heiress, completely unfazed by Sophia's tantrum.

The manager hurriedly bowed.

"Mr. Sterling! Your private dining room is ready. Right this way."

Sophia's eyes flickered to Alexander, momentarily stunned—until she noticed the protective way his hand rested on Evelyn's lower back.

Her lips curled in disgust.

"Hey! Are you deaf? I said remove them!"

Margaret Blackwood sneered from the side.

"Look at her, acting all high and mighty. Who does she think she is?"

She smirked at Evelyn.

"Found yourself a sugar daddy, huh? Did you forget? You were thrown out like trash. You don’t belong here."

Alexander's voice cut through the air like ice.

"Thrown out?" His laugh was razor-sharp. "How creative. Since when did the Blackwoods become such shameless liars?"

His fury was palpable.

What kind of life had Evelyn endured with these people?

Margaret flushed red.

She turned to the manager, seething.

"Why are you still standing there? I said I don't want them here!"

The manager's expression hardened.

"Mrs. Blackwood, Ms. Blackwood—Mr. Sterling is the majority shareholder of this establishment. If their presence offends you, the door is that way."

Margaret and Sophia gaped.

Evelyn chuckled, her gaze cool.

She turned to Alexander.

"Go ahead. I'll handle this."

Alexander hesitated, but the steel in her eyes reassured him.

With a sharp nod, he strode inside—obedient as a well-trained guard dog.

Left alone, Sophia scoffed.

"At least you know your place. But don’t think your new man changes anything. My brother never wanted you. I could make you disappear from San Francisco with one call."

Evelyn tilted her head, amused.

"What do you want?"

Sophia smirked.

"Pour me a glass of wine. And apologize. You were always good at serving others, weren’t you? Do it right, and maybe I’ll let you crawl away this time."

She leaned back, waiting for Evelyn to grovel.

Evelyn smiled.

She picked up the decanter, poured the wine with practiced elegance—and then, without hesitation, upended the glass over Sophia's head.

The crimson liquid splashed down her perfectly styled hair.

Before Sophia could scream, Evelyn gripped her shoulders, shoving her back into the chair.

Leaning close, she whispered, her voice deadly soft:

"Remember this, Sophia."

"I was the one who filed for divorce."

"I was the one who walked away."

"And if you ever twist the truth again?"

Her fingers dug in.

"I'll show you exactly who disappears from this city."