Chapter 151

Evelyn's eyes flashed with amusement before she shook her head with a smirk.

Not in this lifetime! Turn the page? Keep dreaming! These people get more ridiculous by the day.

Tristan's hopeful smile faltered. His entire visit had been nothing but a fool's errand.

He left the office dejected while Evelyn's icy voice followed him out. "Mr. Whitmore, you should be grateful I'm not actively pursuing grievances against your people."

"Next time, spare yourself the humiliation."

Tristan froze mid-step.

A sudden realization struck him. He turned back with renewed hope shining in his eyes. "Evelyn, do you still have feelings for Nathan?" If she did, their chances now were infinitely better than three years ago! They were equals now - a perfect match!

Evelyn's expression turned glacial. "Do you have a death wish?" The threat couldn't be clearer.

Tristan instinctively recoiled, forcing an awkward laugh before practically sprinting from the room. That answered that.

How could she possibly still care for Nathan? She wasn't some masochist.

Once safely outside Sterling Tower, Tristan immediately called Nathan. "Blackwood, I never realized how perfectly matched you and Evelyn are. Your temperaments, your presence, your family backgrounds - it's uncanny! Honestly, who else could possibly stand beside you as an equal?"

Nathan's voice held cautious interest. "Oh?"

Though he'd never admit it, the comparison secretly pleased him.

Tristan sighed dramatically. "Too bad you've completely blown your chance!" The line went dead immediately, followed by Nathan's muttered curse: "That idiot."

Meanwhile, Evelyn received an invitation from Lucas to attend an exclusive auction that evening.

Concerned about public speculation regarding their relationship, Lucas had invited Natalie Beaumont as his date.

For Evelyn, he'd carefully selected rising star Julian Moreau as her escort.

The young actor cut a striking figure in his tailored white suit, his boyish charm evident in the faint blush that colored his cheeks when introduced to Evelyn.

Evelyn simply offered a polite smile before taking his arm and guiding him into the opulent venue.

The massive display screen showcased tonight's offerings: rare jade artifacts, masterwork paintings, and the pièce de résistance - a pair of black opal cufflinks, the final creation of legendary designer Laurent Dubois.

Julian's breath caught when the cufflinks appeared. "Laurent's last piece is here?" he whispered reverently.

"You admire them?" Evelyn asked.

Julian nodded enthusiastically. "Before acting, I studied design. Laurent was my idol. I'd give up my career in a heartbeat if he'd take me as his apprentice."

The mention of cufflinks triggered an unwelcome memory - Nathan Blackwood's well-known obsession with collecting them, particularly Dubois' creations.

Damn it! Why does everything remind me of him? Evelyn scanned the room irritably - only to find Nathan seated mere rows away, enduring the chatter of an overly familiar brunette.

Sensing her gaze, Nathan turned - his eyes locking onto Evelyn's intimate conversation with Julian.

The way her delicate features softened when she smiled, the adorable dimples that appeared... She looked radiant when not directing her fury at him.

They seemed entirely too close for comfort.

A dark scowl settled over Nathan's features.

The woman beside him followed his glare and deliberately raised her voice. "Oh! Looks like Ms. Sterling has a new beau. She certainly has excellent taste - Julian Moreau is this season's breakout star! The Sterling heiress certainly attracts handsome men."

Nathan cut her off with a glare. "This isn't your seat."

Cassandra Delacroix stiffened before recovering with a practiced smile. "My father organized this auction. People are happy to accommodate me." Her implication was clear - she sat wherever she pleased.