Chapter 153

The auction hall fell into stunned silence. To everyone's astonishment, Nathan Blackwood subtly averted his gaze and ceased his bidding.

If she desires it that badly, let her have it. Nathan mused silently. The auctioneer's gavel struck decisively. "Sold for two million dollars!"

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Had the formidable Mr. Blackwood actually conceded? The anticipated showdown had ended far too abruptly.

Evelyn Sinclair's lips curled in a cold smirk. This piece isn't worth nearly that much. Nathan deliberately inflated the price just to make me overspend.

She rose gracefully, Julian Moreau shadowing her steps as they moved to complete the transaction. Neither noticed the dark figure observing them from the shadows.

Presenting the exquisite cufflinks to Julian, Evelyn smiled. "These are for you."

Julian's eyes widened comically. "For me? But these cost two million!" His voice cracked slightly.

Evelyn nodded. "Consider it thanks for accompanying me tonight." She tilted her head. "Unless you'd prefer to regift them?"

Before Julian could respond, the sound of heavy footsteps storming away echoed through the corridor. Neither paid it any mind.

Natalie Beaumont entered with Lucas Sterling in tow. "I just saw Nathan leaving like a thundercloud," Natalie remarked with raised eyebrows. "Trouble in paradise?"

Julian shook his head blankly. "No one came in here..."

Evelyn recalled the retreating footsteps and understood instantly - though she couldn't care less. Natalie linked arms with her. "Let's grab dinner. I'm starving."

As they walked, Natalie marveled, "I can't believe Nathan actually backed down for you."

Evelyn's laugh was razor-sharp. "Backed down? He was driving up the price out of spite!"

Across the room, Cassandra Delacroix held court amidst a flock of sycophantic starlets. As the daughter of Celestial Media's CEO, she commanded both fear and flattery.

Spotting Evelyn, Cassandra's perfectly contoured face twisted with malice. "Ms. Sinclair," she purred, "how generous of you to shower gifts on your...companions." Her gaze flicked dismissively to Julian. "Do share your secret - how do you keep finding new men to parade about?"

The surrounding actresses tittered nervously, careful not to actually join in. Everyone knew better than to cross Evelyn Sinclair.

Evelyn's responding smile could have frozen hell over. She didn't need to move - her mere presence dimmed the beauty of every starlet present.

"Darling," Evelyn drawled, examining Cassandra through half-lidded eyes, "some of us are simply born with it. Though I suppose no amount of surgery could give you what I have."

Cassandra's face flushed crimson. The barb about her obvious cosmetic enhancements struck true. "You think your family name protects you?" she spat. "Nathan only married you because you were marginally fuckable!"

The air turned arctic. Natalie stepped forward, but Evelyn was faster.

"Funny," Evelyn mused, "I recall you getting rejected by him right before your third nose job. Coincidence?" She tapped a finger against her lips mockingly.

Cassandra's surgically enlarged eyes bulged dangerously. With a shriek, she grabbed the nearest cocktail and hurled it at Evelyn.

Evelyn yanked Natalie aside with lightning reflexes. The glass shattered harmlessly against the wall.

But the damage was done.

Harrison rushed forward in alarm. "Sir! Your suit!" He gestured frantically at Nathan's champagne-soaked attire. "Shall I arrange for a change of clothes?"