Chapter 154

Nathan Blackwood's jaw clenched when he heard Evelyn Sinclair's earlier remark—that only Julian Moreau was worthy of those cufflinks. Without a word, he turned on his heel and stormed off.

Fate had a cruel sense of humor.

Because now, as he strode through the crowd, he found Evelyn at the center of yet another commotion.

And then—splash.

A glass of juice hit him square in the chest.

Collateral damage.

Every eye in the room flicked to Cassandra Delacroix, the culprit, with expressions that screamed, You’re dead.

Cassandra froze, her lips trembling. "N-Nathan… are you okay?"

His gaze was glacial. "We’re not acquainted. Address me as Mr. Blackwood."

With that, he spared Evelyn—who looked utterly indifferent—one last glance before walking away.

No one had ever made Nathan Blackwood look this undignified.

Harrison, his assistant, scrambled after him.

Just moments ago, Cassandra had been boasting about her close relationship with Nathan, even hinting at a future marriage alliance between their families.

Now?

Publicly humiliated.

Not acquainted.

The words were a slap.

Cassandra’s fingers tightened around the empty glass, her nails digging into her palm. She glared at Evelyn, resentment burning in her eyes.

Natalie Beaumont, ever the instigator, smirked. "Maybe he just forgot your name. Did you even introduce yourself properly?"

Evelyn stifled a laugh and tugged Natalie away before things escalated.

The crowd quickly shifted topics, eager to avoid Cassandra’s wrath.

Dinner was about to begin.

Lucas Sterling, the biggest movie star present, lounged with effortless charm, while Julian Moreau, the rising young actor, stood nearby.

The organizers knew better than to pressure Lucas into making an appearance onstage—he did what he wanted, when he wanted.

So they turned to Julian instead.

Julian handled it smoothly, delivering his speech with practiced ease.

But the host couldn’t resist stirring the pot.

"Julian, now that you're of age, your fans are dying to know—what’s your ideal type of woman?"

Julian hesitated, then chuckled, shaking his head.

The host rephrased. "Among the ladies here tonight, is there anyone who catches your eye?"

The room held its breath.

Julian’s gaze landed on Evelyn in the crowd.

His smile was boyish, his small canine tooth peeking out. "Someone like Ms. Sinclair."

The audience erupted in cheers, all eyes darting to Evelyn for her reaction.

She laughed, shaking her head as she waved at him. Cute kid. Probably just grateful for the cufflinks.

Scandals didn’t faze her anymore.

But Julian? He might regret this later.

Two pairs of eyes burned into her from across the room—icy, unreadable.

She turned slightly and met Nathan’s dark stare.

Without hesitation, she looked away, pretending he didn’t exist.

Instead, she smiled at Julian, reassuring him she wasn’t upset.

Lucas, ever protective, sauntered onto the stage. "Hey, Julian. Evelyn’s my scandal partner right now. Share the spotlight, yeah?"

The crowd roared with laughter.

Lucas’s intervention saved Julian from further awkwardness.

But someone had already recorded the moment.

Cassandra smirked at her phone, uploading the clip with vicious satisfaction.

Let the world see what a shameless woman Evelyn Sinclair is.

The banquet dragged on late into the night.

When it ended, Lucas arranged for Julian’s ride while he escorted Natalie home.

Evelyn had driven herself.

As she stepped outside, she spotted Nathan and Cassandra by the valet.

"Couldn’t you take me home? It’s so late, and I’m scared to go alone," Cassandra whined, her voice dripping with faux vulnerability.

Nathan’s brow twitched. "It’s out of the way."

"Then take a detour! What if something happens to me?"

She reached for his arm—

He sidestepped.

Evelyn, hidden behind a pillar, bit back a laugh.

Nathan’s voice was dry. "You won’t be in danger."

The unspoken jab hung in the air: If anything, you’re the danger.