Chapter 16

Evelyn Sinclair walked away with effortless grace. Sophia Blackwood's face turned ghostly pale, her mouth hanging open in shock.

Before she could react, Margaret Blackwood erupted in fury, snapping at the waiter to clean up the spilled wine.

"That wretched Evelyn! How dare she humiliate you like this?" Margaret spat, her voice dripping with venom.

But Evelyn was already being escorted by the manager to the private dining area, leaving Sophia drenched in red wine.

Her designer dress was ruined, her hair soaked. The humiliation burned through her like wildfire.

When she finally regained her composure, Sophia's first instinct was to chase after Evelyn—but a waiter blocked her path.

"Miss, would you like a change of clothes?"

The other diners stared, whispering behind their hands. Sophia clenched her fists, her cheeks flaming.

"This isn't over!" she seethed.

Alexander Sterling's mood had soured after the altercation, but Evelyn remained unshaken. She glanced at him with a small smile.

"Lex, I'm meeting Isabella for shopping later. Care to join?"

He shot her a sharp look. "How can you think about shopping after what just happened? The Blackwoods treat you like dirt!"

Evelyn lowered her gaze, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. "It doesn't matter. Don't let it bother you. They won't dare cross me again—not like before."

As they stepped outside, Nathan Blackwood's car was already waiting.

The moment Sophia spotted Evelyn, she yanked Nathan out of the vehicle, tears streaming down her face.

"Brother, look what she did to me! She humiliated me in front of everyone!"

Evelyn didn't spare them a glance, tightening her grip on Alexander's arm as she walked past.

Nathan's expression darkened. He couldn't believe Evelyn would act so boldly.

After Wendy's false accusations, he had expected her to explain herself—but she didn't even look at him.

Frustrated, he grabbed Evelyn's wrist.

"Evelyn. Explain yourself."

She met his gaze with icy indifference. "I did it. What's there to explain?"

She tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

"Mr. Blackwood," she said coolly, "are you here to avenge your sister?"

"Brother, don't let her go!" Sophia shrieked. "Make her apologize!"

Nathan frowned. "Sophia, enough."

Sophia smirked. "I'll forgive her if she bows and begs."

Evelyn laughed—a sharp, mocking sound. "Apologize? Like I used to?"

She turned to Nathan. "Do you agree with her?"

"Check the security footage before jumping to conclusions," Alexander cut in coldly. "Miss Blackwood isn't as innocent as she pretends."

Sophia flinched under his glare, shrinking behind Nathan.

"I—I didn't do anything wrong!" she stammered.

Nathan's jaw tightened.

Evelyn scoffed. "The old Evelyn would have let this slide. But not anymore."

Alexander added, "The footage doesn't lie. Review it at your leisure."

With that, he guided Evelyn to his car, shutting the door firmly behind her.

The Blackwoods were left standing in stunned silence.