Chapter 184

Evelyn ended the call abruptly, leaving Nathan speechless.

That was her final answer. Why should his birthday matter to her? Nathan's chest tightened painfully.

Yet when he remembered Tristan's words about Evelyn purchasing a gift for him, hope flickered in his heart.

Perhaps she would come after all.

The thought lifted his spirits considerably. Evelyn had slept soundly despite Nathan's late-night call.

The rhythmic patter of rain had lulled her to sleep. Morning brought lingering clouds and crisp air as Evelyn stepped onto her balcony, inhaling deeply.

Her phone rang - Sebastian Hart calling. She answered immediately. "Happy birthday, Sebastian! May fortune favor you all your days!"

His laughter echoed through the line. "Little E, are you blessing your grandfather now?"

Evelyn scoffed. "Consider yourself lucky it's your birthday, or I'd have taught you some manners."

Switching to speakerphone, she began dressing. She selected a couture gown with iridescent gray-blue pearls, its limited-edition status evident in every stitch.

The mirror reflected effortless elegance. Strappy stilettos completed the look, elevating her regal presence.

"My Queen," Sebastian's voice teased through the phone, "what treasure have you procured for me? I've lost sleep wondering."

Evelyn arched a brow. "What are you lacking?"

"A girlfriend," he replied smoothly, his intention transparent. "I intend to court you properly."

"Denied," Evelyn stated flatly.

"My heart doesn't require permission," Sebastian countered. "This love flows through my veins and-"

Click. Evelyn terminated the call without hesitation. "Insufferable," she muttered, gathering her things for work.

Bennett arranged the morning meeting files on her desk, hesitating before speaking. "President Sinclair..."

"Yes?"

"Blackwood Enterprises sent an invitation... for Mr. Blackwood's birthday celebration." Bennett's voice dwindled to a whisper.

He couldn't fathom Nathan's audacity in expecting Evelyn's attendance. Their current relationship barely qualified as civil.

After a beat of silence, Evelyn's lips curved. "The man's delusional. Ignore it. Why should I grace his birthday? The arrogance!" Bennett exhaled in relief.

This reaction aligned perfectly with expectations. He crafted a polite refusal for Harrison, who delivered the message with visible discomfort.

"President, Ms. Sinclair's assistant conveyed Sterling Corporation's birthday wishes. There's... an urgent overseas project requiring her immediate attention. She's already departed."

Harrison paused, impressed despite himself. Evelyn's excuse was masterful.

"Understood." Nathan's voice dropped an octave, the words laced with quiet anguish. The rejection stung more than anticipated.

Of course she wouldn't come. Hadn't she made that clear yesterday? They weren't even acquaintances anymore.

Evening found Nathan brooding in a private club's corner while Tristan and friends transformed the venue into a celebration.

"Nothing but the best for President Blackwood!" The crowd's enthusiasm contrasted sharply with Nathan's mood. He nursed his drink, isolated amidst the revelry.

Tristan approached, clinking glasses. "Happy birthday, Nate." Nathan drained his glass without meeting his friend's gaze.

His eyes held oceanic depths of sorrow. "She's not coming." The words emerged frostbitten.

Tristan scrambled for reassurance, draping an arm around Nathan's shoulders. "She's probably just being cautious. Given your... complicated history."

"Maybe she'll send the gift tomorrow." Tristan felt certain of his theory.

Evelyn's past devotion suggested she'd know Nathan's preference for Patek Philippe watches. That expensive timepiece must be intended for him.

"Wait - is that Evelyn?" A voice cut through the chatter.