Chapter 185

Tristan and Nathan immediately rose from their seats when they heard the commotion. The grand entrance remained conspicuously empty.

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Tristan snapped at the messenger of false news. The man who'd shouted earlier flinched visibly.

Under Nathan's glacial stare, he forced a nervous smile and fumbled for his phone. "My friend just sent me footage of Evelyn playing poker. She's winning big—"

His words were cut short as Nathan snatched the device.

The video showed a lavish gathering around a high-stakes poker table. Instead of chips, the surface glittered with luxury car keys, diamond bracelets, and solid gold ingots. The intensity of the game was palpable.

This spectacle made Nathan's birthday gala seem dull by comparison. Every participant wore designer labels, but Evelyn in her custom gray-blue pearl-encrusted gown outshone them all.

She commanded the room effortlessly. Sebastian Hart and Natalie Beaumont flanked her like devoted attendants feeding cards to a queen. Evelyn herself simply sat there, radiant with triumph.

"Location," Nathan demanded, his voice arctic.

"The new Velvet Lounge," the man stammered.

Nathan's breathing turned ragged. So she hadn't left the country. No urgent business. She'd chosen poker over his birthday celebration.

Just then, Harrison happened to walk by. Nathan's gaze locked onto him like a predator sighting prey.

He tossed the phone back carelessly. "Consider your annual bonus revoked."

Harrison blinked in confusion. While the birthday festivities continued merrily without its host, no one understood why Nathan had stormed out. Unable to contain his fury, he drove straight to the Velvet Lounge.

By the time he arrived, Evelyn's party had already departed. Nathan returned to his car, his chest tight with unnamed emotions. The cigarette between his fingers burned steadily in the darkness, its ashes scattering like his composure.

Midnight brought countless birthday messages flooding his phone. None bore Evelyn's name.

Mr. Archibald knew Master Blackwood owned over twenty luxury vehicles. "Sir, is this new Porsche not the latest model? Has my father become frugal?"

The butler chuckled diplomatically. "Not at all. Young Master Lucas insisted no staff should drive the same model as him, so I selected this classic edition."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Since when do you take orders from him? Lucas always acts so childish!"

Mr. Archibald merely smiled, opening the car door with practiced grace. "Your carriage awaits, Miss Sterling."

The butler also carried gifts from William Sterling for the Hart family. Upon arrival, they found the manor swarming with celebrities and socialites, its understated elegance screaming wealth.

Evelyn caught her breath. This exceeded normal birthday party proportions. "It's just a birthday. Why is Sebastian making such a production?"

Mr. Archibald exited to open her door. "I believe Chairman Hart intends to use this occasion to find Second Young Master Hart a suitable match."

"Ah." Understanding dawned on Evelyn's face.

"Nikki!" Natalie waved energetically. Evelyn spotted her instantly and moved forward with a smile.

"Where is everyone?"

"Inside. I came out to fetch you." After bidding Mr. Archibald farewell, Evelyn linked arms with Natalie.

They'd barely taken three steps when a honeyed voice stopped them cold. "How fashionable, Ms. Sterling. Though your escorts do seem to be aging poorly."

Evelyn turned to see Yuna Takahashi, accompanied by that insufferable Penelope Sinclair from last time.

"Hmph."