Chapter 217

Evelyn Sinclair cast Sebastian Hart a frosty smile.

Let him think whatever he wanted.

She had considered telling Sebastian about Victoria Ashford, but after a moment’s hesitation, she dismissed the idea. I can’t even handle my own mess.

Isabella Montgomery finished greeting the other guests and discreetly slipped over, gripping Evelyn’s wrist. "Evie, I just saw Nathan Blackwood!"

Evelyn’s brows twitched slightly. It wasn’t surprising that Nathan would be here.

Though she had no desire to see him, she wasn’t about to make a scene over it.

Isabella bit her lip and added, "My mother is forcing me to go on a blind date with the man standing next to Nathan!"

Evelyn nearly choked on her wine.

Sebastian’s eyes widened in shock.

It took them both a moment to process Isabella’s words. Isabella Montgomery—agreeing to a blind date?!

Isabella sighed. "She gave me no choice. I don’t even like him, but our families are discussing a marriage alliance."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted with worry for her best friend.

Sebastian, however, looked almost envious, nudging Evelyn with a smirk. "If only our families were this traditional. Wouldn’t that be perfect?"

"Get lost!" Evelyn and Isabella snapped in unison.

How could he joke at a time like this? Worst friend ever.

"Evie, you have to help me!"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Of course I want to, but I can’t exactly march up to the elders of both families and demand they call it off, can I?"

Isabella’s eyes gleamed with mischief. She leaned in and whispered her plan.

Evelyn’s lips twitched. This girl… She wants me to publicly humiliate her blind date?!

"My reputation is already in ruins," Evelyn hissed. "And you want to drag it through the mud even more?"

Isabella tugged at her sleeve helplessly. "But who else can I ask? If it were just any woman, his family would sweep it under the rug. But you—they wouldn’t dare retaliate against you!"

Sebastian watched the two whispering, completely clueless about their scheming.

Just then, someone approached with a drink and pulled him away.

Evelyn hesitated. "But if word gets out—"

"Don’t worry, no one will secretly film you here. Just make sure people see you!"

All they needed was proof that this man was shameless enough to flirt with Evelyn Sinclair.

Isabella pleaded, and Evelyn finally relented with a clenched jaw.

"Fine! For you, I’ll play the villain."

Determined, Evelyn gathered the hem of her gown and strode in the direction Isabella had indicated.

Nathan Blackwood and Tristan Whitmore were seated with one other man across from them.

Gregory Thornton?! Evelyn froze mid-step. That man had despised her back then.

He was Isabella’s blind date?

She scanned the area but saw no one else besides the three of them.

It had to be him.

After a brief internal debate, Evelyn decided there was no way she’d let her best friend marry that snake.

He didn’t deserve Isabella.

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn lifted her wineglass and glided forward with effortless grace.

Tristan noticed her approach first. He nudged Nathan excitedly, whispering, "Looks like Evelyn’s serious about burying the past. She’s actually coming over to you!"

Nathan’s gaze flickered as he watched her—elegant, poised, breathtaking.

He remained outwardly composed, though his pulse betrayed him.

In seconds, Evelyn stood before them.

"Evelyn, here for Nathan? We’ll give you two some space," Tristan said, standing and pulling Gregory up with him.

Nathan stayed seated, waiting.

Evelyn spared him only a dismissive glance before locking eyes with Gregory Thornton.

"Mr. Thornton, care for a drink?"

All three men stiffened.

Tristan gaped between Gregory and Evelyn.

Beside them, Nathan’s expression darkened, his entire demeanor turning glacial.

Gregory frowned. Though shocked by Evelyn’s identity, he wasn’t as easily intimidated as Tristan.

She had no leverage over him.

"Why would I drink with you?" he said coldly.

Tristan nodded dumbly. "Yeah, what would you two even talk about?"

Evelyn arched a brow, her smile turning sly. "Who says we need to talk? Some things are better left… unspoken."