Chapter 218

Evelyn's words hung heavy in the air, thick with tension. Nathan's piercing gaze swept over her and Gregory, his expression darkening.

The chill radiating from him was palpable. "Evelyn, what exactly are you trying to do?" Nathan demanded, his voice low and dangerous. He had already done as she asked—removed Victoria Ashford from the project and brought Sterling Corporation into the deal.

She had called it compensation. Now that he had paid his dues, they were even.

Didn’t that mean he had the right to start fresh with her? So why was she suddenly seeking out Gregory Thornton?

Evelyn tilted her head slightly, her eyes cold as they met Nathan’s. "Mr. Blackwood, just because we’ve settled our past doesn’t mean you get to dictate my actions."

Her tone was sharp, final. They weren’t friends. He had no right to pry.

Nathan’s jaw tightened, his expression turning stormy. But Evelyn had already dismissed him, turning her attention back to Gregory with a slow, deliberate smile—one that was both alluring and dangerous.

"Mr. Thornton," she purred, "shall we talk privately?"

Gregory wanted to refuse. He didn’t trust her motives.

"Evelyn," he said stiffly, "what’s your game?"

Her lips curved higher. "Isn’t it obvious? I’m interested in you."

The words hit like a shockwave. Tristan’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Evelyn was interested in Gregory? The same man who had openly scorned her during her marriage to Nathan? And what about Nathan himself?

The temperature in the room seemed to plummet as Nathan’s aura turned glacial.

Gregory froze, his face paling as if he’d just seen a ghost.

Did I do something wrong? His mind raced. Is she trying to get me killed?

Nathan had only recently forgiven him for the way he’d treated Evelyn in the past. They had just begun to mend their friendship. And now—this.

Before Gregory could react, Evelyn grabbed his arm and pulled him away.

He tried to resist, but she dragged him into the crowd, her grip unrelenting. Their struggle drew curious glances, whispers rising around them.

"Evelyn," Gregory hissed, "don’t think I’m intimidated just because you’re the Sterling heiress now. If it weren’t for Nathan—"

He cut himself off, his voice turning icy. "I’m not interested in you. Give it up."

Friendship mattered more to him than whatever game she was playing.

Evelyn laughed softly, her head dipping just enough to hide her expression from onlookers. They stood close—too close—fueling speculation.

Then, without warning, she yanked Gregory forward by his tie, bringing his face inches from hers.

His breath caught.

Her striking features, framed by that devilish smirk, were suddenly all he could see. His pulse stuttered.

In that frozen moment, she whispered, cold and precise, "Do you really think you’re special? I’m not blind. Anyone who calls Nathan Blackwood a friend can’t possibly be a good person."

Gregory’s eyes narrowed. She’s playing me.

He moved to shove her away—

But a powerful force wrenched him backward.

Gregory staggered, barely catching his balance. When he looked up, Nathan stood between them, his expression thunderous.

His voice was steel. "Since when were the two of you this close?"