Chapter 219

The entire room witnessed the tension unfolding. Gregory Thornton stood unusually close to Evelyn Sinclair, while Nathan Blackwood's expression darkened with barely contained fury.

Whispers spread like wildfire through the elite gathering. The intricate dynamics between these powerful figures never failed to fascinate.

Evelyn found Nathan's interference amusing. Who did he think he was, questioning her associations? She remained silent, arching one perfect eyebrow in silent challenge.

Gregory scrambled to explain. "Nathan, I swear there's nothing between us!" His words fell on deaf ears as Nathan refused to even glance his way.

Tristan Whitmore observed the bizarre love triangle and couldn't resist stirring the pot. "Nothing between you? You two looked pretty cozy to me." Gregory's eye twitched in irritation.

"Whose side are you on anyway?" Gregory demanded, suddenly suspicious. "Are you secretly working for Evelyn?" Tristan immediately retreated behind Nathan's imposing frame, knowing better than to challenge Gregory's military-trained physique.

Nathan's intense gaze never left Evelyn, demanding an answer she refused to give. A mischievous glint appeared in Evelyn's eyes as she finally spoke. "We've known each other three years. Of course we're close." She'd never forget how Gregory had insulted her relentlessly during that time.

Tristan nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly!" He immediately regretted it when both Nathan and Gregory turned their murderous glares on him.

At that moment, Isabella Montgomery arrived with Evelyn's ringing phone. "Evelyn darling, you have a call." Her cheerful interruption provided the perfect escape.

Evelyn seized the opportunity, grabbing her phone and striding away without another word, Isabella following closely. "Well?" Evelyn asked once they were out of earshot.

Isabella couldn't contain her excitement. "Got the perfect shot! That tie pull was absolutely iconic!" Her triumphant grin faded when she spotted Nathan approaching with stormy determination.

Evelyn exhaled in relief. "At least it wasn't for nothing." Though privately, she wondered why Nathan had reacted so strongly.

The two women sought a quiet corner to review the photos, but their path took them past a group of society women heading to the restroom.

"Evelyn actually made Victoria Ashford leave? Impossible! Victoria's one of the most powerful women in Santa Barbara."

"How could someone like Evelyn possibly intimidate her?"

Sophia Blackwood's voice cut through the speculation. "Evelyn's just a petty bitch jealous of anyone more accomplished. She used her family's influence to sabotage Victoria's business dealings."

The other women nodded as if this explained everything. Sophia lowered her voice dramatically, ensuring everyone could still hear. "Want to see that arrogant witch humiliated? I have a plan."

Most looked apprehensive - their families had warned them against crossing any Sterling, especially Evelyn. Sophia scoffed. "Fine. If you're all too scared, I'll handle it myself. Just don't interfere."

Evelyn and Isabella exchanged glances. "Bathroom gossip never disappoints," Isabella murmured as they found a conspicuously visible seating area.

Within minutes, Sophia and her entourage appeared, immediately spotting Evelyn. Isabella leaned close. "Should we make an early exit?"

Evelyn's lips curved. "Let's have some fun first. I'm bored."

Isabella shrugged. "Someone's feeling playful tonight."

Sophia approached alone, her usual arrogance replaced with sickening sweetness. "Evelyn, I-" Isabella fake-gagged. "Sorry, reflex." She waved apologetically.