Chapter 222

The grand ballroom fell into stunned silence. The spectators hadn't anticipated this dramatic turn of events.

Nathan Blackwood's slap was brutal. He'd put his full strength behind it, showing no regard for Sophia being his own sister. Sophia collapsed onto the marble floor, her trembling fingers touching her burning cheek.

The vicious impact left her dizzy. Her entire body shook uncontrollably with shock and humiliation. For several heartbeats, she couldn't process what had happened. Pathetic. Despicable. Grotesque.

No insult seemed adequate to describe Sophia in this moment. Silent tears carved paths through her ruined makeup as she stared up at Nathan in horror.

Nathan's eyes burned with a fury she'd never witnessed before. That terrifying wrath was now directed entirely at her.

Suddenly, Sophia remembered her grandfather's warning and her brothers' repeated cautions about provoking Evelyn. Her blood ran cold. The Blackwood family might disown her completely.

They might cast her out of Highland Estates forever! The crowd's mocking, scornful gazes weighed heavily on the once-proud Blackwood heiress. Sophia had nowhere left to hide.

Under the glittering chandeliers of the opulent ballroom, Nathan's slap had echoed like a gunshot. Evelyn allowed herself a small, satisfied smile.

She had no interest in watching the remaining drama unfold. Her purpose here was accomplished. With the truth revealed, it was time to leave.

"This little performance wasn't particularly entertaining," Evelyn remarked, her voice laced with icy amusement. She flicked her wrist dismissively. "Ms. Blackwood, intelligence is a blessing you were clearly denied."

Evelyn turned on her heel. She'd shown remarkable restraint by not releasing Sophia earlier. Had she been slower to react, Evelyn could have tumbled from that balcony. Broken bones at best. Paralysis at worst.

Sophia had intended to make Evelyn the laughingstock of high society. The humiliation would have followed her for life.

But Evelyn wasn't some saint who turned the other cheek. Revenge was a dish best served precisely when deserved. Sophia's social standing lay in ruins tonight.

Her marriage prospects had likely evaporated. Every bit of this disgrace was self-inflicted. Evelyn's lips curled in contempt. "Poetic justice," she murmured to Isabella. "At least we got some entertainment tonight."

The two women touched up their makeup in the powder room before heading toward the grand entrance. The landscape lighting cast dramatic shadows across the marble steps.

"Evelyn." A deep voice called her name.

She turned instinctively to see Nathan's imposing silhouette approaching through the twilight. The glow of his cigarette tip traced elegant arcs through the darkness. "Evelyn, we need to talk."

His mesmerizing, dangerous gaze locked onto hers. Evelyn refused to recall how she'd once drowned in those eyes, helpless to escape their pull.

The entire evening had been absurd. Isabella arched an eyebrow. "Should I give you privacy?"

Evelyn shook her head. "Stay. There's nothing private about this conversation." Nathan's jaw tightened momentarily before smoothing into his usual composed expression.

"I apologize for what happened tonight," he said, his rich baritone voice carefully controlled. "She'll face consequences. And... thank you for not letting her fall."

Nathan knew Evelyn would have been justified in releasing Sophia. After countless schemes against her, Evelyn's restraint was unexpected.

Evelyn's lips curved into a dazzling smile that didn't reach her eyes. "No thanks necessary. I don't share your family's talent for shameless behavior." She always delivered her coldest words with her brightest smile.