Chapter 230

Nathan Blackwood stood with an air of regal authority, his striking features commanding attention effortlessly.

His magnetic presence dominated the space. Nathan was born to lead, effortlessly controlling any environment he entered. His intense gaze remained fixed on Evelyn.

This wasn't his first time witnessing her radiance, yet each encounter left him profoundly affected in new ways.

Tonight, beneath his composed exterior, an unfamiliar nervousness stirred.

When their eyes locked, the world seemed to pause. Silence enveloped them. Nathan became deaf to all external sounds. But Evelyn broke the connection after mere seconds.

What's he doing here? After William concluded his speech, guests swarmed forward with birthday wishes. Evelyn responded gracefully to each well-wisher.

Isabella and Natalie approached, but before Evelyn could relax, she sensed Nathan moving toward her with undeniable purpose. Her breath caught.

Without preamble, Nathan spoke first when he reached her. "Ms. Sterling, I've brought three gifts for you. Would you care to see them?" As always, Nathan commanded attention wherever he went, and now dozens of eyes turned their way.

Three imposing bodyguards stood behind him, each holding an exquisite velvet case. Evelyn's brow furrowed.

Her earlier joy evaporated instantly. Three gifts? Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Mr. Blackwood's generosity knows no bounds!" "Three presents at once?" Evelyn's lips curled in silent derision.

She wanted nothing from Nathan - would gladly throw them in his face! Was this just another public performance to force her acceptance? She glared at the boxes, jaw tightening.

Noting the tension, Natalie stepped forward with forced cheer. "Let's see what they are first. Evelyn can always decline if they're not to her taste."

Isabella whispered in Evelyn's ear, "If they're valuable, we can sell them! Never turn down money!" Evelyn's lips twitched.

"Fine, let's take a look." Curious onlookers pressed closer, eager to witness Nathan's extravagant offerings.

Nathan stood motionless under the chandelier's glow, his tall frame radiating cool detachment.

Evelyn opened the first case carelessly, then froze. Inside lay an extraordinary diamond necklace of ancient Roman design, its craftsmanship breathtaking.

A massive sapphire-blue diamond sat in intricate silver filigree, shimmering with ethereal beauty. The piece seemed to carry centuries of history within its facets.

The timeless design and flawless materials made its value incalculable.

Evelyn's pupils dilated. Though she'd seen rare gems worldwide, none compared to this masterpiece.

Natalie gasped. "Is that...the legendary royal jewel? The Sapphire Tear?" Recognition dawned on Evelyn.

She'd admired this piece in magazines years ago. The European royal family had treasured it in their private collection, never displaying it publicly.

An utterly priceless artifact. Yet it had disappeared years ago, purchased anonymously for a record sum.

That buyer was Nathan? And now he's giving it to me? Evelyn thought incredulously.

"Evie, does Nathan need another ex-wife?" Isabella murmured, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'd volunteer if someone gave me this!"

Evelyn shot her a withering look. "You'd have to donate pints of blood weekly and endure constant suffering. Still interested?" Isabella recoiled.

"On second thought..." Nathan observed their exchange silently, eyes narrowing. The crowd continued marveling at the Sapphire Tear's magnificence.

Such treasures transcended monetary value. What fortune to witness this marvel firsthand! And this was merely Nathan's first gift.

"Mr. Blackwood," Evelyn said coolly, "isn't this excessively extravagant?" She hadn't anticipated this.

Nathan's dark gaze deepened. "It suits you perfectly," he said quietly. Evelyn blinked, momentarily thrown.

What does that mean? Natalie nudged her eagerly. "Next one!"