Chapter 231

Three velvet boxes sat gleaming under the chandelier lights. The guests buzzed with anticipation as Evelyn Sinclair reached for the second box, her fingers trembling slightly.

Inside lay a pristine white cashmere beanie.

The minimalist design held no embellishments, yet Evelyn recognized it instantly. This was from XN's exclusive winter collection two years prior - a piece that had sold out within hours.

Isabella Montgomery scoffed loudly. "Seriously? I own this exact hat. It's practically vintage at this point. How unimaginative, Mr. Blackwood."

Natalie Beaumont studied the gift thoughtfully without comment. Evelyn's breath hitched as memories flooded back.

With determined movements, she opened the final box. Nestled in black satin was a jade bangle of extraordinary quality.

The translucent green stone shimmered with inner fire, its flawless surface carved with intricate motifs. This was no ordinary trinket - its value easily surpassed nine figures, dwarfing the combined worth of every other present in the room.

One diamond necklace. One jade bracelet. Nathan Blackwood's generosity knew no bounds.

Evelyn's posture stiffened.

Against her will, the past came rushing back. Their first anniversary - she'd given him a watch, he'd reciprocated with diamonds. Their second Christmas - her knitted scarf met with this very hat. The third occasion never happened... until today.

Was this his way of settling old debts? Scars she'd thought healed suddenly throbbed anew.

Her chest constricted as bitterness rose in her throat. That infuriating man always knew how to unravel her composure.

"Ms. Sinclair, you're truly blessed!" Victoria Ashford's saccharine voice cut through her thoughts. "Two magnificent gifts from Mr. Blackwood himself. Clearly destiny favors your reunion."

Evelyn's glacial stare silenced the room. "Selling my dignity for jewelry, Victoria? How... quaint of you." She snapped the boxes shut with deliberate calm. "I'll accept these... graciously."

The crowd gaped at her nonchalance. The dynamic between Evelyn Sinclair and Nathan Blackwood remained society's greatest enigma.

To receive such extravagant gifts from an ex-husband should have been mortifying. Yet Evelyn carried herself with regal indifference that commanded respect.

As she turned to leave, Isabella grabbed her elbow urgently. "Evie! Sebastian's coordinating some elaborate setup with the staff. Roses everywhere!" She lowered her voice. "I think he's planning to propose!"

Evelyn's brows knitted together. That did sound like Sebastian's dramatic flair. But why hadn't he consulted her first? And what was Natalie's role in all this?

Natalie warned me to prepare you for this. Isabella rolled her eyes dramatically at Sebastian's audacity.

This wasn't some petty disagreement. They needed to establish clear boundaries immediately. Understood?

If Sebastian dares cause trouble here tonight, my father and brother will make him regret it! Evelyn's voice dripped with icy confidence.

Whatever game Sebastian was playing, tonight's celebration had to proceed flawlessly. Isabella arched one perfectly sculpted eyebrow in agreement.

A sudden commotion erupted outside, instantly capturing everyone's attention.

"Fireworks!" someone gasped in delight. All heads turned toward the panoramic windows.

The night sky exploded with color as massive fireworks detonated in perfect synchronization. Vibrant hues painted the heavens, transforming darkness into a canvas of shimmering light.

As the display continued, the patterns morphed from intricate floral designs into something more astonishing - a woman's face. The image showed flowing chestnut hair, piercing emerald eyes, and lips curved in a knowing smile. Every feature had been rendered with breathtaking precision.

The crowd murmured in growing recognition. "Isn't that... President Sinclair?" a guest finally voiced what everyone was thinking.

"It's definitely her!" Evelyn's initial awe twisted into shock. The dazzling illumination revealed her stunned expression as the fireworks continued their spectacular show across the entire city skyline.

Evelyn's birthday celebration now literally lit up the metropolis. Three extravagant gifts from Nathan had already been presented. So who could possibly be responsible for this breathtaking display if not him?