Chapter 233

Sebastian Hart's sharp eyes caught the unzipped back of Evelyn Sinclair's evening gown. The exposed expanse of flawless skin and delicate shoulder blades was utterly mesmerizing.

Her cascading dark tresses had initially concealed the wardrobe malfunction. But when she tossed her hair moments ago, Sebastian spotted the revealing slip.

Evelyn froze mid-step, turning with startled eyes. Sebastian was already moving to fasten her dress.

The lounge door swung open abruptly.

"Oh my! I'm so sorry for interrupting your intimate moment with Mr. Hart, Evelyn."

That sickeningly sweet voice was unmistakable. Genevieve Dawson. Evelyn's icy glare swept over the intruder. "Are you visually impaired? Which part of this looks intimate to you?" Sebastian released Evelyn with a derisive snort.

"Who is this delusional woman?" Genevieve bit her lip dramatically before fully opening the door. She wasn't alone. Nathan Blackwood's imposing frame blocked the doorway.

The CEO's towering silhouette swallowed the hallway light. His frigid aura permeated the space as obsidian eyes burned into the pair.

Genevieve's gaze darted between them. "I'm Genevieve, Evelyn's stepsister. My apologies - I must have misinterpreted the situation." Her voice dripped with false contrition. "When I saw Mr. Hart adjusting your dress, I assumed..."

Evelyn tore her attention from Nathan to level Genevieve with a glacial stare. "Assumed what exactly? Your mind seems exceptionally filthy. Quite telling of your own experiences."

Genevieve's face twisted in outrage.

Evelyn scoffed. "Pathetic attempt at playing innocent." She turned to Nathan. "I merely spilled wine on Mr. Blackwood and brought him to change. I had no idea you'd be... occupied here." Her lips trembled with manufactured distress.

Evelyn's gaze dropped to the burgundy stain marring Nathan's tailored jacket. The "accident" seemed conveniently timed.

"Then it appears we're the ones intruding. Sebastian, shall we?" Evelyn arched a brow. "Unless you'd prefer to stay for the upcoming performance?"

Sebastian offered his arm with princely grace. As they approached the exit, Genevieve scrambled aside. Nathan remained rooted like an immovable monolith.

His stormy expression darkened further. Evelyn met his gaze defiantly.

"What exactly do you mean by 'performance,' Ms. Sinclair?" Nathan's voice could frost glass.

Evelyn's crimson lips curved. "Precisely what you're imagining." Her mocking gaze shifted to Genevieve's twitching face. "Of all guests here tonight, how fortuitous that my stepsister chose to douse you, Mr. Blackwood."

Nathan's jaw clenched. Genevieve blanched. "It was an accident! Evelyn, why must you humiliate me?"

"Humiliation implies effort on my part. You accomplish that quite effortlessly yourself." Evelyn dismissed her with a wave.

Nathan hadn't budged. His cologne - bergamot and sandalwood - mingled with the sharp tang of spilled wine as Evelyn stepped closer.

Her manicured finger traced the stained fabric. "You should change quickly, Mr. Blackwood." Her suggestive tone hung between them.

Nathan's hand shot out, capturing her wrist. Before she could react, he'd maneuvered her into the adjacent room.

The door slammed. Evelyn found herself pinned against the wall, engulfed in his scent. She struggled briefly before fixing him with an arctic stare.

"Explain yourself." Every syllable dripped venom. This proximity set her nerves alight - not with the breathless anticipation of years past, but with the acute awareness that control was slipping through her fingers.