Chapter 24

Nathan Blackwood followed Tristan Whitmore's gaze and froze instantly at the sight before him.

Evelyn Sinclair stood radiant in a shimmering silver-gray gown that transitioned into a fiery crimson hemline, cinched perfectly at her slender waist. The dress accentuated her statuesque figure, making her appear even more breathtaking. Her cascading waves of hair framed her back like a living masterpiece, her entire presence commanding attention.

Tristan muttered a curse under his breath. "What kind of twisted fate is this? Can't even grab a drink without running into people I despise."

Isabella Montgomery's group immediately noticed Nathan and Tristan. Though none of them wanted this encounter, they couldn't ignore the men now that they'd crossed paths.

"Mr. Whitmore," Isabella said with a mocking smile, "finished cleaning up your scandalous love life already? Surprised you still have the nerve to show your face in public after those photos circulated. Or was the damage not severe enough for you?"

Tristan's eyes flashed with anger as they landed on Evelyn. "Evelyn," he sneered, "I must admit I underestimated you. Never thought you had this side to you."

Natalie Beaumont stepped forward protectively. "Of course she's changed! After wasting three years with that useless ex-husband of hers, it's about time she showed her true colors. Though I notice you still run to your friends whenever you're in trouble, Mr. Whitmore."

Spotting Nathan, Natalie's expression darkened. She tugged Isabella's arm. "Let's not waste our breath on them. Come on, let's go inside."

Evelyn walked past them with icy indifference, not sparing either man a single glance. A strikingly handsome man followed closely behind her, carrying her designer clutch.

As he passed Nathan, the man shot him a disdainful look before following Evelyn inside. Tristan fumed, his face reddening. "Who does she think she is? First she ruins my reputation online, now she acts like we're beneath her notice?"

Nathan's expression darkened. "Enough. Do you want to make more of a scene? Just go home."

"Not a chance," Tristan snapped. "Why should I leave? I want to see what other tricks she has up her sleeve."

Despite his reluctance, Nathan found himself following Tristan into the Velvet Lounge. He recognized the clutch the handsome stranger carried - Alexander Sterling had held that same bag for Evelyn at the last gala.

Natalie practically dragged Evelyn upstairs, bubbling with excitement. "My fashion show is in three days! You have to bring Lucas. I've saved the best seats for you both!"

Julian Hart, trailing behind them, protested dramatically. "I reserved tickets ages ago and you still haven't given me mine! I demand to sit next to Evelyn!"

"Dream on!" Natalie retorted, greeting Sebastian Hart who had arrived earlier.

Evelyn laughed, unable to resist teasing Julian. "Will your father even let you attend when you're supposed to be working?"

Julian froze mid-step before clinging to Evelyn's arm like a child. "With you there, he won't dare be too hard on me."

Sebastian Hart spotted Evelyn and immediately stood, his face lighting up as he moved to embrace her. "Welcome back, my queen."

The Hart brothers, Sebastian and Julian, shared similar striking features. Julian possessed a devil-may-care handsomeness that could launch a thousand modeling careers, while Sebastian, several years older, carried himself with a more mature charm that never failed to attract admirers - though he never took any of them seriously.

Evelyn settled onto a plush seat as Sebastian abandoned his poker game, much to the dismay of his fellow players. "I'm out," he declared. "By the way, Evelyn, I booked The Lunatics for you. Enjoy the show."

Groans erupted from the table. "Sebastian! We were just getting started!"

"What a coincidence!" Tristan's voice cut through the room as he and Nathan reached the top of the stairs, finding Sebastian lounging with a glass of red wine.