Chapter 243

The air turned glacial in an instant. A bone-deep chill settled over the space, so silent you could hear a pin drop.

Nathan's piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn with a flicker of disbelief. She met his stare with careless defiance. When their eyes clashed, he saw nothing but cold distrust in hers.

His heart stuttered painfully. You think I orchestrated this with Victoria Ashford?

Nathan's eyes narrowed dangerously. Evelyn remained silent, her lips curling into a mocking smile.

Beside them, Tristan shivered as waves of icy tension rolled off both parties. What the hell is happening?

Why else would you be standing here right now? Evelyn's words made the temperature drop several more degrees.

Tristan quickly stepped forward. "You've got it all wrong! Nathan had nothing to do with this! We were leaving when he wanted to speak with you."

"We searched everywhere, then the doorman mentioned seeing you come this way. We rushed over immediately."

He shot Harrison a look, and the assistant nodded vigorously.

"That's exactly what happened, Ms. Sinclair." Evelyn lowered her lashes slightly, considering their explanation.

Tristan pressed on, "You two were married once. There must still be some lingering affection between you. Why would Nathan ever want to hurt you? When we heard the commotion, he feared for your safety and came running."

"How could you possibly think he'd conspire against you?" Tristan didn't notice the defensive edge creeping into his voice.

He was frustrated on Nathan's behalf! Lingering affection? Evelyn's gaze turned sardonic as she studied Nathan. Their marriage had been a sham from the beginning - what affection could possibly remain?

A soft, derisive laugh escaped her. "In that case, I suppose I owe you my gratitude?" She'd nearly finished handling these thugs herself. What exactly had his dramatic arrival accomplished?

Did they really think she'd swallow this pathetic excuse? Only a fool would believe Nathan had no connection to Victoria Ashford after everything that had transpired between them.

Nathan's expression darkened visibly. Tristan grew increasingly confused - he'd explained everything clearly, so why did the tension between these two only seem to escalate?

Victoria watched the unfolding drama with malicious amusement. "How touching. It appears Mr. Blackwood's feelings were rather one-sided, weren't they?"

"Ms. Sinclair clearly has no shortage of admirers." Evelyn's glare could have melted steel. "Victoria Ashford, you should worry less about spectating and more about your own predicament."

Before Victoria could retort, Harrison suddenly gasped. "Sir! Someone's coming! It's Alexander Sterling and Sebastian Hart!"

Victoria's face twisted with rage at Sebastian's name. She whirled on Evelyn. "When did you call them?" She'd monitored Evelyn's every move - there'd been no opportunity to use a phone.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow, casually twirling the stiletto in her hand. Then with practiced ease, she slid the shoe back onto her foot.

She lifted her chin imperiously. "Do you have any idea how much these heels cost? An eight-million-dollar shoe going missing is irrelevant. What matters is how it disappeared."

The hidden tracking device in her footwear connected directly to Sterling Manor's security system. Did Victoria truly think the Sterling heiress would venture out unprotected? How naive.

Alexander arrived with his security team, his presence radiating danger. When Sebastian took in the scene, his eyes burned with fury as he glared at Victoria.

His voice came out low and deadly. "Did she lay a hand on you?"