Chapter 28

Nathan Blackwood abruptly pushed back his chair and strode away from the table.

Tristan Whitmore sat frozen in shock, left alone to face the hostile glares from Evelyn Sinclair's friends.

The last thread of Tristan's composure snapped.

Under Isabella Montgomery's piercing gaze, he felt like prey cornered by predators.

"Did Nathan just abandon me?" Tristan whispered hoarsely. "I thought we were brothers?"

His fingers dug into the tablecloth as he faced the smirking crowd. "Can we... maybe forget this happened?"

The synchronized response came like a whip crack: "No!"

Outside the Velvet Lounge...

Evelyn slipped through the service entrance, the cool night air a relief after the stifling bar. She'd already texted Alexander Sterling - his driver would arrive shortly. Another message had gone to Isabella.

"Evelyn."

Nathan's deep voice startled her. She turned to find his broad-shouldered silhouette blocking the dim alley light. Her momentary surprise hardened into icy composure.

Noticing her defensive posture, Nathan's gaze darkened.

"What do you want, Mr. Blackwood?"

The flickering neon sign cast long shadows between them. When Nathan stepped forward, Evelyn retreated, maintaining careful distance.

Nathan stubbed out his cigarette with a humorless chuckle. "Sophia provoked you at the restaurant," he said, closing the gap. "I'll make her apologize."

Evelyn's lips curved without warmth. "Save your family's empty apologies. That restaurant incident was merely the latest in a long line of offenses." Her eyes glittered with frost. "I'm done collecting your family's regrets."

Nathan opened his mouth to respond when a shrill scream shattered the night.

A completely nude Tristan came barreling through the door, hands cupped over his privates. "You'll pay for this!" he shrieked, voice cracking with humiliation.

Then he skidded to a stop, face draining of color as he registered Nathan and Evelyn watching him.

Tristan's entire body trembled as he pointed a shaky finger at Evelyn. "Y-you took photos?!" His voice broke on a sob.

Evelyn examined her phone screen with satisfaction. The perfectly framed shot captured every humiliating detail. "Such an... impressive performance deserved documentation, Mr. Whitmore." Her crimson lips curved. "I knew you'd slink out this way like the coward you are."

Tristan's mouth worked soundlessly, his bare skin flushing scarlet under the alley's harsh lights.

"Cross me again," Evelyn said, voice dropping to a dangerous purr, "and this goes viral."

Did he really think she was still that naive girl from three years ago?

As Evelyn turned, Alexander's chauffeur materialized at the curb. The uniformed man bowed respectfully, holding the car door open.

Without sparing Nathan another glance, Evelyn slid into the Sterling family limousine. Only when the taillights disappeared did Nathan finally look away.

Something unsettled him about Evelyn's reaction to Tristan's naked display - not a flicker of embarrassment, just cool amusement.

Tonight had rewritten everything Nathan thought he knew about his ex-wife. From her breathtaking violin performance to the ruthless poker game, the docile woman he'd married had vanished. Now she moved like a phantom wrapped in mist, impossible to grasp.

The realization left him strangely agitated.

Nathan tossed his jacket at Tristan's head. "Cover yourself," he snapped. "You're embarrassing us both."