Chapter 312
The auditorium fell into complete silence. Evelyn Sinclair couldn't care less whether Nathan Blackwood's compliment was genuine.
Did she really need him to tell her she was beautiful? Yet for a fleeting moment, his words sent an unexpected tremor through her heart. Her composure wavered slightly.
She caught herself just in time, nearly succumbing to Nathan's honeyed words.
This bastard won't charm me! I'm immune to his tricks! Several industry elites secretly applauded Evelyn's sharp retort - a classic Evelyn Sinclair response.
A simple "thank you" would have sufficed, but Evelyn's reply was perfection. The ceremony music began, signaling the start of the awards.
Evelyn had been scheduled to present an award to Julian Moreau.
When the nominations for Most Promising Newcomer were announced, Evelyn prepared to take the stage.
There were typically two recipients for this award - one being Julian, who truly deserved it.
Julian remained unaware of this until now.
The host enthusiastically introduced each nominee on stage.
Drumrolls filled the air as spotlights captured every nominee's micro-expressions.
At the peak of suspense: "The Most Promising Newcomer awards go to Julian Moreau and Sophia Laurent!" Thunderous applause erupted instantly.
Julian sprang up excitedly as cameras focused on him.
His adjacent seats remained conspicuously empty.
Evelyn adjusted her gown backstage when suddenly, a firm hand grasped hers, pulling her forward.
She stiffened in surprise. Nathan Blackwood?! Why does this man haunt me?! The other presenter should have been the network director - what last-minute change was this?
Glancing back, she saw the network director bowing respectfully, gesturing for her to proceed. Clearly Nathan's doing.
How utterly shameless! Evelyn tried to withdraw her hand, repulsed by his proximity and the faint cologne scent.
Nathan tightened his grip. "Don't make a scene," his velvet voice murmured, making her seem the unreasonable one.
What the actual hell?! Evelyn clenched her teeth, realizing it was too late to refuse as they stepped into the spotlight before countless eyes and cameras.
Evelyn felt unbearably restless. Nathan Blackwood and Evelyn Sinclair sharing a frame overshadowed even the award winners.
Their magnetic auras commanded attention, becoming the stage's focal point.
Sophia and the host in their glamorous gowns paled in comparison.
The quick-witted host announced, "We're honored to have Mr. Blackwood and Ms. Sinclair presenting tonight's Most Promising Newcomer awards."
"Would you like to say a few words to our winners?" Seizing the chance to escape Nathan's side, Evelyn stepped forward eagerly.
Her radiant smile illuminated the stage as she lavished praise on Julian: "Julian's talent and dedication speak for themselves. Among newcomers, his performances resonate most deeply with me. He's truly deserving of this honor."
Nathan's gaze never left Evelyn. When he spoke, the crowd hushed.
Sophia blushed, eyes shimmering with anticipation as Nathan took the microphone.
He'd forgotten the actress's name. With a faint smile, he simply echoed, "My sentiments exactly mirror Ms. Sinclair's."
Evelyn thought: Utterly shameless bastard!