Chapter 33

The strikingly handsome man with his towering frame now stood before Evelyn Sinclair.

It was Nathan Blackwood, the man who had once held her heart captive for three long years.

Her breath hitched for a fleeting second before she schooled her features into perfect composure.

Why was he here? Pure coincidence, no doubt.

Evelyn wasn't vain enough to imagine Nathan had been tracking her every move like some obsessed guardian angel.

"Mr. Blackwood?" Flint Zeller scrambled to his feet, his entire body trembling with fear.

Nathan's expression darkened like a gathering storm. "Seeking death, are you? I'd be happy to oblige."

An inexplicable fury burned in his chest. His piercing gaze could have frozen hell itself.

Just as Nathan moved to teach Flint a brutal lesson, another figure materialized from the shadows.

Sebastian Hart delivered a vicious kick that sent Flint crashing back to the floor. His fists rained down mercilessly on the cowering man's face and body.

"Sebastian!" Evelyn's sharp voice cut through the violence.

The attacker paused mid-strike, his cold eyes instantly warming when they landed on her. "I went to your office first. When they said you were here, I thought I'd surprise you."

Sebastian strode toward Evelyn as if the violent outburst never happened, completely ignoring Nathan's presence. He retrieved a bouquet from near the door and presented it with a flourish.

"Do you like them?"

Evelyn sighed, shaking her head. Though her plans had been disrupted, she'd still achieved her objective. "Thank you, but leave him be. Unless you want murder charges."

"As my queen commands." Sebastian smirked, then turned back to Flint. "Consider your worthless life spared."

Flint's terrified gaze darted between the two powerful men - Second Young Master Hart and Nathan Blackwood. Both were forces he couldn't hope to challenge.

Hadn't the rumors claimed Nathan had discarded Evelyn? Why was he interfering now?

The moment he heard he'd be spared, Flint scrambled toward the exit despite his dizziness.

Before he could escape, something metallic clattered against his skull before hitting the floor - the Audi keys.

Sebastian's voice dripped with contempt. "Take your trash with you. Don't offend my girlfriend's eyes."

"Yes! Yes, of course!" Flint grabbed the keys and fled like a rat escaping a sinking ship.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Girlfriend? Watch your mouth."

Her gaze flickered to Nathan, who was watching her with an inscrutable, intense stare.

"Mr. Blackwood, to what do we owe this unexpected visit?"

"Yes, I'm equally curious," Sebastian added, his tone laced with challenge.

"Evelyn," Nathan's voice was deceptively calm, "didn't you realize the wine was compromised? Is this the life you choose now - attending shady business dinners?"

The mocking edge in his words was unmistakable.

Accompanying men to dinners. Nearly being drugged. Was this her grand new life after their divorce?

Somehow, the thought made his blood boil.

Evelyn lowered her head with a bitter chuckle. How foolish to think he'd come to help her. He only wanted another opportunity to lecture her.

When she looked up, her expertly lined eyes glittered with defiance.

Under Nathan's stunned gaze, she picked up the wine glass and drained it in one go. Setting it down with deliberate calm, she rose gracefully.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Blackwood. I took precautions with the wine. But you lost the right to comment on my life choices the day you walked away."

Who did he think he was?

As she moved to leave, Nathan's hand shot out, gripping her wrist like a steel manacle. "What do you mean? You didn't answer my question."

Evelyn's lips curled into a mocking smile. "I was being polite, Mr. Blackwood. I came here for business - a far cry from being your family's glorified servant. Tell me, what's the difference between your precious Blackwoods and scum like Flint Zeller?"