Chapter 34

Evelyn Sinclair curled her lips in disdain, refusing to even glance at Nathan Blackwood again. She snatched up her phone and designer handbag, storming out in her stiletto heels with a defiant sway of her hips.

Sebastian Hart arched an eyebrow, immediately trailing after her like a loyal shadow.

Nathan stood frozen, his piercing gaze as cold as Arctic ice. Evelyn's words had lodged in his chest like shards of glass, each syllable twisting deeper.

"A lowly servant to my family?" His jaw clenched. "Since when did Mrs. Blackwood become a servant?"

Clearly, there were too many things Nathan didn't understand about his own marriage.

As Evelyn pushed through the exit, she spotted a flushed Olivia Kensington clinging to Victor Kensington near the entrance.

"So she knew all along and came prepared," Evelyn mused, lips quirking. "Then was my earlier intervention unnecessary? How amusing."

Sliding into her waiting car, Evelyn exhaled sharply. Nathan's accusations had cut deeper than she'd admit. Three years of marriage, and he still didn't know who she truly was.

Within moments, she schooled her features into perfect composure. No cracks. No weakness.

She'd promised herself no second chances. Nathan Blackwood belonged firmly in her past.

Sebastian hummed a jaunty tune as he slid into the passenger seat. "Saved your pretty neck today, darling. How shall you repay me? Cash transfer? Or perhaps..." His smirk widened. "I'd much prefer you pledge yourself to me."

Evelyn shot him a sidelong glance. "In your dreams, Hart."

"Why not give me a chance?" he pouted dramatically.

"You're like a sister to me," Evelyn deadpanned.

Sebastian's lips twitched. "I'll prove I'm the perfect match for you."

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh at his unshakable confidence. "Whatever you say, Sebastian." After all, the notorious playboy's infatuations rarely lasted a month.

Yet as he watched her smile, something tightened in Sebastian's chest. This time, he wouldn't let opportunity slip through his fingers.

Back at her penthouse, Isabella Montgomery's excited call came through immediately.

Evelyn recounted the evening's events, glossing over Nathan's appearance with practiced ease.

"That Olivia Kensington belongs in a brothel, not a boardroom," Isabella scoffed. "Wasted talent in corporate life when she's clearly born to pimp."

Evelyn chuckled darkly. "I can't dismiss her yet. She's competent, just morally bankrupt. Keeping her around as my personal jester amuses me - as long as she behaves."

The next morning, Evelyn arrived at her corner office to find her chair replaced with a plush new model. Bennett's efficiency pleased her as she brewed her customary espresso.

The door slammed open without warning.

"Are you sabotaging me, Sinclair?" Olivia stormed in, fury radiating from every pore. The barely concealed love bites on her neck testified to Victor Kensington's... eccentric tastes.

After last night's humiliation, Olivia had pieced together Evelyn's scheme. Why else would Victor refuse such an obvious offering?

Evelyn waved Bennett away, then fixed Olivia with an amused smirk that instantly deflated the other woman's bravado.

"Just sign the damn contract," Olivia muttered, tossing the documents onto the desk.

Without looking up, Evelyn tapped her phone screen. The room filled with crystal-clear audio from last night's disastrous dinner.